Altaf says that growing population of stray dogs is yet another manifestation of the Kashmiri culture of keeping their interiors clean at the expense of exteriors where all kinds of home garbage is dumped
(Mr. Altaf Bashir, 23, was born in Habba Kadal, Srinagar. He completed his schooling from Iqra Public School, Qammerwari, Sringar, and received a Bachelor's degree in commerce from the Degree College Bemina, Srinagar. He is pursuing a Master's degree in English from the Indra Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU). Mr. Bashir is currently working as hospitality trainer at the Don Bosco trainer centre, Kupwara, which is a Belgium based NGO working with the Union Ministry of Rural Development, MORD.)
Kashmir Dogs Milieu’
She was apparently three years of age and would have indeed been a cute little thing, but right then she was a pathetic sight whimpering piteously with tears streaming down her face. The child had been attacked by a pack of stray dogs. Her face and scalp had been brutally mauled and there were numerous bite marks on her fragile frame, her parents stood as helpless witnesses to the agony of their child, pouring out torrents of inconsolable grief. The medicos and paramedics attending to this latest victim of the dog menace also were visibly affected by this tragic scene.
This is not a sole incident; such scenes are prevalent sight in our hospitals. The dog menace is real and has assumed alarming proportions, not only do these dogs inflict injury and lead to disfigurement; they are also potential carriers of the fatal Rabies virus. Moreover these dogs have the run of the road especially during the night hours and they cause many accidents too by terrorizing and destabilize the Motor cyclist’s. As much as it is now impossible for people to walk during night as streets and roads are conquered and controlled by these beasts.
There seems to be no solution in sight for this problem as the whole issue is bogged down in legal wrangles. The irony is that this inhumane situation has risen out of a supposedly humane approach to the problem of stray dogs. Earlier the local civic bodies would kill the dog by various methods to keep their number in check. However the efforts of various agencies and non government organizations claiming compassion for animals put a stop to this method of dealing with the stray dogs.
Various humane methods were proposed the more prominent being sterilization and immunization of dogs, though some animals right activist oppose even sterilization and go so far as to claim that this amounts to a genocide of sorts of the canine species.
Such empowerment and rights activism ensures that the dogs grow more in number by each passing day. This process is facilitated by the very ‘successful’ municipality here which forgets to clean the piles of garbage on the roadsides and in streets. Thus these places become main arenas for the dogs to prowl and create problems to the people in the vicinity.
The human methods of decreasing the canine population have never been implemented citing the usual resource crunch as the reason which is understandable to some extent. In a country where a considerable number of people cannot afford the basic amenities of life and the authorities cannot provide shelter and food to those unable to fend for themselves, it does seen look sane to think that adopting stray dogs and providing food and shelter for them can be achieved.
As for immunization, it is a fact that a sizeable proportion of the human population remains unimmunized making it rather unreasonable to expect that every stray dog can be immunized. Sterilization of the dogs is no solution, not in the short term. At least sterilization might render the dogs incapable of procreation but it does not stop them from biting people not even barking for that matter.
The stalemate between the authorities and the animal right activists continues and, in the meantime, the dog population has assumed alarming proportions. People continue to suffer from avoidable pain and agony and danger to life. Love for animals is commendable sentiments however sense of proportion is serious too as going overboard in this love without any consideration for its impact on human beings smacks of callous indifference for the fellow human being and amounts to misanthropy.
The compassion of these animal lovers does become suspect as they are paradoxically unmoved by the plight of those who have to face the dangers of this menace especially considering that most of the time the victims are small children. One wonders as to their bleeding hearts are not touched by the innumerous homeless kids who don’t have even the basic amenities of life available to them. Infact it is invariably these poor and unfortunate classes who are affected by the fallout of this sentimental luxury of these animal activists who themselves mostly belong to the elite sections of the society.
Even the founder of Indian Nation, Mahatma Gandhi recognized that stray dogs are a problem and wrote young India (21 Oct 1926). At the same time common man cannot be entirely absolved of their guilt in encouraging the growth of this menace. Open overflowing rubbish dumps which appear as if the local civic authorities are hosting a banquet for the dogs are undoubtedly a factor in their rapid multiplications. In fact the dog menace is yet another manifestation of the breakdown of our civil society and our indifferences towards our fellow human beings.
So long as we persist in keeping our homes clean without caring for the exteriors and dump all our waste outside while neighbors are fast asleep, we will continue to foster many ills. The stray dog menace being just one of them. Prune their empowerment for they will prune our generation from growing. Think over again.
Wednesday, November 2, 2011
Moment for Introspection
Rashid believes that recent religious conversions in Kashmir were not coerced and reflect a growing malaise in the society as a whole
Need For an Inward Look
Rashid Ahmad (Kashmir Monitor)
A video posted on social networking website Facebook has become the subject of hot talk in Kashmir these days. The video shows a group of young Kashmiri Muslim boys and girls converting to Christianity. In the 8-minute video, religious sermons of Christian belief are being recited and the converts are taking a dip in an artificial pond to adopt the new faith. Chief Priest CM Khanna is shown leading the conversion process.
The issue is viewed with serious concern in the valley. Kashmir’s grand Mufti Moulana Bashiruddin has summoned Khanna to explain his position before the “Supreme Court of Islamic Shariat”. In the first place chief priest ignored Mufti’s “warrant”. Mufti Bashir issued a fresh ‘warrant’ to Khanna to appear before his court on November 12.
Syed Ali Shah Geelani has also raised his voice against Christian missionaries in Kashmir for “luring naïve Muslim boys and girls with money and other incentives to convert to Christianity”.
As the issue is assuming serious overtones, police has registered an FIR under sections 153-A, 295 and 186 of the Ranbir Penal Code to arrest the situation going out of hands. The case has been registered on the basis of allegations that Christian missionaries in Kashmir were encouraging conversions. It is likely to arrest a pastor whose name figured in Grand Mufti’s court.
It is genuinely a matter of great concern that needs immediate attention. But I don’t see any merit in the allegations that this is “forced” conversion. It (video) from all angles looked a voluntary gathering, and the converts appeared to be volunteering for the new faith. So the onus completely lies on us. To accuse and abuse others is simply to shirk responsibility. Christian missionaries are doing what they are supposed to do. They are great servants of their cause and faith.
It should have been the mission of Muslims to reach out to the non-Muslims with the message of Islam. It, in fact, is the fundamental duty of one and all Muslims. “Thus have We made of you an Ummah justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves’ (2:143). Islamic scholars and commentators of Quran say that this position of standing witness before all mankind on behalf of God amounts to being invested with the leadership of mankind, which in itself is a great honour and a heavy responsibility. Muslims are expected to be able to make known, both in word and deed, the meaning of godliness and righteousness.
To protect and project Islamic faith is not the responsibility of individuals only.
It is rather societal obligation of the overall Muslim community, which, in fact, begins from the home. Parents have the primary responsibility to inculcate Islamic faith and values in their children. In a family it could be a father, mother and other elders that are role models for the younger members. Teachers, religious scholars, Muftis and imams come next. The society in general comes only later.
This is a grim reality that our young boys and girls do find role models neither in their homes nor in mosques or at any other religious chamber and teaching centre.
They know the Grand Mufti, who, on one day, issued fatwa against chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to seek repentance (perform Touba) over his remarks on Gandhi’s philosophy (Azad had said Islam secures the hereafter, the Gandhian philosophy of truth and non-violence was apt for success in the contemporary world) but, the next day, they saw the Grand Mufti attending Azad’s Eid Millan without performing the Touba Grand Mufti had asked for.
Again some time later, we heard Grand Mufti banging on the gates of the Prime Minister’s residence to seek audience with him. Dr Manmohan Singh, as reports suggested then, did not find Mufti Sahab worth of spending some minutes with him. He instead asked his advisor to attend the Mufti.
It is a sad irony that religion is not a belief but a profession for most of our Muftis, Imams, Khateeb’s, pirs, scholars and politicians. They practice or follow it only to a level where they can earn their daily livelihood from it. They have opened different counters and put Islam virtually on sale.
I have heard of dozens of parents, who changed their faith, just to get admission for their wards in missionary schools. They follow a pattern. Months before the start of the admission process they begin to visit Church and missionary centres, build connections with the clergy, follow their religious practices and finally seek admissions into their faith. The only aim of reneging Islamic faith is to get admission for their wards in the schools run by the clergy. Children brought up in this atmosphere can be vulnerable to any rather all kinds of temptations.
The video showing conversion is, in fact, a reflection of what we are. We are fickle-minded people, whose faith dither at every charm. Worldly gains are the only attraction for all we do and believe in.Money matters us most. Our social status and caste considerations are determined by our economic position. I know (in fact all of us know) several people who are poor, being cursed as low strata in the society (though Islam strictly rejects caste considerations) for having a particular caste. But at the same time people of the same caste with high economic status are respected as “greats and nobles’.
I know a person who divorced his wife to get married to another woman whose father (in a newspaper advertisement) had promised to pay a particular amount of cash to a person who would marry his daughter.
Some people may call it as “exceptions”. But in a society like ours, it is exceptions that attract attention and make impression like the conversion issue. Generalities do always get ignored.
I do not mean to denigrate and belittle anyone. This is overall picture of our society as a whole. We need to do, both, retrospection and introspection individually as also collectively. The basic fault solely lies with us. Blaming others is simply to run away from the responsibility.
Need For an Inward Look
Rashid Ahmad (Kashmir Monitor)
A video posted on social networking website Facebook has become the subject of hot talk in Kashmir these days. The video shows a group of young Kashmiri Muslim boys and girls converting to Christianity. In the 8-minute video, religious sermons of Christian belief are being recited and the converts are taking a dip in an artificial pond to adopt the new faith. Chief Priest CM Khanna is shown leading the conversion process.
The issue is viewed with serious concern in the valley. Kashmir’s grand Mufti Moulana Bashiruddin has summoned Khanna to explain his position before the “Supreme Court of Islamic Shariat”. In the first place chief priest ignored Mufti’s “warrant”. Mufti Bashir issued a fresh ‘warrant’ to Khanna to appear before his court on November 12.
Syed Ali Shah Geelani has also raised his voice against Christian missionaries in Kashmir for “luring naïve Muslim boys and girls with money and other incentives to convert to Christianity”.
As the issue is assuming serious overtones, police has registered an FIR under sections 153-A, 295 and 186 of the Ranbir Penal Code to arrest the situation going out of hands. The case has been registered on the basis of allegations that Christian missionaries in Kashmir were encouraging conversions. It is likely to arrest a pastor whose name figured in Grand Mufti’s court.
It is genuinely a matter of great concern that needs immediate attention. But I don’t see any merit in the allegations that this is “forced” conversion. It (video) from all angles looked a voluntary gathering, and the converts appeared to be volunteering for the new faith. So the onus completely lies on us. To accuse and abuse others is simply to shirk responsibility. Christian missionaries are doing what they are supposed to do. They are great servants of their cause and faith.
It should have been the mission of Muslims to reach out to the non-Muslims with the message of Islam. It, in fact, is the fundamental duty of one and all Muslims. “Thus have We made of you an Ummah justly balanced, that ye might be witnesses over the nations, and the Messenger a witness over yourselves’ (2:143). Islamic scholars and commentators of Quran say that this position of standing witness before all mankind on behalf of God amounts to being invested with the leadership of mankind, which in itself is a great honour and a heavy responsibility. Muslims are expected to be able to make known, both in word and deed, the meaning of godliness and righteousness.
To protect and project Islamic faith is not the responsibility of individuals only.
It is rather societal obligation of the overall Muslim community, which, in fact, begins from the home. Parents have the primary responsibility to inculcate Islamic faith and values in their children. In a family it could be a father, mother and other elders that are role models for the younger members. Teachers, religious scholars, Muftis and imams come next. The society in general comes only later.
This is a grim reality that our young boys and girls do find role models neither in their homes nor in mosques or at any other religious chamber and teaching centre.
They know the Grand Mufti, who, on one day, issued fatwa against chief minister Ghulam Nabi Azad to seek repentance (perform Touba) over his remarks on Gandhi’s philosophy (Azad had said Islam secures the hereafter, the Gandhian philosophy of truth and non-violence was apt for success in the contemporary world) but, the next day, they saw the Grand Mufti attending Azad’s Eid Millan without performing the Touba Grand Mufti had asked for.
Again some time later, we heard Grand Mufti banging on the gates of the Prime Minister’s residence to seek audience with him. Dr Manmohan Singh, as reports suggested then, did not find Mufti Sahab worth of spending some minutes with him. He instead asked his advisor to attend the Mufti.
It is a sad irony that religion is not a belief but a profession for most of our Muftis, Imams, Khateeb’s, pirs, scholars and politicians. They practice or follow it only to a level where they can earn their daily livelihood from it. They have opened different counters and put Islam virtually on sale.
I have heard of dozens of parents, who changed their faith, just to get admission for their wards in missionary schools. They follow a pattern. Months before the start of the admission process they begin to visit Church and missionary centres, build connections with the clergy, follow their religious practices and finally seek admissions into their faith. The only aim of reneging Islamic faith is to get admission for their wards in the schools run by the clergy. Children brought up in this atmosphere can be vulnerable to any rather all kinds of temptations.
The video showing conversion is, in fact, a reflection of what we are. We are fickle-minded people, whose faith dither at every charm. Worldly gains are the only attraction for all we do and believe in.Money matters us most. Our social status and caste considerations are determined by our economic position. I know (in fact all of us know) several people who are poor, being cursed as low strata in the society (though Islam strictly rejects caste considerations) for having a particular caste. But at the same time people of the same caste with high economic status are respected as “greats and nobles’.
I know a person who divorced his wife to get married to another woman whose father (in a newspaper advertisement) had promised to pay a particular amount of cash to a person who would marry his daughter.
Some people may call it as “exceptions”. But in a society like ours, it is exceptions that attract attention and make impression like the conversion issue. Generalities do always get ignored.
I do not mean to denigrate and belittle anyone. This is overall picture of our society as a whole. We need to do, both, retrospection and introspection individually as also collectively. The basic fault solely lies with us. Blaming others is simply to run away from the responsibility.
Tackling Drug Addiction
Moazum bemoans the lack of adequately equipped detoxification centers in Kashmir
(Mr. Moazum Muhammad is a journalist working for the Greater Kashmir)
DRUGS: Sure Dose to Disaster
Ten patients visit drug de-addiction centre on a routine a day for rehabilitation therapy. Everyone has a harrowing personal account to narrate. A few among them interact with each other while others keep to themselves. Withered faces sunken eyes, and suspicious looks – this is how they appear.
One by one, a female doctor attends them. Each drug abuser is accompanied by his mother. The hapless mothers seldom take their eyes off the faces of their sons. They can see disaster writ large on these faces, nevertheless, hopeful to fight the impending.
Around 1 PM, a woman from the city drops into the de-addiction centre along with her ward. She appears helpless, and uneasy on her arrival in the room.
The doctors attends her tenderly. Her son Sameer Ahmad (name changed) donning a pheran is intoxicated at this time. His head hanging down and eyes hlf shut. He is the victim of brown sugar and cannabis since five years. Hailing from a poor family, he sells apples on a handcart, at Hawal in the Old city.
“I earn around Rs 800-1000 per day,” he revealed. “This entire amount is spent on buying brown sugar from a woman – Aunty, they call her- at Hawal in Sheikh Colony. She is famous in her area; even a kid can guide you to her house. Half-gram of this drug is sold at around Rs 300.” Sameer spells out the details.
Sameer hasn’t ruined his own life only, he has devastated the family; four sisters and a younger brother.
Medical Officer, Dr Sheeba Rather noted down each word from him, required for his treatment, as well as classification in the room. “By noting down each word he utters, we make a case history for treatment,” she says.
Sameer’s mother pleaded before the doctor that she had registered him earlier as well in the Centre. But his son compelled him to withdraw the amount of registration by beating her at home. “Nobody talks to him (Sameer) at home. Everyone has abandoned him for his acts. Only I am pursing him so that he gets well again. Six months back I registered his name here but he forced me to withdraw the cash. Not only this, he stole ornaments and money from home for his addiction,” she narrated, asking for concessions in the charges for investigations.
“His addiction has ruined us. He is the cause for my heartache. Please favour me by treating him,” she implored.
Asked how he consumes the drug, he opened a pack of chewing gum from his pocket. Its wrapper, he said, is used in the process of consuming it.
“In absence of brown sugar, I feel cold, backache, pain, and uneasiness. The only reason for taking drugs is to ease out my pain,” he said.
Surprisingly, not only economically weak fall prey to addiction but Government employees too are into the habit of killing themselves. It’s the fourth week of rehabilitation treatment for Safi Amin (name changed) from North Kashmir, who is getting married soon. Since five years, he is consuming codeine rich syrups but as he is about to get married, he wants to be like another normal man. Not a drug abuser this time, rather a caring husband.
“For 26 days, I am out of drugs here. Everyday I would consume eight codeine syrups at my home which dented my pocket heavily for five years. As my marriage is nearing, I no longer want to ruin my life. I want to give up drugs,” he seems to be saying with a great degree of resolve.
His family, he said, learnt about his habit last year when they found his cupboard stuffed with syrups. But he didn’t abstain even after that. “My family insisted to desist from it but hardly I ever listened to them. Only following successful rehabilitation therapy of my friend in this centre, I followed him here,” he says. “Normally I would buy huge quantity of corex from Karan Nagar, Magam and other places. In the first instance I consumed a spoonful of the drug and suddenly tolerance grew so much that eight bottles would be like a spoon.”
The drug de-addiction centre is the sole rehabilitation centre for abusers run by the Police in the valley. It is located inside the fortress of police control room Batamaloo. Experts attribute failure of health department in opening such centers in the valley, where consumption has increased all time high. The common drugs in place are liquor, diluted fluid, cannabis, hashish, medicinal opiates (spasmo, codeine phosphate, alprox tablets) and marijuana.
Dr Sheeba, who is treating addicts here for past nearly one year, explains the levels in treating such patients. The main thing in a patient, she said, is to have the required motivation level.
“As per our protocol, firstly, we treat the patients on daily basis to ensure motivational level. Besides we carry baseline investigations of the patients. After learning about history of abuser and the type of drugs used. We admit the addict here except high risk ones,” she said.
The doctor said that school goers are much vulnerable to drugs particularly diluters. Recalling a case, she said a young lad from a reputed family with medico background had fallen to drugs and her handicapped mother would come to the centre for treatment with him. “That case was horrible particularly, the fact that her mother was a doctor,” she added.
Clinical Psychologist and Head of Department Drug de-addiction centre Dr Muhammad Muzaffar Khan revealed that the prime causes for addiction are socio-political disturbances, easy availability of drugs, lack of parenting, rapid urbanization and disturbed social security system owing to two decade armed conflict in the valley.
He underscored that ideal drug de-addiction centre should be state run institute where more focus should be placed on rehabilitation of the young addicts.
“The young addicts should be imparted vocational training through ITI and other such centers. The medicines prescribed in the de-addiction centre should be made available free of cost by the state as families would already have suffered mental agony and trauma,” Dr Muzzafar said.
The drug de-addiction centre started by Police three years ago, he said, has led to de-addiction movement in the valley as policymakers including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has recognized the grave threat posed by addiction.
According to statistics of United Nations office on Drug and Crime, around 60,000 youth are addicted to drugs while about 4,000 females have fallen prey to it in Kashmir region alone.
“Despite the alarming trend no proper survey has been carried out. The grave issue is that there is no centre for female addicts available here,” he says.
(Mr. Moazum Muhammad is a journalist working for the Greater Kashmir)
DRUGS: Sure Dose to Disaster
Ten patients visit drug de-addiction centre on a routine a day for rehabilitation therapy. Everyone has a harrowing personal account to narrate. A few among them interact with each other while others keep to themselves. Withered faces sunken eyes, and suspicious looks – this is how they appear.
One by one, a female doctor attends them. Each drug abuser is accompanied by his mother. The hapless mothers seldom take their eyes off the faces of their sons. They can see disaster writ large on these faces, nevertheless, hopeful to fight the impending.
Around 1 PM, a woman from the city drops into the de-addiction centre along with her ward. She appears helpless, and uneasy on her arrival in the room.
The doctors attends her tenderly. Her son Sameer Ahmad (name changed) donning a pheran is intoxicated at this time. His head hanging down and eyes hlf shut. He is the victim of brown sugar and cannabis since five years. Hailing from a poor family, he sells apples on a handcart, at Hawal in the Old city.
“I earn around Rs 800-1000 per day,” he revealed. “This entire amount is spent on buying brown sugar from a woman – Aunty, they call her- at Hawal in Sheikh Colony. She is famous in her area; even a kid can guide you to her house. Half-gram of this drug is sold at around Rs 300.” Sameer spells out the details.
Sameer hasn’t ruined his own life only, he has devastated the family; four sisters and a younger brother.
Medical Officer, Dr Sheeba Rather noted down each word from him, required for his treatment, as well as classification in the room. “By noting down each word he utters, we make a case history for treatment,” she says.
Sameer’s mother pleaded before the doctor that she had registered him earlier as well in the Centre. But his son compelled him to withdraw the amount of registration by beating her at home. “Nobody talks to him (Sameer) at home. Everyone has abandoned him for his acts. Only I am pursing him so that he gets well again. Six months back I registered his name here but he forced me to withdraw the cash. Not only this, he stole ornaments and money from home for his addiction,” she narrated, asking for concessions in the charges for investigations.
“His addiction has ruined us. He is the cause for my heartache. Please favour me by treating him,” she implored.
Asked how he consumes the drug, he opened a pack of chewing gum from his pocket. Its wrapper, he said, is used in the process of consuming it.
“In absence of brown sugar, I feel cold, backache, pain, and uneasiness. The only reason for taking drugs is to ease out my pain,” he said.
Surprisingly, not only economically weak fall prey to addiction but Government employees too are into the habit of killing themselves. It’s the fourth week of rehabilitation treatment for Safi Amin (name changed) from North Kashmir, who is getting married soon. Since five years, he is consuming codeine rich syrups but as he is about to get married, he wants to be like another normal man. Not a drug abuser this time, rather a caring husband.
“For 26 days, I am out of drugs here. Everyday I would consume eight codeine syrups at my home which dented my pocket heavily for five years. As my marriage is nearing, I no longer want to ruin my life. I want to give up drugs,” he seems to be saying with a great degree of resolve.
His family, he said, learnt about his habit last year when they found his cupboard stuffed with syrups. But he didn’t abstain even after that. “My family insisted to desist from it but hardly I ever listened to them. Only following successful rehabilitation therapy of my friend in this centre, I followed him here,” he says. “Normally I would buy huge quantity of corex from Karan Nagar, Magam and other places. In the first instance I consumed a spoonful of the drug and suddenly tolerance grew so much that eight bottles would be like a spoon.”
The drug de-addiction centre is the sole rehabilitation centre for abusers run by the Police in the valley. It is located inside the fortress of police control room Batamaloo. Experts attribute failure of health department in opening such centers in the valley, where consumption has increased all time high. The common drugs in place are liquor, diluted fluid, cannabis, hashish, medicinal opiates (spasmo, codeine phosphate, alprox tablets) and marijuana.
Dr Sheeba, who is treating addicts here for past nearly one year, explains the levels in treating such patients. The main thing in a patient, she said, is to have the required motivation level.
“As per our protocol, firstly, we treat the patients on daily basis to ensure motivational level. Besides we carry baseline investigations of the patients. After learning about history of abuser and the type of drugs used. We admit the addict here except high risk ones,” she said.
The doctor said that school goers are much vulnerable to drugs particularly diluters. Recalling a case, she said a young lad from a reputed family with medico background had fallen to drugs and her handicapped mother would come to the centre for treatment with him. “That case was horrible particularly, the fact that her mother was a doctor,” she added.
Clinical Psychologist and Head of Department Drug de-addiction centre Dr Muhammad Muzaffar Khan revealed that the prime causes for addiction are socio-political disturbances, easy availability of drugs, lack of parenting, rapid urbanization and disturbed social security system owing to two decade armed conflict in the valley.
He underscored that ideal drug de-addiction centre should be state run institute where more focus should be placed on rehabilitation of the young addicts.
“The young addicts should be imparted vocational training through ITI and other such centers. The medicines prescribed in the de-addiction centre should be made available free of cost by the state as families would already have suffered mental agony and trauma,” Dr Muzzafar said.
The drug de-addiction centre started by Police three years ago, he said, has led to de-addiction movement in the valley as policymakers including Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has recognized the grave threat posed by addiction.
According to statistics of United Nations office on Drug and Crime, around 60,000 youth are addicted to drugs while about 4,000 females have fallen prey to it in Kashmir region alone.
“Despite the alarming trend no proper survey has been carried out. The grave issue is that there is no centre for female addicts available here,” he says.
People in Distress
Action Aid says Kashmir lacks facilities to treat people with mental diseases
Valley in Psychiatric Mess, Patients Suffer for Want of Facilities
Shahnawaz Majid (Kashmir Images)
Srinagar: While perpetual armed conflict in Kashmir has led to increase in psychological problems among people here, lack of mental health-care facilities has worsened the same, a research carried out by an international organization reveals.
“Sense of insecurity, exposure to sufferings, abuses, instigation to and participation in violence, choked atmosphere that blocks avenues of expression, humiliations, torture, death of those in proximity, rape, feeling for revenge, tragedies, break down of family structures and traditional mechanisms of care remain some of the causes which are indispensable consequences of conflict situations,” the research says.
The research titled “Research Study on Status of Implementation of Provisions on National Mental Health Act in J&K” was conducted by Action Aid, an international non-governmental organization.
“Traditional mechanisms of care crumbled in various ways with health-care system facing paucity of manpower. Whatever care existed in the form of mental hospital Srinagar, became inaccessible on account of hazards involved in travel and stay in Srinagar. On top of it, psychologically disordered persons became vulnerable targets in encounters,” the research informs.
According to Mental Health Act of 1987, it is obligatory for the state to create a mechanism for licensing and monitoring mental health-care facilities.
“State has created such authority but it remains nonfunctional because there are no recognized mental health-care facilities in private sector. Whatever exists is unlicensed as no license has ever been issued by the Authority,” it adds.
These facilities are supposed to be monitored by Mental Health Authority. However, no such authority exists in Kashmir.
As per the research “There are OPD facilities available within Psychiatric Diseases Hospital in Srinagar. However, no such facilities are available at primary or secondary health-care centres in the Valley. The procedures relating to admission of patient within mental hospital are observed but the requirements of the Act relating to security of their property and providing them legal aid is not taken care of.”
The Act provides for penalties to those who admit a normal person into psychiatric care. The Act also imposes several responsibilities upon police which include admitting a person with psychological disorders into psychiatric hospitals and penalizing the ones involved in the neglect and harsh treatments to such patients.
According to the Action Aid research, no records have been provided by the police relating to this aspect of duties.
“The psychiatrists appointed in other hospitals are not exclusively utilized for mental health-care. They are made to work as general medical practitioners. Wherever they are involved in psychiatric care, it is through their individual initiative. Most of the positions for psychiatrists in the Valley are unfulfilled,” it adds.
The study suggests enactment of local mental health legislations which reflects international standards and provides for framework for integration of mental health-care with general health-care.
“One of the prime reasons of non-adherence of mental health-care standards is unfamiliarity of those who are in this job.”
For this purpose, the study suggested creation of mental health manual so that everyone involved in mental health-care is familiar with his/her assignments and responsibilities.
Valley in Psychiatric Mess, Patients Suffer for Want of Facilities
Shahnawaz Majid (Kashmir Images)
Srinagar: While perpetual armed conflict in Kashmir has led to increase in psychological problems among people here, lack of mental health-care facilities has worsened the same, a research carried out by an international organization reveals.
“Sense of insecurity, exposure to sufferings, abuses, instigation to and participation in violence, choked atmosphere that blocks avenues of expression, humiliations, torture, death of those in proximity, rape, feeling for revenge, tragedies, break down of family structures and traditional mechanisms of care remain some of the causes which are indispensable consequences of conflict situations,” the research says.
The research titled “Research Study on Status of Implementation of Provisions on National Mental Health Act in J&K” was conducted by Action Aid, an international non-governmental organization.
“Traditional mechanisms of care crumbled in various ways with health-care system facing paucity of manpower. Whatever care existed in the form of mental hospital Srinagar, became inaccessible on account of hazards involved in travel and stay in Srinagar. On top of it, psychologically disordered persons became vulnerable targets in encounters,” the research informs.
According to Mental Health Act of 1987, it is obligatory for the state to create a mechanism for licensing and monitoring mental health-care facilities.
“State has created such authority but it remains nonfunctional because there are no recognized mental health-care facilities in private sector. Whatever exists is unlicensed as no license has ever been issued by the Authority,” it adds.
These facilities are supposed to be monitored by Mental Health Authority. However, no such authority exists in Kashmir.
As per the research “There are OPD facilities available within Psychiatric Diseases Hospital in Srinagar. However, no such facilities are available at primary or secondary health-care centres in the Valley. The procedures relating to admission of patient within mental hospital are observed but the requirements of the Act relating to security of their property and providing them legal aid is not taken care of.”
The Act provides for penalties to those who admit a normal person into psychiatric care. The Act also imposes several responsibilities upon police which include admitting a person with psychological disorders into psychiatric hospitals and penalizing the ones involved in the neglect and harsh treatments to such patients.
According to the Action Aid research, no records have been provided by the police relating to this aspect of duties.
“The psychiatrists appointed in other hospitals are not exclusively utilized for mental health-care. They are made to work as general medical practitioners. Wherever they are involved in psychiatric care, it is through their individual initiative. Most of the positions for psychiatrists in the Valley are unfulfilled,” it adds.
The study suggests enactment of local mental health legislations which reflects international standards and provides for framework for integration of mental health-care with general health-care.
“One of the prime reasons of non-adherence of mental health-care standards is unfamiliarity of those who are in this job.”
For this purpose, the study suggested creation of mental health manual so that everyone involved in mental health-care is familiar with his/her assignments and responsibilities.
The Irrepressible Kangri
Kashmiris may have iphones, but they have not outgrown the kangri
Kashmiri 'Kangdi' Most Popular Heating Equipment
Srinagar : With winter approaching, people of Kashmir are preparing themselves to face the cold weather.The most important tool they use is what they call Kangdi, a traditional earthen fire pot used to keep themselves warm.
The manufacturers of kangdi fire pot around kashmir region have started their job and their products are already in the market now.
Mohammed Ashraf is one among them, and has been into this business through generations now. He says the use of kangdi in Kashmir can never be replaced by any other products because people of Kashmir have got used to this traditional system of heating since ages.
Not every one is rich in Kashmir and cant afford the expenses of modern heating appliances, first it is cheap and is portable which adds to its usefulness.
Despite the availability of all modern appliances of heating, most of the house holds in Kashmir rely on this inexpensive technique.
A Kangdi is an improved version of the Manann semi-spherical clay pot enclosed in willow rushes, with handles also made of willow rushes. The pot holds burning coals that stay warm throughout the day. Throughout winter season, it is common to see people with one hand holding their Kangdi inside their Phiran a woolen cloak.
I cannot resist this cold without a kangdi inside my cloak, I start its use at the onset of winter till the arrival of summer, and bearing the expenses of other modern things is impossible.
Making of a kangdi is an art and time consuming process. Mohammed Ashraf says it takes him 4 hours to complete the making of one kangdi. He makes 3 of them a day.
For the months of winter my family and I are completely dependent on this business, the price of each kangdi depends on the raw material used and it ranges form 100 Rs to 1000 Rs.
Though the origin of kangdi remains untraceable, it is believed to be the most famous product of Kashmir. It is now gifted as souvenirs and is counted among heritage of Kashmir.
(Kashmir Monitor)
Kashmiri 'Kangdi' Most Popular Heating Equipment
Srinagar : With winter approaching, people of Kashmir are preparing themselves to face the cold weather.The most important tool they use is what they call Kangdi, a traditional earthen fire pot used to keep themselves warm.
The manufacturers of kangdi fire pot around kashmir region have started their job and their products are already in the market now.
Mohammed Ashraf is one among them, and has been into this business through generations now. He says the use of kangdi in Kashmir can never be replaced by any other products because people of Kashmir have got used to this traditional system of heating since ages.
Not every one is rich in Kashmir and cant afford the expenses of modern heating appliances, first it is cheap and is portable which adds to its usefulness.
Despite the availability of all modern appliances of heating, most of the house holds in Kashmir rely on this inexpensive technique.
A Kangdi is an improved version of the Manann semi-spherical clay pot enclosed in willow rushes, with handles also made of willow rushes. The pot holds burning coals that stay warm throughout the day. Throughout winter season, it is common to see people with one hand holding their Kangdi inside their Phiran a woolen cloak.
I cannot resist this cold without a kangdi inside my cloak, I start its use at the onset of winter till the arrival of summer, and bearing the expenses of other modern things is impossible.
Making of a kangdi is an art and time consuming process. Mohammed Ashraf says it takes him 4 hours to complete the making of one kangdi. He makes 3 of them a day.
For the months of winter my family and I are completely dependent on this business, the price of each kangdi depends on the raw material used and it ranges form 100 Rs to 1000 Rs.
Though the origin of kangdi remains untraceable, it is believed to be the most famous product of Kashmir. It is now gifted as souvenirs and is counted among heritage of Kashmir.
(Kashmir Monitor)
Once Kashmir Was Known For Its Terracotta
Terracotta discoveries from the past displayed the vast richness of Kashmiri art that is close to extinction now
Pottery, a Dying Art Form
Mudasir Tariq (Kashmir Monitor)
Baramulla: Hit by rising costs of essential commodities and lack of market interest, Kashmiri potters are now contemplating giving up their generations’ old profession.
At Putkhah, a small hamlet in Baramulla, Ghulam Ahmed Kumar wonders what life has in store for him. Many generations of his family have been in the pottery business but as the demand for the mud pots is on a decline, Kumar fears that his children may have to look for other professions.
“My father used to sell these pots and in barter get enough grains that would last for a full year. It was a valued profession but now with the introduction of modern type of utensils this great art of pottery has been overshadowed and our new generation is turning to other professions,” says Kumar.
He further said pottery works were a part of daily life and used for several functions in the past. “Some of the pots were considered essential for certain ceremonies like henna pots, earthen lamps, tumbaknari, milk pots etc. In Kashmir, some 70 years back in village marriages food was served in mud pots only. Incidentally food served in mud pots is considered to be clean and matka works like a refrigerator, which keeps the water cool. Unfortunately for us, these are not used anymore,” Kumar added.
Another potter Rajab Kumar from Haigam said, “Almost in every mohalla there used to be a terracotta center and we used to serve some particular homes in the village and get money and grains in return. The potter who used to make these pots held an important position in the village.”
Gani Kumar of Shirakwara Baramulla said due to very little demand for these pots it was difficult for them to provide livelihood for their families. “We sell some particular items like heaters, milk pots and tumbaknaries and that too very rarely…my son has switched to fruit business….he doesn’t like this job,” Gani added.
Pottery, a Dying Art Form
Mudasir Tariq (Kashmir Monitor)
Baramulla: Hit by rising costs of essential commodities and lack of market interest, Kashmiri potters are now contemplating giving up their generations’ old profession.
At Putkhah, a small hamlet in Baramulla, Ghulam Ahmed Kumar wonders what life has in store for him. Many generations of his family have been in the pottery business but as the demand for the mud pots is on a decline, Kumar fears that his children may have to look for other professions.
“My father used to sell these pots and in barter get enough grains that would last for a full year. It was a valued profession but now with the introduction of modern type of utensils this great art of pottery has been overshadowed and our new generation is turning to other professions,” says Kumar.
He further said pottery works were a part of daily life and used for several functions in the past. “Some of the pots were considered essential for certain ceremonies like henna pots, earthen lamps, tumbaknari, milk pots etc. In Kashmir, some 70 years back in village marriages food was served in mud pots only. Incidentally food served in mud pots is considered to be clean and matka works like a refrigerator, which keeps the water cool. Unfortunately for us, these are not used anymore,” Kumar added.
Another potter Rajab Kumar from Haigam said, “Almost in every mohalla there used to be a terracotta center and we used to serve some particular homes in the village and get money and grains in return. The potter who used to make these pots held an important position in the village.”
Gani Kumar of Shirakwara Baramulla said due to very little demand for these pots it was difficult for them to provide livelihood for their families. “We sell some particular items like heaters, milk pots and tumbaknaries and that too very rarely…my son has switched to fruit business….he doesn’t like this job,” Gani added.
Friday, October 28, 2011
Aab Chu Dazaan (Water in Flames)
When the irreproachable Khawaja speaks, Kashmiris listen and sometimes even read
(Khawaja Farooq Renzu Shah, 54, was born in Srinagar. He matriculated from the Government Higher Secondary School in Nawa Kadal, and attended Sri Pratap College, Srinagar. He completed his L.L.B. degree from the University of Kashmir, securing the first position and a gold medal. He subsequently entered the Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS), and has served as District Commissioner, Budgam, and presently is the Director of Information in the state service. He spends his leisure time writing novels and working on spiritual communication, and writing and propogating friendship, peace, progress and unity among the people of all religions and identities.)
When RenzuShah Sets Water on Fire, Kashmiri Attracts Pahari
Srinagar: Prominent bureaucrat and author, Khawaja Farooq RenzuShah has literally set water on fire by authoring a novel Aab Chu Dazaan (Water in flames), which even after two years of hitting the book stands is so hot that it recently got translated in Pahari while none other than Governor NN Vohra on Monday released the regional language version Pani Bich Pahmad amid applauds from the audience.
But the City function didn’t end here. The audience at the jam packed SKICC auditorium on Dal banks was surprised to know that RenzuShah’s contribution in the field of literature is so monumental that at least two scholars till now have done their Masters in Philosophy on his books.
GOVERNOR SPEAKS
While congratulating RenzuShah for having written such a novel, Vohra said his contribution could help promote brotherhood.
“Although I haven’t read the book but what I heard about it is surely going to help promote brotherhood,” the Governor said adding “It’s a very big contribution.”
He asked the author and others “like him” to contribute more towards literature so that “there’s more of harmony in the country with 1.22 crore population.”
“There’s a need to live amid peace and harmony because only this will lead us to prosperity,” the Governor said.
“This is because literature is born out of love and sympathy.”
RENZUSHAH IS DISTINCT: CIC
Chief Information Commissioner GR Sufi while hailing RenzuShah said the author was beyond a “routine bureaucrat.”
“Most important thing is that Bureaucrats are mostly busy with files and not all like me can do what he (RenzuShah) has been doing by contributing towards literature.”
Paharis Congratulate
President of a Pahari forum, Syed Mushtaq Bukhari said the translation of the book in Pahari had brought the language to limelight because of RenzuShah.
“All the eleven thousand Pahari people should feel proud of this event,” he said.
THE TRANSLATOR
Prominent writer Parvez Manoos who has authored 13 books in Urdu and Pahari said that it was his chance interaction with RenzuShah at Civil Secretariat sometime back that the idea of Pahari version realized.
“I told him that I have read his Aab Chu Dazaan and aspire to translate the same, to which he happily agreed,” Manoos, who transated the book, said.
RENZUSHAH'S WORK ATTRACTS RESEARCH
RenzuShah who has authored no less than 11 books including the heart touching titles like Zakhmu Ki Salgirah, Kutta Bhonkta Hai, Dhoobtay Kinaray, Inqilaab Ka Shaheed, Jheel Jalti Hai and Bhanwar Meri Manzil has proved to be food-for-thought for the research scholars.
Irfan Qureshi happens to be second in the list of people who till now have successfully completed M Phil degrees on books by RenzuShah.
Qureshi said it was “simply great” working on the life and contribution of a soft-hearted man with a brave and revolutionary pen.”
CALL FOR ‘LOVE REVOLUTION’
RenzuShah, who also happens to be Director Information, in his welcome address turned nostalgic of his college days when he started writing novels way back in 1975 as a student of SP College. He candidly admitted that he was never watchful of what he writes till a few years back when the first M Phil was completed on his contribution. “That day I realized that some watchful eyes are always meticulously after what we write,” he said at the event hosted by Kashmir Society.
RenzuShah said there was need to translate Kashmiri literature in foreign languages because people abroad are eager to read the same adding that it would lead to “revolution of love across the globe”.
Referring to his lectures abroad, he said while addressing at California University he spoke about contribution of Sheikh Ul Alam (RA) and the audience was curious to read about “Awlia-e-Kiraam”.
RenzuShah who is equally known for English newspaper columns on “Awlia-e-Kiraam” said: “Only good literature can lead to revolution of love and this is what is needed.”
VCS SPEAK
While Kashmir University VC, Professor Talat Ahmed said RenzuShah’s work be translated in other languages, his Central University counterpart Prof Abdul Wahid said: “There’s an undercurrent of Sufism in his literature.”
(Greater Kashmir)
(Khawaja Farooq Renzu Shah, 54, was born in Srinagar. He matriculated from the Government Higher Secondary School in Nawa Kadal, and attended Sri Pratap College, Srinagar. He completed his L.L.B. degree from the University of Kashmir, securing the first position and a gold medal. He subsequently entered the Kashmir Administrative Service (KAS), and has served as District Commissioner, Budgam, and presently is the Director of Information in the state service. He spends his leisure time writing novels and working on spiritual communication, and writing and propogating friendship, peace, progress and unity among the people of all religions and identities.)
When RenzuShah Sets Water on Fire, Kashmiri Attracts Pahari
Srinagar: Prominent bureaucrat and author, Khawaja Farooq RenzuShah has literally set water on fire by authoring a novel Aab Chu Dazaan (Water in flames), which even after two years of hitting the book stands is so hot that it recently got translated in Pahari while none other than Governor NN Vohra on Monday released the regional language version Pani Bich Pahmad amid applauds from the audience.
But the City function didn’t end here. The audience at the jam packed SKICC auditorium on Dal banks was surprised to know that RenzuShah’s contribution in the field of literature is so monumental that at least two scholars till now have done their Masters in Philosophy on his books.
GOVERNOR SPEAKS
While congratulating RenzuShah for having written such a novel, Vohra said his contribution could help promote brotherhood.
“Although I haven’t read the book but what I heard about it is surely going to help promote brotherhood,” the Governor said adding “It’s a very big contribution.”
He asked the author and others “like him” to contribute more towards literature so that “there’s more of harmony in the country with 1.22 crore population.”
“There’s a need to live amid peace and harmony because only this will lead us to prosperity,” the Governor said.
“This is because literature is born out of love and sympathy.”
RENZUSHAH IS DISTINCT: CIC
Chief Information Commissioner GR Sufi while hailing RenzuShah said the author was beyond a “routine bureaucrat.”
“Most important thing is that Bureaucrats are mostly busy with files and not all like me can do what he (RenzuShah) has been doing by contributing towards literature.”
Paharis Congratulate
President of a Pahari forum, Syed Mushtaq Bukhari said the translation of the book in Pahari had brought the language to limelight because of RenzuShah.
“All the eleven thousand Pahari people should feel proud of this event,” he said.
THE TRANSLATOR
Prominent writer Parvez Manoos who has authored 13 books in Urdu and Pahari said that it was his chance interaction with RenzuShah at Civil Secretariat sometime back that the idea of Pahari version realized.
“I told him that I have read his Aab Chu Dazaan and aspire to translate the same, to which he happily agreed,” Manoos, who transated the book, said.
RENZUSHAH'S WORK ATTRACTS RESEARCH
RenzuShah who has authored no less than 11 books including the heart touching titles like Zakhmu Ki Salgirah, Kutta Bhonkta Hai, Dhoobtay Kinaray, Inqilaab Ka Shaheed, Jheel Jalti Hai and Bhanwar Meri Manzil has proved to be food-for-thought for the research scholars.
Irfan Qureshi happens to be second in the list of people who till now have successfully completed M Phil degrees on books by RenzuShah.
Qureshi said it was “simply great” working on the life and contribution of a soft-hearted man with a brave and revolutionary pen.”
CALL FOR ‘LOVE REVOLUTION’
RenzuShah, who also happens to be Director Information, in his welcome address turned nostalgic of his college days when he started writing novels way back in 1975 as a student of SP College. He candidly admitted that he was never watchful of what he writes till a few years back when the first M Phil was completed on his contribution. “That day I realized that some watchful eyes are always meticulously after what we write,” he said at the event hosted by Kashmir Society.
RenzuShah said there was need to translate Kashmiri literature in foreign languages because people abroad are eager to read the same adding that it would lead to “revolution of love across the globe”.
Referring to his lectures abroad, he said while addressing at California University he spoke about contribution of Sheikh Ul Alam (RA) and the audience was curious to read about “Awlia-e-Kiraam”.
RenzuShah who is equally known for English newspaper columns on “Awlia-e-Kiraam” said: “Only good literature can lead to revolution of love and this is what is needed.”
VCS SPEAK
While Kashmir University VC, Professor Talat Ahmed said RenzuShah’s work be translated in other languages, his Central University counterpart Prof Abdul Wahid said: “There’s an undercurrent of Sufism in his literature.”
(Greater Kashmir)
Corruption Everywhere
Javid points to glaring examples of corruption in the State Administration and the State Assembly, indicating that every one who can milk the system usually does
(Dr. Javid Iqbal, 65, was born in Srinagar. He attended the D.A.V. School, Srinagar, and graduated in Medicine from the Government Medical College (GMC). His professional service in medicine includes work in the Middle East for three decades. During his days at the GMC, he captained the cricket team. Dr. Iqbal is the Vice Principal, Controller and the head of department - Operation Theater Technology at Tahira Khanam's Paramedical Sciences Institute, Lawaypora, Srinagar. He enjoys writing and staying close to his children in far away lands.)
Graft, Malpractices in administration
Graft and malpractices galore in J&K State, while it is reported that an embarrassed J&K government has finally stepped in with a new mechanism to punish the tainted officers and weed-out the menace. As is usual when the problem surfaces in a major way, committees and commissions are set-up. A committee had reportedly been set-up to devise a mechanism for ‘removal of corrupt officials from the state administration’. It had decided to go tough against corruption, beginning with the launch of departmental inquiries against at least 250 tainted officers against whom prosecution has either been sanctioned or is under-process.
Add to it the latest, the reported tightening noose around the ‘tainted’ officials in the state administration, Jammu and Kashmir government, it is reported has charge-sheeted around sixteen officials – including a senior KAS officer allegedly involved in multi-crore land acquisition scam, besides recommending departmental action against 48 others. Far from setting at rest the concern being expressed widely, it is bound to add to the existent skepticism. The people in general take the formation of committees and commissions in a different light than how the government perceives such measures. And if an end result is estimated, more often than not, public perception is nearer the truth than what the governments think of devised measures!
Despite the public skepticism, the successive governments do not stop the drill of posing to be ‘Holier than Thou’. Such a dramatic presentation in the latest episode of another show of concern depicts Chief Secretary Madhav Lal overseeing the ‘Tamasha’ of booked officials being treated by what is noted in the book. The book of state laws that cover irregularities has been in the past found to have enough loopholes or enough safeguards for any tainted official to escape lawful action. Law as such is more known by its violation than its implementation.
Government in the present instance is exhibiting a flurry of activity. General Administration Department (GAD) has been reportedly put on the job of proceeding with granting sanction to prosecute all those officials, who have been booked by the state Vigilance organization in various graft cases. Vigilance commission bookings have had a parallel departmental action under Service Rules. The number of cases touted by the state—16 against whom proceedings are complete, 48 other against whom proceedings are going on is just the tip of the iceberg. The new regulation of proceeding with the prosecution sanction as well as the departmental action simultaneously against the erring officials, reportedly as a result of a circular issued by Chief Secretary’s office is supposed to be a serious measure in tightening the noose. While the concerned citizenry would welcome any move in the direction of bringing the guilty to book, the prevailing skepticism refuses to fade away. Too often such proposals, fresh measures have had a quiet burial over a period of time.
Government! Even if it is taken as sincere in its prosecution drive would still stand accused of half measures as the numbers being quoted are a bare fraction of the wide phenomenon. The miniscule numbers quoted by government sources and reported by the print media in the past few weeks can hardly impress anyone versed with the width and the depth of malpractices in the administration. While as in the current year 2011, sanction for prosecution of 48 officers has been accorded by GAD on the recommendations of the State Vigilance authorities, the
numbers quoted of last three years--38 prosecution sanctions in 2008, 45 in 2009, 52 in 2010 with an expected clearance of more than 60 cases this year, as per the sources quoted in the media makes hardly the numbers, government could boast about.
The malpractices are not limited to taking bribes and getting into gross irregularities while doing the job the government servants are supposed to do in lieu of what they stand legally paid for. Malpractices of varied nature are going on in indiscriminate spending by officialdom in a state where there is a serious resource crunch. The reported revelation in an answer to a query by PDP legislator Mushtaq Ahmad Shah in the recently concluded legislative assembly during question hour that Rs 26 crore has been spent on renovation of official residences in J&K State is shocking in a state with resource crunch. The money has been spent on renovation and repair of official residences of ministers, legislators, bureaucrats and employees in Jammu and Kashmir during the last two years. In a break-up of the money spent, it states that Rs 12.35 crore and Rs 13.83 crore expenditure has been incurred on their official residences during 2009-10 and 2010-11 in Jammu and Srinagar, adding that works like renovation of bathrooms, kitchens, sanitary fittings, electric fittings, painting etc have been carried out with this money.
It was also disclosed that the government also said that annual repair/ renovation works are executed through proper tendering process. “However, in case of urgent demand, certain works have been carried out departmentally /through piece workers,” it adds. Besides there is another source of concern—TA/DA bills and fuel of cabinet ministers, ministers of state and persons conferred with the status of minister of state during the last three years. In a written reply to a query of BJP legislator Ashok Khajuria, the state government revealed in the assembly that Rs 4 crore 78 lakhs expenditure has been incurred on TA/DA bills and petrol of ministers of the ruling coalition during 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12, while Rs 2.36 crore has been incurred on their TA/ DA, Rs 2.42 crore was spent on petrol for their vehicles. This non-productive expenditure is un-affordable, hence un-acceptable for the state with a serious resource crunch. It needs to be curtailed and brought to a level that could be affordable!
The political executive, the legislators, the higher officials have to tread with care and they may not be seen in poor light and get accused of behaving irresponsibly while expecting regulations to be abided by those in the lower rung of administration. The reform, moral practices have to be initiated at the very top in order to ensure compliance of official regulations and a cleaner administration. J&K State, it is widely recognized has a serious governance deficit. Watch dogs have in recent years commented adversely on the state, which simply cannot get its act right. To be fair, it may not be said that J&K is the lone culprit. Corruption, graft, malpractices abound in other states of the Union, and in other countries too; however in recent times, it has assumed serious proportions in J&K State. And much of what is reported is not beyond truth. The concerned citizenry stands aghast and is left wondering what else is in store as one type of malpractice follows another! Grasping for a breathing space in the stifling set-up, Aam Admi is asking ‘Is the enough of it ever enough for the officialdom’---any answers!
(Dr. Javid Iqbal, 65, was born in Srinagar. He attended the D.A.V. School, Srinagar, and graduated in Medicine from the Government Medical College (GMC). His professional service in medicine includes work in the Middle East for three decades. During his days at the GMC, he captained the cricket team. Dr. Iqbal is the Vice Principal, Controller and the head of department - Operation Theater Technology at Tahira Khanam's Paramedical Sciences Institute, Lawaypora, Srinagar. He enjoys writing and staying close to his children in far away lands.)
Graft, Malpractices in administration
Graft and malpractices galore in J&K State, while it is reported that an embarrassed J&K government has finally stepped in with a new mechanism to punish the tainted officers and weed-out the menace. As is usual when the problem surfaces in a major way, committees and commissions are set-up. A committee had reportedly been set-up to devise a mechanism for ‘removal of corrupt officials from the state administration’. It had decided to go tough against corruption, beginning with the launch of departmental inquiries against at least 250 tainted officers against whom prosecution has either been sanctioned or is under-process.
Add to it the latest, the reported tightening noose around the ‘tainted’ officials in the state administration, Jammu and Kashmir government, it is reported has charge-sheeted around sixteen officials – including a senior KAS officer allegedly involved in multi-crore land acquisition scam, besides recommending departmental action against 48 others. Far from setting at rest the concern being expressed widely, it is bound to add to the existent skepticism. The people in general take the formation of committees and commissions in a different light than how the government perceives such measures. And if an end result is estimated, more often than not, public perception is nearer the truth than what the governments think of devised measures!
Despite the public skepticism, the successive governments do not stop the drill of posing to be ‘Holier than Thou’. Such a dramatic presentation in the latest episode of another show of concern depicts Chief Secretary Madhav Lal overseeing the ‘Tamasha’ of booked officials being treated by what is noted in the book. The book of state laws that cover irregularities has been in the past found to have enough loopholes or enough safeguards for any tainted official to escape lawful action. Law as such is more known by its violation than its implementation.
Government in the present instance is exhibiting a flurry of activity. General Administration Department (GAD) has been reportedly put on the job of proceeding with granting sanction to prosecute all those officials, who have been booked by the state Vigilance organization in various graft cases. Vigilance commission bookings have had a parallel departmental action under Service Rules. The number of cases touted by the state—16 against whom proceedings are complete, 48 other against whom proceedings are going on is just the tip of the iceberg. The new regulation of proceeding with the prosecution sanction as well as the departmental action simultaneously against the erring officials, reportedly as a result of a circular issued by Chief Secretary’s office is supposed to be a serious measure in tightening the noose. While the concerned citizenry would welcome any move in the direction of bringing the guilty to book, the prevailing skepticism refuses to fade away. Too often such proposals, fresh measures have had a quiet burial over a period of time.
Government! Even if it is taken as sincere in its prosecution drive would still stand accused of half measures as the numbers being quoted are a bare fraction of the wide phenomenon. The miniscule numbers quoted by government sources and reported by the print media in the past few weeks can hardly impress anyone versed with the width and the depth of malpractices in the administration. While as in the current year 2011, sanction for prosecution of 48 officers has been accorded by GAD on the recommendations of the State Vigilance authorities, the
numbers quoted of last three years--38 prosecution sanctions in 2008, 45 in 2009, 52 in 2010 with an expected clearance of more than 60 cases this year, as per the sources quoted in the media makes hardly the numbers, government could boast about.
The malpractices are not limited to taking bribes and getting into gross irregularities while doing the job the government servants are supposed to do in lieu of what they stand legally paid for. Malpractices of varied nature are going on in indiscriminate spending by officialdom in a state where there is a serious resource crunch. The reported revelation in an answer to a query by PDP legislator Mushtaq Ahmad Shah in the recently concluded legislative assembly during question hour that Rs 26 crore has been spent on renovation of official residences in J&K State is shocking in a state with resource crunch. The money has been spent on renovation and repair of official residences of ministers, legislators, bureaucrats and employees in Jammu and Kashmir during the last two years. In a break-up of the money spent, it states that Rs 12.35 crore and Rs 13.83 crore expenditure has been incurred on their official residences during 2009-10 and 2010-11 in Jammu and Srinagar, adding that works like renovation of bathrooms, kitchens, sanitary fittings, electric fittings, painting etc have been carried out with this money.
It was also disclosed that the government also said that annual repair/ renovation works are executed through proper tendering process. “However, in case of urgent demand, certain works have been carried out departmentally /through piece workers,” it adds. Besides there is another source of concern—TA/DA bills and fuel of cabinet ministers, ministers of state and persons conferred with the status of minister of state during the last three years. In a written reply to a query of BJP legislator Ashok Khajuria, the state government revealed in the assembly that Rs 4 crore 78 lakhs expenditure has been incurred on TA/DA bills and petrol of ministers of the ruling coalition during 2009-10, 2010-11 and 2011-12, while Rs 2.36 crore has been incurred on their TA/ DA, Rs 2.42 crore was spent on petrol for their vehicles. This non-productive expenditure is un-affordable, hence un-acceptable for the state with a serious resource crunch. It needs to be curtailed and brought to a level that could be affordable!
The political executive, the legislators, the higher officials have to tread with care and they may not be seen in poor light and get accused of behaving irresponsibly while expecting regulations to be abided by those in the lower rung of administration. The reform, moral practices have to be initiated at the very top in order to ensure compliance of official regulations and a cleaner administration. J&K State, it is widely recognized has a serious governance deficit. Watch dogs have in recent years commented adversely on the state, which simply cannot get its act right. To be fair, it may not be said that J&K is the lone culprit. Corruption, graft, malpractices abound in other states of the Union, and in other countries too; however in recent times, it has assumed serious proportions in J&K State. And much of what is reported is not beyond truth. The concerned citizenry stands aghast and is left wondering what else is in store as one type of malpractice follows another! Grasping for a breathing space in the stifling set-up, Aam Admi is asking ‘Is the enough of it ever enough for the officialdom’---any answers!
The Hubris
Thanks to Raman, now we know that the University of Kashmir management would rather buy new luxury vehicles than grant scholarships to deserving candidates
(Mr. Raman Sharma, 26, was born in Jammu city. He received his schooling in the Sri Ranbir Memorial School, Jammu, and graduated in political science and sociology from the Jammu University. Mr. Sharma is a free lance journalist and a social activist who has filed over 500 Right to Information (RTI) applications with the Central and J&K governments.)
Kashmir University Purchases Vehicles Over Rs 2 cr in last 5 yrs: RTI
Srinagar: The University of Kashmir spent over Rs two crore in purchase of vehicles but provided financial assistance of only Rs 59.09 lakh as scholarships and fellowships to students over last five years, an RTI query has revealed. As per figures provided by the University, more than Rs 2.16 crore were spent on purchase of vehicles, most of which were luxurious SUVs for use by officials. However, the university has spent only Rs 59.09 lakh on scholarships and fellowships to students in last five years. Among the 36 vehicles bought by the University is a bullet-proof car purchased for Rs 9.25 lakh. The application was filed by RTI activist Raman Sharma.
(Mr. Raman Sharma, 26, was born in Jammu city. He received his schooling in the Sri Ranbir Memorial School, Jammu, and graduated in political science and sociology from the Jammu University. Mr. Sharma is a free lance journalist and a social activist who has filed over 500 Right to Information (RTI) applications with the Central and J&K governments.)
Kashmir University Purchases Vehicles Over Rs 2 cr in last 5 yrs: RTI
Srinagar: The University of Kashmir spent over Rs two crore in purchase of vehicles but provided financial assistance of only Rs 59.09 lakh as scholarships and fellowships to students over last five years, an RTI query has revealed. As per figures provided by the University, more than Rs 2.16 crore were spent on purchase of vehicles, most of which were luxurious SUVs for use by officials. However, the university has spent only Rs 59.09 lakh on scholarships and fellowships to students in last five years. Among the 36 vehicles bought by the University is a bullet-proof car purchased for Rs 9.25 lakh. The application was filed by RTI activist Raman Sharma.
At the Crossroads of Tradition and Progress
Ladakhis face an imposing challenge: Should their children continue to live a nomadic life or get education for modern living?
Education or Literacy: Nomads at the Crossroads
Kunzes Dolma (Kashmir Images)
LEH-LADAKH: Tsering Gurmat is a school drop-out. Nothing uncommon there, except that Tsering had to drop out because of a new primary school established in the neighborhood. The irony is not lost on Tsering’s parents, who had hoped to give their children the education they didn’t themselves get.
In the remote Himalayan region of Changthang in Ladakh, many nomadic parents, wiser after a lifetime of harsh nomadic life in sub-zero temperatures, face the dilemma of whether to leave their children behind in the residential school or take them along in their seasonal trek across the hills with their livestock. The heavy dependence on children to share the work load for survival in the harsh, multi-tasked routine of grazing the livestock across the ranges of Changthang clashes with a growing realization that education is perhaps the key to a better, certainly easier, future for their children. A way of life that sustained them for 2,000 years may not quite be working as well now.
Nearly 150 Changpa families, nomadic pastoralists who trace their origins to Tibet, live alongside about 20 Tibetan refugee families in the four main villages of Korzok, Rupsho, Kharnak and Alkung close to the breathtaking Tso Moriri lake in eastern Ladakh. This vast grazing ecosystem in the Indian Trans-Himalaya stretches over 22,000 square kilometers. Livestock is the mainstay of the economy; the high-altitude, arid landscape in this cold desert supports little else.
Few families in Korzok lead a settled life. Situated 3 km from the northwest end of the Tso Moriri Lake at 15,075 ft, this small village is one of the highest permanent settlements in the world. The closest town, Duruk, is over 100 km away; the capital of Leh nearly 150 km. the region is cut off for about eight months a year due to snow.
The Changpas move camp nearly ten times a year locating green pastures for their yaks, sheep, goats and horses, their robos (small yak-hair tents) dotting the spectacular landscape. The animals’ produce offers an adequate, indeed sustainable, source of livelihood: Pashmina, or cashmere wool, is the most valuable; others include sheep wool, yak wool, curd, butter, and cheese. While children help with the numerous tasks, they are also relied upon to look after aging parents.
As recently as four decades ago, there were virtually no Government facilities for the Changpas in Korzok. In the 1970s, the Jammu & Kashmir State Government set up mobile schools to provide elementary education to children. It was the first generation exposed to mainstream education – and thoughtfully incorporated the nomadic way of life by moving with the families and animals every few months. A special tent would be set up for the school where children learnt to read and write in Urdu and their native Bodhi language. The enrollment was not spectacular, but it was a beginning.
Things changed when the government, zealous in its efforts to educate Indians across the vast and remote parts of the country, started constructing primary schools in remote locations. One such school promptly came up in Korzok; it was later upgraded to a middle school. Over the years, the government helpfully proceeded to set up a new Centralized Residential School in the Puga, intended to cater to all nomad families in the region. No mean feat in the barely connected arid grasslands, but it resulted in suspension of all mobile schools.
Standing at a crossroad,Tsering’s baffled parents had to make a choice: leave their child behind in the residential school for the required nine months in a year for a ‘mainstream’ education; or keep up the familiar and, so far sustainable, nomadic life that required children to help with the numerous family chores. They chose the latter; Tsering left school and moved on with the herd. Many children end up not being enrolled in school at all. Some families chose modern education and a more sedentary lifestyle: about 90 students aged four to sixteen now study at the Nomadic Residential school.
The opening of the school at Puga was a welcome step but they fear that their children won’t learn anything about nomadic life. Presently the many nomads wish for such a school which would move with them so that the children could learn their work as well as the modern education.
The Changpas are not an isolated case. South Asia has the world’s largest nomadic population. India alone is estimated to have over 60 million nomads, belonging to over 350 formally identified nomadic groups. Studies indicate that many children who never enroll in schools come from communities with livelihoods that require them to move from place to place.
India’s landmark Right to Education Act in 2009 committed the state to ensure that all children from 6-14 years of age have access to basic education. In line with this, under the central government’s flagship education scheme, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, innovative means were tried to include children who were in particularly challenging circumstances. The implementation of these initiatives, however, leaves much to be desired.
In a recent review of the education schemes, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to utilizing the central schemes towards the goal of 100 percent enrolment of boys and girls at the primary level, against the current 65.67 per cent. “The Government is keen to revive the mobile school scheme in the state and help children of migratory population to receive education throughout the year without any break,” he said.
Traditionally, nomads have sustained a productive system that preserves the ecosystem while providing adequately for the populace in the region. Incorporating their rich knowledge base within the education system, the mobile schools of Jammu and Kashmir, by intent, are an innovative step in the right direction but severely lack effective implementation. The famed Ladakh Vision Document 2025, created after extensive deliberations in 2005, envisions a society where education would “build human resource in order to create a happy Ladakh, through the harmonious use of our natural resources, guided by our cultural resources.” Making that dream come true will take a lot more than the occasional review. Till then, concerned parents in Changthang will continue to balk at the choice they are forced to make for their children: the education of modern schools or the wisdom of their ancestors.
Education or Literacy: Nomads at the Crossroads
Kunzes Dolma (Kashmir Images)
LEH-LADAKH: Tsering Gurmat is a school drop-out. Nothing uncommon there, except that Tsering had to drop out because of a new primary school established in the neighborhood. The irony is not lost on Tsering’s parents, who had hoped to give their children the education they didn’t themselves get.
In the remote Himalayan region of Changthang in Ladakh, many nomadic parents, wiser after a lifetime of harsh nomadic life in sub-zero temperatures, face the dilemma of whether to leave their children behind in the residential school or take them along in their seasonal trek across the hills with their livestock. The heavy dependence on children to share the work load for survival in the harsh, multi-tasked routine of grazing the livestock across the ranges of Changthang clashes with a growing realization that education is perhaps the key to a better, certainly easier, future for their children. A way of life that sustained them for 2,000 years may not quite be working as well now.
Nearly 150 Changpa families, nomadic pastoralists who trace their origins to Tibet, live alongside about 20 Tibetan refugee families in the four main villages of Korzok, Rupsho, Kharnak and Alkung close to the breathtaking Tso Moriri lake in eastern Ladakh. This vast grazing ecosystem in the Indian Trans-Himalaya stretches over 22,000 square kilometers. Livestock is the mainstay of the economy; the high-altitude, arid landscape in this cold desert supports little else.
Few families in Korzok lead a settled life. Situated 3 km from the northwest end of the Tso Moriri Lake at 15,075 ft, this small village is one of the highest permanent settlements in the world. The closest town, Duruk, is over 100 km away; the capital of Leh nearly 150 km. the region is cut off for about eight months a year due to snow.
The Changpas move camp nearly ten times a year locating green pastures for their yaks, sheep, goats and horses, their robos (small yak-hair tents) dotting the spectacular landscape. The animals’ produce offers an adequate, indeed sustainable, source of livelihood: Pashmina, or cashmere wool, is the most valuable; others include sheep wool, yak wool, curd, butter, and cheese. While children help with the numerous tasks, they are also relied upon to look after aging parents.
As recently as four decades ago, there were virtually no Government facilities for the Changpas in Korzok. In the 1970s, the Jammu & Kashmir State Government set up mobile schools to provide elementary education to children. It was the first generation exposed to mainstream education – and thoughtfully incorporated the nomadic way of life by moving with the families and animals every few months. A special tent would be set up for the school where children learnt to read and write in Urdu and their native Bodhi language. The enrollment was not spectacular, but it was a beginning.
Things changed when the government, zealous in its efforts to educate Indians across the vast and remote parts of the country, started constructing primary schools in remote locations. One such school promptly came up in Korzok; it was later upgraded to a middle school. Over the years, the government helpfully proceeded to set up a new Centralized Residential School in the Puga, intended to cater to all nomad families in the region. No mean feat in the barely connected arid grasslands, but it resulted in suspension of all mobile schools.
Standing at a crossroad,Tsering’s baffled parents had to make a choice: leave their child behind in the residential school for the required nine months in a year for a ‘mainstream’ education; or keep up the familiar and, so far sustainable, nomadic life that required children to help with the numerous family chores. They chose the latter; Tsering left school and moved on with the herd. Many children end up not being enrolled in school at all. Some families chose modern education and a more sedentary lifestyle: about 90 students aged four to sixteen now study at the Nomadic Residential school.
The opening of the school at Puga was a welcome step but they fear that their children won’t learn anything about nomadic life. Presently the many nomads wish for such a school which would move with them so that the children could learn their work as well as the modern education.
The Changpas are not an isolated case. South Asia has the world’s largest nomadic population. India alone is estimated to have over 60 million nomads, belonging to over 350 formally identified nomadic groups. Studies indicate that many children who never enroll in schools come from communities with livelihoods that require them to move from place to place.
India’s landmark Right to Education Act in 2009 committed the state to ensure that all children from 6-14 years of age have access to basic education. In line with this, under the central government’s flagship education scheme, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, innovative means were tried to include children who were in particularly challenging circumstances. The implementation of these initiatives, however, leaves much to be desired.
In a recent review of the education schemes, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reaffirmed his government’s commitment to utilizing the central schemes towards the goal of 100 percent enrolment of boys and girls at the primary level, against the current 65.67 per cent. “The Government is keen to revive the mobile school scheme in the state and help children of migratory population to receive education throughout the year without any break,” he said.
Traditionally, nomads have sustained a productive system that preserves the ecosystem while providing adequately for the populace in the region. Incorporating their rich knowledge base within the education system, the mobile schools of Jammu and Kashmir, by intent, are an innovative step in the right direction but severely lack effective implementation. The famed Ladakh Vision Document 2025, created after extensive deliberations in 2005, envisions a society where education would “build human resource in order to create a happy Ladakh, through the harmonious use of our natural resources, guided by our cultural resources.” Making that dream come true will take a lot more than the occasional review. Till then, concerned parents in Changthang will continue to balk at the choice they are forced to make for their children: the education of modern schools or the wisdom of their ancestors.
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