Escalation in Covid

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Escalation in Covid across Jammu and Kashmir 

News Kashmir Exclusive

Coronavirus as global pandemic has wrecked havoc across countries and continents. Millions have been infected and one million deaths so far. 
In Jammu and Kashmir too the Coronavirus has impacted in much hard way with deaths crossing the one thousand mark. Jammu And Kashmir has now more than eighty thousand reported cases and more than 1200 dead with about sixty thousand recoveries. 
The expert voices are worried that people have become lazy while following necessary precautions as a result the Coronavirus is rapidly spreading in entire Jammu and Kashmir. 
Social functions like marriages and funerals are becoming unfortunately super spreaders in Jammu and Kashmir . 
Dr. Yasir Wani, a senior doctor often reflecting on Covid and quite vocal on precautions that need to be taken states :”When you lower your guard against Covid either by attending marriages or funerals giving two hoots to precautions, do think about those among your family and friends who aren’t as healthy as you are ! Those who are elderly, have comorbidities and those who are high risk for complications of Covid !Imagine the pain, guilt and the mental trauma of living with the thought that you were the reason for someone close to you losing the battle against covid just because you decided to have some quality time for once and attended a function where SOPs were thrown into the dustbin !Can one live with that GUILT ?Think about it ! Think hard !”

On the other hand, masses not adhering to the basic precautions has lead a wave of concern with no respite in offing. The need of the hour is to follow all precautions with utmost interest so that we are able to flatten the curve. 
The expert pulse is that in wake of vaccine being much long distance we can arrest thr rising tendency of Coronavirus graph only by wearing masks, adhering to social distance and rigorous handwashing. 

National Education Policy

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Cover 28 September Issue

National Education Policy

News Kashmir Desk 

In a major development for the overall education picture of the country, The National Education Policy 2020 (NEP 2020), which was approved by the Union Cabinet of India on 29 July 2020, and it outlines the vision of India’s new education system.The new policy replaces the previous National Policy on Education, 1986.The policy is a comprehensive framework for elementary education to higher education as well as vocational training in both rural and urban India. The policy aims to transform India’s education system by 2030.
Shortly after the release of the policy, the government clarified that no one will be forced to study any particular language and that the medium of instruction will not be shifted from English to any regional language.The language policy in NEP is a broad guideline and advisory in nature; and it is up to the states, institutions, and schools to decide on the implementation.Education in India is a Concurrent List subject.

The vision of policy is National Education Policy 2020 envisions an India-centric education system that contributes directly to transforming our nation sustainably into an equitable and vibrant knowledge society by providing high-quality education to all.The “10 + 2” structure will be replaced with “5+3+3+4” model.This will be implemented as follows:

  • Foundational Stage: This is further subdivided into two parts: 3 years of preschool or anganwadi, followed by classes 1 and 2 in primary school. This will cover children of ages 3-8 years. The focus of studies will be in activity-based learning.
  • Preparatory Stage: Classes 3 to 5, which will cover the ages of 8-11 years. It will gradually introduce subjects like speaking, reading, writing, physical education, languages, art, science and mathematics.
  • Middle Stage: Classes 6 to 8, covering children between ages 11 and 14. It will introduce students to the more abstract concepts in subjects of mathematics, sciences, social sciences, arts and humanities.
  • Secondary Stage: Classes 9 to 12, covering the ages of 14-19 years. It is again subdivided into two parts: classes 9 and 10 covering the first phase while classes 11 and 12 covering the second phase. These 4 years of study are intended to inculcate multidisciplinary study, coupled with depth and critical thinking. Multiple options of subjects will be provided .Instead of exams being held every academic year, school students will only answer three exams, in classes 3, 5 and 8.Board exams will be continued to be held for classes 10 and 12 but will be re-designed. Standards for this will be established by an assessment body, PARAKH.To make them easier, these exams would be conducted twice a year, with students being offered up to two attempts

Online Exams

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Online Exams Debate

News Kashmir Exclusive. 
With most educational institutions offbound due to covid crisis world over , exam season this year is likely to be unprecedented . Many are looking at tech-enabled proctoring solutions, despite concerns about keeping a close vigil to at least ensure some sort of evaluation of students before promoting them to next class. The coronavirus becoming more severe leaves just option of online exams in hand.
A report of UK suggests that by 2025, digital exams should take the place of pen and paper booklets in order to make exams more accessible and relevant to the modern world.
Online exams also called ‘E- Exam’ or ‘Digital Exam’ is an online test for judging student’s . Debate is now on in Kashmir too that has time come to go for online exams and prepare ourselves for same  . 

Sheikh Sameer, an education expert states , while talking to the News Kashmir states :”Online classes has provided an opportunity for students to get exposed to technology based education..In this part of world ,where strikes and curfews have consumed much of our time,and students and experts later on have to persuade the govt to reduce syllabus to 20_ 50 % or even mass promotion to students .. Covid lockdown provided an opportunity to think tanks to experiment online education via different means be it zoom or Google classes to complete syllabus therefore , provided little room for students to demand curtailment of syllabus.. However,Online schools require online interactions and the submission of written materials to help show evidence of learning. Some results, however, cannot be measured by the written word. How does an instructor know if the student wrote the report or if someone else wrote it for them? There are fewer checks and balances.Many students don’t have access to technology especially students belonging to underprivileged section of society . Network issues, frequent internet shut down too may cause inconvenience to students in this part of globe.”Some other voices are heavily in favour of conducting online exams. 
Showkat Shafi, Deputy Director Internal Quality Assurance  Higher Education,  Kashmir University, while talking to News Kashmir states :” During the Covid times and post Covid times we need to learn importance of online exams.The big universities of world are already going for online exams. It is in Vogue already. Examination is conducting to know students understanding and Knowledge of the subject, we should in this regard have online exams with multiple choice exams. The online exams will help us in effective automatic grading system and yield flawless scoring. Online exams would help us also in fair examinations. It would also help us in saving papers. There are no reasons thus why we can’t go for online exams both at national and international level. “
With pandemic Coronavirus wrecking havoc on all sectors especially on the all important education sector it looks clear that online exams is the only option left. 

India China Faceoff

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India China Faceoff

News Kashmir Exclusive

India China after more than 40 years have witnessed deadliest border clash at Easter Ladakh in Galwan Valley. 
On 15 June, 2020 night fierce border clash in Galwan Valley that left at least 20 Indian Army soldiers dead.
Sources from India claimed 35 Chinese soldiers were dead or injured. 

The clash in Galwan Valley is the biggest confrontation between the two militaries after their 1967 clashes in Nathu La when India lost around 80 soldiers while the death toll on the Chinese side was over 300.The Indian Army, however, said on Thursday that all Indian soldiers involved in the deadly clashes with the Chinese army at the Galwan Valley in eastern Ladakh on Monday night had been “accounted for”. “It is clarified that there are no Indian troops missing in action,” the Army said in a brief statement without elaborating.
Military sources on Thursday added that a total of 76 Army personnel were brutally assaulted by the Chinese army on Monday out of which 18 were seriously injured while 58 of them sustained minor injuries. They said 18 personnel are undergoing treatment at a hospital in Leh while 58 are admitted to various other hospital. The problematic point is that China is claiming Sovereignty over whole Galwan valley.

Mushtaq ul Haq Ahmad Sikander, a renowned political analyst, while talking to the News Kashmir stated :
“China-India border violence points out the fact of deteriorating relations. More than twenty soldiers are dead and violence can flare up again. Violence is a manifestation of breakdown of diplomacy, dialogue and negotiations. Kashmir dispute that BJP and other regimes are trying to brush aside as resolved or internal matter has the potential to drag India to the brink of war. Pakistan has been using its diplomatic and economic negotiation skills to create trouble for India through China and Nepal, as Pakistan claims stakes in Kashmir being a party in the dispute. So once again India & Pakistan have to dialogue with each other to de escalate the violence in which China now has become a party too. 
Kashmiris have been bearing the brunt of state and non state violence and with the illegal abrogation of its special status and detention of pro Indian Kashmiri leaders, the alienation has been complete between Kashmiris and Indian state. If Kashmir dispute is not resolved according to the wishes of people, particularly the United Nations designated stakeholders India and Pakistan, it will continue to bleed the parties involved, earlier just Kashmiri muslims were the victims. Now the soldiers and civilians will be cannon fodder too with the involvement of China.”
The nutshell analysis is that with every moment India China relations are worsening.

Transgenders Pension

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News Kashmir Desk

Transgender humans have a gender identity or gender expression that differs from their sex assigned at birth.Some transgender people who desire medical assistance to transition from one sex to another identify as transsexual Transgender, often shortened as trans, is also an umbrella term. In addition to including people whose gender identity is the opposite of their assigned sex (trans men and trans women), it may include people who are not exclusively masculine or feminine (people who are non-binary or genderqueer, including bigender, pangender, genderfluid, or agender).Other definitions of transgender also include people who belong to a third gender, or else conceptualize transgender people as a third gender.

Transgender people in Jammu and Kashmir have faced much pain, woes and discrimination, and marred by huge risks of economic challenges.

In a big step taken towards the welfare and betterment of Transgender people in the Jammu and Kashmir Union Territory , The Administrative Council (AC) which met here under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor, G C Murmu, accorded sanction to the extension of coverage of J&K Integrated Social Security Scheme (ISSS) to transgenders, by including them as beneficiaries under the Scheme.

It is worth pointing that previously , the transgenders did not qualify for financial benefits under ISSS. However, with this decision of the Administrative Council, the transgenders will be able to benefit from ISSS. It is a social security scheme, under which monthly financial assistance of Rs.1000 is provided to destitute, old people, widows, divorcees, orphans and orthopedically challenged persons who either have a meagre income or no source of livelihood.

Masses, social and civil circles have welcomed the decision of Government of providing pension to Transgender in Jammu and Kashmir.
The common people on ground zero, along with many organization have welcomed the move. It has been cause of great worry that since ages the Transgender
has been subjected to “taunts, undue criticism ” and “discrimination”, which has been clear moral failure of society.

On the other hand,
While J&K Government took notice of the community’s plight in 2017 and laid an annual budget which included welfare measures for transgender people and categorised them as people below the poverty line but at that time no further headway was achieved . Now this decision is being viewed as great step ahead.

It is hoped that age old harsh treatment, prejudice being meted out against Transgender will also one day vanish in Kashmir, and they will be treated as equal humans.

Unemployed Youth : Future Tense?

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Unemployed Youth: Future Tense?

Rameez Makhdoomi

Unemployment is among one of the serious problems faced by the youth of Jammu and Kashmir State.
As a matter of fact,the unemployment in Kashmir is characterized by lack of opportunities , chronic underemployment or disguised unemployment.

The unemployment issues among youth of the state especially among educated youth is lingering catastrophe for the healthy growth of society and overall life of youth . Lack of quality private sector and less industrial growth is further complicating the picture Unemployment in Kashmir .

Statistics and surveys related to the problem of unemployment in the valley of Kashmir clearly point out the negative impacts on the life of Kashmiri youth . As per the last Economic Survey, when it comes to overall unemployment, Punjab (4.5 per cent), Himachal Pradesh (2.8 per cent), Delhi (2.7 per cent) and Haryana (2.6 per cent) are much better placed than Jammu and Kashmir.

Official figures have further revealed that unemployment rate for males in J&K was 3.6 per cent whereas that of females was 17.1 per cent which is far too high when compared to the neighboring states Punjab 11.7 per cent, Haryana 2.8 per cent, Delhi 2.8 per cent and Himachal Pradesh 2.5 per cent.

Ground realities suggest that the problem of unemployment is forcing talented youth to leave Kashmir for other places resulting in brain drain.

Jaffar Allie, Head Career Park and educationist while talking to the News Kashmir on the problem of Unemployment stated : ” Unemployment is growing at a rampant pace in the State of Jammu and Kashmir especially in the valley of Kashmir as virtual stagnant industrial growth and absence of vibrant private sector has meant very few employment avenues . This has also lead to the heavy dependence on the Government jobs. Unemployment rising among highly qualified youth is a big issue. We need to concentrate our efforts on promoting skill based education in basic courses concerning daily life as this will lessen the unemployment. Agriculture and horticulture too should be revived in order to fight the menace of unemployment. Rising drug addiction and depression among youth, suicidal tendencies are very closely linked with the problem of unemployment. We are hopeful that a concrete policy and programme would be formulated to tackle the problem of unemployment hitting very hard the youth of our state. ”
The youth also state that the problem of unemployment has in an all-round manner adversely impacted their lifestyle.

Mir Mujeeb, an unemployed youth while talking to The News Kashmir state – “ The problems and issues arising out for youth of Kashmir due to prevalence of serious unemployment are multidimensional. The overall consequences on the life of Kashmiri youth due to unemployment are very adverse. The social fabric stands rattled as the problem of unemployment has lead to surge in late marriages in the past few decades. Jobless youth are finding it difficult to shape up a rewarding lifestyle especially in this era of high inflation. We are hopeful that Government would take corrective measures to address growing menace of unemployment which is proving harmful for Kashmiri youth .”

Without an iota of doubt , the serious consequences of unemployment on kashmiri youth life are quite severe.

06 years on, Maharajpora-Sopore Bride awaits completion

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06 yrs on, Maharajpora-Sopore Bridge awaits completion

Danish Tariq

Six long years have already passed since the construction work on Mahrajpora-Sopore Bridge in north Kashmir’s Sopore Town started but little headway has been made since then towards its completion.

The bridge, 205 meter long and to be built on 4 pillars with 9 piles, is being built at the estimated cost of 13.68 crore. The foundation stone of the project was laid by then Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on 02 December, 2013.

According to locals, once the bridge is made functional it will connect many villages including Tarzoo, Panjipora, Hygam and other areas and the people from these areas can travel directly to Bandipora and Kupwara.

“I am carrying people from one side of river Jehlum to other in my Shikara and I charge ten rupees per person for the ride. If Mahrajpora-Sopore Bridge is thrown open for the traffic, it will bring a much-needed respite for the commuters,” Abdul Rashid Dar, a Shikara owner

Mohammad Subhan, local resident said that, when former Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, laid the foundation of Mahrajpora-Sopore Bridge he had promised to complete the construction work in least possible time but that did not happen.

A group of people while demanding completion of this Mahrajpora Bridge at earliest said that the people of area facing hardships to travel from one place to another. They also appealed Deputy Commissioner Baramulla to intervene into this issue so that people will not face more inconvenience they added despite repeated public outcry and assurances from the concerned officials of JKPCC the construction on the bridge was not taken up as was expected, authorities have failed to construct the bridge.

Meanwhile, an official from JKPCC who wished not to be named said that, the project was approved under “Languishing Projects” by Jammu and Kashmir government.

“I accept that construction work is going on slowly and the same is because previous funds were released in the tone of lacs which halted its construction. Now, we have requested sanctioning of funds in advance so that the project is completed without further delay,” we hope that in next 2 years the bridge would be made functional for people.

Udta Kashmir

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UDTA KASHMIR
NEWS KASHMIR EXCLUSIVE

Drug addiction is defined as compulsive and out-of-control drug use, despite negative consequences. In the last few decades, drug addiction has increased exponentially in the Kashmir valley.
Sometime back, as per the survey conducted by United Nations Drug Control Programme (UNDCP), there are 70,000 drug addicts in Kashmir alone, out of which 4000 are women. As per the survey, 65 to 70% of students in Kashmir are drug addicts.
The growing use of Heroin as drug among youth of Kashmir is cause of worry. From North to South Kashmir to Central Kashmir whole Kashmir is worst hit by the menace of rising Drug addiction.
As per the statistics issued by Government Psychiatric disease hospital, Rainawari, 90% drug users are in the age group of 17 to 35 years with a lifetime prevalence of drug addiction. Official records at the centre, which is run by the Department of Psychiatry at SMHS Hospital, reveal that out of 342 people admitted for substance abuse from 1 January 2019 to 20 June 2019, at least 309 (90.3 per cent) were abusing heroin in “some or the other form”.

A recent survey by the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment (MoSJE) says 4.9 percent of J&K population has been abusing opioid drugs. But mental health workers and doctors consider even this alarming number an underestimate.
In February this year, the National Drug Dependence Treatment Centre (NDDTC) of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, submitted its report “Magnitude of Substance Use in India”.
Prominent activist Shabir Ahmad Shabir who is running a Rahat drug de-addiction, while talking to the News Kashmir magazine state “ The host of factors are responsible for rising drug abuse and addiction in Kashmir . The worst hit are the teenagers and youth of Kashmir. The factors responsible are easy availability of drug outside educational , residential areas of Kashmir .The lack of action against the drug peddlers has also compounded the problems . Peer pressure is also responsible . Peer pressure can cause teens to engage in risky behaviors, leading to substance abuse. In some cases lack of good parenting is also leading to drug abuse and also the factor of bad company . We should appreciate that since the two deaths in last few weeks related to drug addiction the police has swung into action. Police alone cannot solve the drug addiction problem as it is duty of entire society to end this menace .
It is unfortunate that we do not have a concrete survey yet done to know the real magnitude of drug addiction problem but without doubt ground situation suggests post 2016 it has become a multi headed monster . The society also does not come forward to help drug de addiction centres like us but both society and government are failing us. We are fighting a lone battle .”

Walk the Talk

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Walk the Talk

News Kashmir Exclusive

Recently the assertions of Governor Satya Pal Malik in A function organized by Doordarshan at SKICC have generated lot of debate and discussion.
The function attended by top Union Ministers, Doordarshan officials saw Governor SatyaPal Malik making lot of bold visionary statements.
He termed as welcome the statement of Hurriyat Conference (M) Mirwaiz Umar Farooq expressing readiness for talks, underling that “temperatures have improved a lot and are far below” since he took over the reins of the state.

“I feel happy that temperature when I came here is far below it. Today the Hurriyat, which once did not open door to Ram Vilas Paswan (presently a Cabinet Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution) who was standing at their door, are now talking about talks. There is lot of change everywhere. New recruitment in militant ranks is almost zero and there is no stone pelting after Friday prayers,” he said while addressing a function organized by Doordarshan Kendra Kashmir.
The Governor said that problem of Kashmir is younger generation issues and “there is need to solve their displeasure.”

Governor also expressed his happiness that Mirwaiz Umar Farooq spoke against drug menace and urged all to come up forward and play their role to completely limit the menace.

Expert pulse is in appreciation of these developments.

Inaam Un Nabi, Political Analyst and TV Debater, while talking to the News Kashmir Magazine Stated : ” Dialogue is the basic method to solve the burning issues throughout the world and in case of Kashmir the most needed thing is talks and dialogue so as to stem the tide of painful bloodshed as we are loosing youth on daily basis. The assertions by the Governor SatyaPal Malik and positive response from the Pro freedom leadership is a step in right direction and we need to build on this to solve the burning issues. Even India and Pakistan should walk the talk and ensure the issues between them are solved and not put on the back burner. Dialogue is the only way ahead. ”

Masses of Kashmir who are witness to heavy bloodshed are delighted over the possibility of a dialogue so that the mad cycle of violence can be put to end.

They are urging all the stakeholders to leave hardline approach and come forward for talks.

Kathua : Justice with Asifa!

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Kathua: Justice with Asifa!

News Kashmir Analysis

In a landmark Judgement, a court in Pathankot Punjab has awarded life imprisonment to three of the six convicts including mastermind Sanji Ram and a policeman in the rape and murder of an eight-year-old girl in Kathua.
Pertinently,
three of the accused, Sanji Ram (main accused), Deepak Khujuria and Parvesh Kumar alias Mannu were earlier convicted for both rape and murder while as many policemen–Anand Dutta, Tilak Raj and Surinder Kumar (SPO) were held guilty for destruction of evidence. Vishal, son of main accused Sanji Ram, has been acquitted.
On the other hand,
The three policemen have been sentenced to five years imprisonment.
All the social and political circles have applauded the verdict.

President J&K Peoples Movement Shah Faesal welcomed the Court verdict in rape-murder case of a child from Rassana Kathua and called it a victory of truth over falsehood.

In his tweet, Shah Faesal called out the politicians who had tried to sabotage the investigation in the matter and gave credit to J&K Police and the Judiciary for standing their ground in-spite of the political pressure.

Shah Faesal said that politicization of this rape case was one of the most horrendous and shameful incidents of our time and those people who raised the communal bogey against the victims family deserve to be condemned.

“The role of media and activists who tirelessly built a global campaign for justice to the victim also needs to be appreciated”, Shah Faesal added.
While talking to the News Kashmir Mushtaq Ul Haq Ahmad Sikandar, writer and activist stated :”There has been an institutional denial of justice to Kashmiris since 1990s. The Draconian laws like afspa have been providing impunity to the uniformed men. The award of sentences to culprits in Kathua rape and murder case is a welcome step towards restoring justice and faith of people in judiciary. But the larger question remains that culprits in this case were communal civilians and local policemen but when it comes to army and other paramilitary forces the persecution percentage remains quite low. The faith of common people has retrograded in the institution of judiciary and to restore it culprits of Kunanposhpora, Tufail Matoo, Shopain double murder and rape case and numerous others need to be brought to book and punishment be awarded. To use different yardstick for army and local policemen or civilians will lead to rendering the fault lines more sharper in the society.”