The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik approved inclusion of 66 villages in the list of Backward Areas, thereby fulfilling the long pending demand of these areas.Pertinent to mention that the Jammu and Kashmir State Commission for Backward Classes established under Jammu and Kashmir State Commission for Backward Classes Act, 1997 is the appropriate body to recommend the inclusion of villages of various districts in the list of backward areas.The Commission is mandated to examine requests for inclusion of any class of citizens as a Backward Class in the lists and hear complaints of over-inclusion or under-inclusion of any Backward Class in such list and tender such advice to the Government as it deems appropriate. Various criteria/parameters are adopted by the Commission for declaring any area as ‘Backward’. These largely include social and educational backwardness of the area together with various indicators.The villages included in the list of RBA are Kangral Sangral, Nara, Doke Jagir, Paya-Chak, Gortha Riadandi, Sukral, Thana, Kard, Rayour, Begoon, Nund, Jeed, Bupniar-garh, Bandera, Thopal, Barthal, Sanasar, Chilla, Sincha, Sana, Issoo, Kradi, Kawarigam, Chatoosa, Cheq Ashmuji, Gadihama, Ultigam, Nuner, Kondabal, Wailoo Bala, Turkapora, Karihama, Gundgushi, Neelipora, Waterkhani, Villagam, Ashkanpora, Magam, Kunan, Shumriyal, Sodal, Mugalpora, Khanpora, Khirman Tilickhand, Zahid Bagh, Goripora, Hushbangpora, Dogripora, Sether Gund, Ahgam, Kartargrah, Baihama, Sadura, Marhote, Kakora, Lerote, Rampore, Anzwalla, Gund Fathapora, Turka Tachloo, Negibhat, Najan, Malikpora, Lirrow, Sopat and Gandtal,The decision will entitle eligible inhabitants of these areas to reap the benefits under the Jammu & Kashmir Reservation Act/Rules in recruitments and admission in professional colleges.
SAC approves creation of 2000 posts of Accounts Assistants for Panchayats
The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik accorded sanction to the creation of 2000 posts of Panchayat Accounts Assistants exclusively for strengthening the functioning of democratically elected Panchayat Raj Institutions.The recently amended Panchayati Raj Act envisages devolution of powers, funds & functions to the Panchayats. As such, the Panchayats are due for receiving substantial funding from the Government. Therefore, posting of officials with adequate knowledge of maintenance of accounts and booking expenditure is imperative.There are 4483 Panchayats across the State. However keeping in view the resource position and to begin with 2000 posts of Accounts Assistants are being created who would be given charge of 2-3 Panchayats depending upon the population and geographical distance.The recruitment to these posts shall be done under SRO 202 by SSB through written test and interview under which selected candidates will receive contractual salary for first five years and thereafter get full regular salary.The Rural Development Department will meet the contractual salary of these appointees from the provisions available for administrative expenses under various schemes administered by it and should there be any shortfall, the same would be met by the Finance Department from its budgetary resources.The Accounts Assistant shall be a District Cadre Post and transfers will be affected within the block by the BDO and within the District by the DDC. Their APRs will be reported upon by the Block Development Officer (BDO) concerned, reviewed by the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) and accepted by the District Development Commissioner (DDC) concerned.
Access to Quality Education
SAC approves up-gradation of 228 Middle/High Schools to High/Higher Secondary Schools
In a significant decision aimed at providing access to quality education to the students particularly of remote and inaccessible areas, the State Administrative Council (SAC) under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik has approved up-gradation of 228 schools spread across various Districts including provision of staff. Out of these 210 schools are under State sector and 18 schools under centrally sponsored scheme- ‘Samagra Shiksha'.Out of 210 schools, 87 High Schools have been upgraded to the level of Higher Secondary Schools. These include regularization of 02 hanging Higher Secondary Schools.The names of the schools upgraded from High School to Higher Secondary School level are 06 in District Anantang (HS Lalan, HS Batkoot, GHS Dooru, HS Mantipora, HS Manzmoh, HS Gurdaman), 04 in District Bandipora (HS Chuntimulla, HS Madwan, HS Quilmuqam, HS Shadipora), 07 in District Baramulla (HS Shatloo, HS Gingle, HSS Nowgam Kandi (Hanging School), HS Chatoosa, HS Salambad Uri, GHS Tilgam, HS Mangam), 06 in District Budgam (HS Utligam, HS Kandoora, HS Dalwan, HS Dragger, HS Bemina, BHS Wadwan), 04 in District Ganderbal (BHS Khalmulla, BHS Gulabbagh, HS Kullan, HS Sheerpathri), 03 in District Kargil (HS Chanigund, HS Lankerchay, High School Biama (Purtikchay), 04 in District Kulgam (HS Waltangoo, HS Khull, GHS Pahloo, HS Hangar), 04 in District Kupwara (BHSS Warpora (Hanging School), HS Khumriyal, BHS Ring Payeen, HS Haril), 04 in District Pulwama (HS Chersoo, HS Batagund, HS Abhama, HS Chakura), 02 in District Shopian (HS Sedow, HS Heerpora), 01 in District Srinagra (BHS Sangam), 04 in District Doda (HS Behota, HS Dradhu, HS Koti, HS Shadiwan), 02 in District Jammu (HS Keri, HS Marh), 04 in District Kathua (HS Dhar Dugnoo, HS Basantpur, HS Bhatodi, HS Korepunnu), 05 in District Kishtwar (HS Badhat, HS Patnazi, HS Keshwan, HS Dool, HS Nandana), 03 in District Poonch (HS Arai, HS Gali Kalaban, HS Seri Khawaja), 04 in District Rajouri (HS Androth, HS Udhan, HS Qila Darhal, HS Tralla), 05 in District Ramban (HS Chamalwas, HS Gurmul, HS Kanthi, HS Dhandrath, HS Pogal), 06 in DistrictReasi (HS Dhanour, HS Budhan, HS Bagga, HS Ladda, HS Ransoo, HS Kotli Bhaga), 03 in District Samba (HS Khara Madana, HS Boys Bainglar, GHS Sarna), 06 in DistrictUdhampur (HS Sewna, HS Dhanas, HS Rasli Gadheran, HS Pakhlai, HS Rang, HS Chiryai).Similarly, 123 Middle Schools have been upgraded to the level of High Schools. These include regularization of 16 Hanging High Schools.
The names of the schools upgraded from Middle School to High School are 07 in District Anantnag (BMS Mir Danter, HS Dessu (Hanging School), HS Imoh (Hanging School), HS Zalangam (Hanging School), MS Batgund, MS Ganeshpora, MS Magraypora), 12 in District Bandipora (GMS Plan, HS Naidkhai (Hanging School), HS SK Bala (Hanging School), HS Trigam (Hanging School), MS Banyaree Sharki, MS Barnayee, MS Chanpal, MS kuragbal, MS Rakhi Shilvat, MS S.K. Payeen, MS Viewan, MS Zalpora), 07 in District Baramulla (GHS Ladoora (Hanging School), HS Checksari (Hanging School), HS Panzalla (Hanging School), HS Rawoocha (Hanging School), MS Khushmarg Bagna, MS Saidpora, MS Vazir), 04 in District Budgam (BMS Kralpora, BMS Paris Abad, MS Bon Zanigam, MS Kralnewa), 04 in District Ganderbal (MS Harran, MS Kachpathri, MS Pati Yarmuqam, MS Rabitar), 04 in District Kargil (MS Lankore, MS Skambo, MS Thangsoo, MS Yuljuk), 12 in District Kulgam (Girls MS Chowgam, BMS Semthan, MS Frisal, GHS Katrsoo (Hanging School), GMS Ahmad abad, GMS Churath, HS Behibagh (Hanging School), HS Khrewan (Hanging School), HS Lamer (Hanging School), MS Badroo, MS Dard Gund, MS NPKP), 05 in District Kupwara (Ashpora, BMS Ring Bala, GMS Lalpora, HS Check Sarmarg (Hanging School), UPS Tharatpora), 02 in District Leh (MS Korzik, MS Skalzangling), 03 in District Pulwama (BMS Saimooh, UPS C.B Nath, UPS Khadermoh), 03 in District Shopian (BMS Hendow, MS Landoora, UPS Mukani-Dunaroo), 02 in District Srinagar (GHS Gooripora (Hanging School), GMS Malbagh), 03 in District Doda (UPS Ablimasri, UPS Gulmana, UPS Tantna), 02 in District Jammu (MS Jogwan, MS Kanyala), 07 in District Kathua (MS Delew, MS Moar, MS Nelhew, MS Phalote, MS Roukhla, UPS Galodi, UPS Janu), 03 in District Kishtwar (GMS Dekri, MS Dangdaroo, MS Kawar), 09 in District Poonch (MS Danadoyian, MS Dheri Maseet, MS Dingla, MS Gadhra, MS Kallar Kattal, MS Kandi, MS Parat, MS Tain, MS Traranwali), 05 in District Rajouri (GMS Jamola, MS Chawata (Dodasanbala), MS Dhara Sanwala, MS Keri, MS Larkoti), 06 in District Ramban (MS Kariya, UPS (G) Bhingra, UPS Chakka, UPS Harog, UPS Shamthi, UPS Tungali), 10 in District Reasi (MS Dhandli, MS Bidda, MS Budhnar, MS Matlote, MS Sadhota, MS Sukhal Ghati, MS Tanda, MS Theot, MS Thiloo, UPS Sanjichat), 13 in District Udhampur (Girls MS Ghat Ktyas, GMS Johnu, Govt. Middle School Hartyian, MS Pinger, MS Blandh, MS Bupp Sarar, MS Gurhi, MS Katti, MS Kothiliar, MS Latti Gharat, MS Nagulta, MS Parla Chapper, MS Prey).SAC also approved up-gradation of 18 schools under centrally sponsored scheme ‘Samagra Shiksha’. These include 12 Middle Schools upgraded to High Schools and 06 High Schools to Higher Secondary Schools.The names of the schools upgraded from Middle School to High School 01 each in District Baramulla (MS Busgran), District Budgam (GMS Badran), District Kupwara (MS Lachampora), District Shopian (MS Saidpora Bala), District Doda (UPS Gajoth), District Jammu (MS Bhagani), District Kathua (MS Parole), District Kishtwar (UPS Tillar), District Poonch (MS Qasaba), District Rajouri (MS LARKUTTI), District Reasi (MS Sukka), District Udhampur (MS Ladana). Similarly, schools upgraded to the level of Higher Secondary School 01 each in District Bandipora (HS Kanzalwan), District Baramulla (HS Rampora), District Kathua (HS Baggan), District Kupwara (HS Potushai), District Rajouri (HS Sankari No I), District Ramban (Govt. HS Maligam).SAC also approved up-gradation of Government Lower High School, Mallan Dessa Tehsil Bhagwah District Doda to Higher Secondary School.The decision of the SAC will fulfill the long standing demand of the people of these rural and inaccessible areas. The decision will have a discernible impact in bridging gaps and will decline the school dropout rate in these areas. The decision will also benefit girl students and students from disadvantaged sections of the society.
R&R Plan for 624 MW Keeru HEP approved
SAC approves revised R&R component for 1000 MW PakalDul HEP
The State Administrative Council (SAC) which met under the chairmanship of Governor, Satya Pal Malik approved the Rehabilitation & Resettlement (R&R) Plan for the Project Affected Families (PAFs) of 624 MW Keeru Hydro Electric Project (HEP) on River Chenab, Tehsil Nagseni, District Kishtwar.The total cost of the Rehabilitation Plan which has been formulated on the lines of Kishan Ganga and Pakul Dul HEPs and as per the recommendations of MoEFCC, is approximately Rs. 100 Crore.A total 725 Kanal & 9 Marlas of private land is required for execution of the project. 159 families will be affected, out of which 93 shall be displaced.The salient components of the R&R Plan include (i) Rs 33 Lakh as the lump sum cost for land and construction of house in line with the approved R&R Plan for Kishanganga HEP. (ii) Fishing rights in the reservoir to the PAF’s, outside the restricted area. (iii) Reimbursement of Stamp Duty on purchase of land by the PAFs losing land, to the extent of actual land loss. (iv) Financial assistance of Rs.25000 to displaced PAFs having cattle for construction of cattle shed. Non-displaced PAFs who are losing their seasonal cattle sheds/Kothas will also be entitled to this benefit. (v) Financial assistance of Rs.35, 000 towards transportation cost for shifting of building materials, belongings, cattle, etc. from the affected zone to the resettlement area. (vi) One time assistance of Rs. 40,000 per PAF for construction of workshed/shop to rural artisans/small traders and self-employed PAFs (vii) Scholarship of Rs.1000 per month for a period of 24 months to a maximum of two children per PAF. An additional 10 per cent amount of the above scholarship provision as top up shall be provided to differently abled and female students with cap of two children per PAF. (viii) Cost for Skill Development training facilities @ Rs. 2000/- per month per PAF for 12 months for 159 PAFs with total cost of Rs.38.16 lakhs.
Additional provision of Rs.2 Crore has been provided for Skill Development Programmes and 15.10 Crore for Skill Mapping and Development Plan. (ix) PAF’s who have not been provided agricultural land or employment shall be entitled to a rehabilitation grant equivalent to 750 days Minimum Agriculture Wages (MAW) @ Rs. 225 per day. (x) Monthly Subsistence Allowance @ Rs 225/day equivalent to 25 days of MAW per month for a period of one year with a provision of Rs.62.78 lakh. (xi) Pension for vulnerable Affected Persons @ Rs. 2000 per month per person, subject to verification of eligibility as per definition of Vulnerable persons in NRRP 2007. (xii) Provision of transit and temporary accommodation allowance (immediate possession allowance), pending R&R Plan, if need be. This provision shall be subject to scrutiny of the requirement of shifting of displaced families, if any, and subject to further verification of entitlement. Rs.2500 per month for a maximum period of 12 months or resettlement whichever is earlier. (xiii) Each Scheduled Tribe affected family shall get additional one-time financial assistance equivalent to 500 days of Minimum Agricultural Wages (Rs.225 per day) for loss of customary rights and forest usage. (xiv) For Infrastructure facilities in Resettlement Area, lump sum cash compensation shall be provided to the displaced PAFs for purchase of land and construction of house. (xv) Under Local Area Development activities, provision of Rs. 2887.00 lakh for local area development activities/social and community development package. (xvi) Under Monitoring and evaluation setup, a provision of Rs 250 Lakh has been kept. (xvii) One time financial assistance for seeds and fertilizers (xviii) 100 units of electricity shall be provided free of cost every month to every PAF for a period of 10 years from the date of commissioning of the project.SAC also approved revision in the Resettlement & Rehabilitation Plan of Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project regarding land and house construction assistance to PAFs in line with the enhancement in provision as approved for Kishanganga HEP.SAC directed that all the disbursements shall be necessarily Adhaar linked and delivered through DBT mode after proper scrutiny. Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar will function as Commissioner for the Rehabilitation & Resettlement of PAFs of 624 MW Keeru & 1000 MW Pakal Dul HEPs.