INTERVIEW: Musharraf proposal is best way forward in Kashmir
CENSUS 2011: Jammu & Kashmir Data & Analysis J&K'S MONTHLY MAGAZINE
ISSN : 0974-5653
Epilogue Jammu,April 01,2011 / Vol 5 / Issue 04 Price Rs.30 II Postal Regd.No.JK-350.2009IIwww.epilogue.in
NEWS, CURRENT
A F F A I R S,
SOCIAL
S C I E N C ES
REVEALED
JAMMU&KASHMIR ECONOMY & DEVELOPMENT: LATEST STATISTICS
IN NUMBERS Growth of Political Parties in J&K BJP'S Obsession with Kashmir J&K is India's Integral Part -So What?
1
Epilogue because there is more to know
CONTENT Editor Zafar Iqbal Choudhary
INTERVIEW 3 Musharraf's four-point formula is the best way for Kashmir resolution
Publisher Yogesh Pandoh Consulting Editor D. Suba Chandran Manu Srivastsa
SANGH'S KASHMIR OBSESSION BJP's Version of Nationalism
Associate Editors Irm Amin Baig Tsewang Rigzin Zorawar Singh Jamwal
Breaking Indo-Pak Logjam There is no better alternative to dialogue
17
Beliefs and mathematics
41
General Manager Kartavya Pandoh Research Officer Raman Sharma Phones & email Office : +91 191 2493136 Editorial: +91 94191 80762 Administration: +91 94191 82518 editor@epilogue.in subscription@epilogue.in Printed and Published by Yogesh Pandoh for Epilogue NewsCraft from Ibadat House, Madrasa Lane, Near Graveyard, Bathindi Top, Jammu, J&K - 180012 and Printed at : DEE DEE Reprographix, 3 Aikta Ashram, New Rehari Jammu (J&K) Disputes, if any, subject to jurisdiction of courts and competitive tribunals in Jammu only. RNI : JKENG/2007/26070 ISN : 00974-5653 Price : Rs 30
Significance of 7 in Islam: A mathematician's viewpoint
Epilogue Vol 5, Issue 04 April 2011
COLOUMN
J&K IN NUMBERS Census Data
Development Data Kashmiri Response to Phraseology Locating Kashmir in Indian Thinking
43
Tarikh-i-Rashidi As a Source of the History of 16th Century Ladakh
20
22
Dialogue across Divides Intra-J&K dialogue The meeting of hearts and minds
48
Job Panel Report
54
9 Will it make difference on ground?
GROWTH OF PARTIES IN J&K Study of circumstances that gave birth to political parties
6
11
3
NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS INTERVIEW
Musharraf's four-point formula is the best way for Kashmir resolution Professor Abdul Gani Bhat, a veteran Kashmiri leader and former Chairman of the Hurriyat Conference in Kashmir Valley says if the General Musharraf had not left at that particular time -when New Delhi and Islamabad were think in talks -it is possible that India and Pakistan might have reached a solution and the Kashmir problem would have been resolved. Excerpt from an interview with Nadir Ali, a researcher at Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies. Nadir Ali What is your evaluation of the political situation in Kashmir and its impact on South Asia?
of sensitivity and reality a reasonable solution can be found for the Kashmir situation.
Professor Bhat: Kashmir is the crux of all problems between India and Pakistan. To resolve the Kashmir issue, Indian and Pakistani officials have met on various occasions in the past. For instance, Tashkent in 1966, where they signed the Tashkent declaration, then in Shimla after 1971 war, which culminated in the Shimla Agreement, and more recently when President General Pervez Musharraf made a serious effort to address the issue through the Islamabad Declaration. However, the Indian state has apparently chosen to silence and suppress the grievances of the Kashmiris which manifest itself through anger, alienation, collective discontent, turmoil and an ever increasing uncertainty. The need of the hour therefore, is to address the root cause of these problems in Kashmir for the purpose of ensuring peace in the entire South-Asian region. However, this needs to be done while observing a certain measure of sensitivity to not infuriate the sentiments of any community and ensure a safe and secure future for South Asia. All three tangents need to be considered and one needs to take into account the Indian, the Pakistani and the sensitivities of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. Yet the ground realities also need to be considered. With a combination
Nadir Ali: What according to you is the ideal solution to the Kashmir problem?
www.epilogue.in
Professor Bhat: There are many solutions which the scholars and strategists have been either suggesting or looking forward to. The United Nations (UN) passed a resolution recognizing the people's right to determine their own future according to their own wishes primarily ascertained in terms of a plebiscite or referendum under the UN auspices. The resolution was accepted by both India and Pakistan but has not been implemented in the last 64 years. Sir Own Dixon had suggested an outline for a possible solution as early as 1950s which is known as "Dixon Plan" but even that Plan did not work out. Two countries fought wars in 1965 and 1971 and no resolution seemed in sight consequentially. As far as the current scenario is concerned one needs to consider factors like nuclear weaponization in the sub continent. As a consequence of increased weaponization the balance of power between India and Pakistan has been restored to a status quo. One also needs to keep in mind the concept of globalization of economy. Globalization of economies pre supposes interdependence amongst various nations. Violence is another factor which will influence the growth of relations
Vol. 5 Issus 04
between these two neighbours. Therefore, while seeking a settlement or while talking in terms of a possible solution one has to offer solutions for putting an end to violence. Meanwhile, extremism is as big a threat as violence and communalism. The call of time is to respond by rising above hostility, above irony, above cynicism and proceed pragmatically, imaginatively with openness and courage. For a person having deep linkages with both India and Pakistan it is difficult to differentiate and place his/her loyalties in one country in this sense they owe their allegiance to both India and Pakistan. If such people proceed on a premise of togetherness, that too in terms of a brighter tomorrow and a brighter South Asia they can abridge a link between India and Pakistan. Solutions will have to be found in a dispassionate manner otherwise the people of the two countries will be doomed. India deserves a seat in the United Nations Security Council but the Kashmir imbroglio blocks its passage. The other important factor hampering its progress in the UNSC is the involvement of China and America in South Asia. South Asian region is one of the world's very significant regions, and therefore the involvement of these two powerful countries is understandable. But, their involvement is likely to produce a crisis which will affect the relationship between India and Pakistan. Kashmir is not only linked
Epilogue, April 2011
NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS INTERVIEW
with the future of South Asia as a region but with Afghanistan too. There is a saying in Kashmir: "Tendus peth tend tay tendus lag zeer, Kabul, Kandhar bay Kashmir", that is there are linkages between Kabul, Kandhar and Kashmir and Kashmir cannot escape the fall outs of the situation in Afghanistan. So to be brief, the resolution of the Kashmir will bring peace, security and stability in the region of Asia for decades and years to come if not centuries. It will ensure prosperity of the people in the region and not leave them to languish in poverty. India's chances of a permanent set in UNSC will brighten up in the wake of improvement in its economic standards. Solving the Kashmir issue will also call for less Chinese presence in the region and the SinoAmerican conflict will no longer affect political situations in the region. The problems of extremism and violence will also go from Afghanistan and from Kashmir. Pakistan will probably benefit more than any other country. To crown it all India and Pakistan will be able to establish friendly relations. This will prove to be an end to all ills in the region. But the prime condition remains the resolution of the Kashmir issue which is unmistakably interlinked to Indo-Pak ties. Therefore, the people in this region need to summon the courage and endeavour together towards establishment of peace and prosperity and a solution which is acceptable, honourable and durable. General Musharraf's four point formula can provide an effective roadmap in Kashmir: 1) self governance, which is a political concept not a political concession, 2) demilitarization- "Well, if violence goes and if peace returns, you don't need the armies. Let the armies go to barracks," 3) Irrelevant borders which implies free movement of people and trade between India and Pakistan, and between the two Kashmirs, 4) Joint management of Kashmir,
www.epilogue.in
which is not joint control. Joint management will mean that India, Pakistan, and the two Kashmirs will comprise a group. A group to manage common interests and common issues like trade, tourism, and river waters etc. Joint In April 2007, Pervez Musharraf told me to see the Prime Minister of India, who was gracious to grant me an interview at his official residence. We talked for more than 40 minutes. I told Mr. Manmohan Singh that General Pervez Musharraf asked me to tell you "that you are a Pakistani Sikh ruling India and I am an Indian Muslim ruling Pakistan. A duty is divinely enjoined on us to buy peace for the people in the sub continent. Let us summon courage and rid Indians and Pakistanis of sentimentalism that is bordering on insanity." The Indian Prime Minster felt very happy, and remarked that "unless we restore peace, progress will not mean anything. Progress in turmoil is no progress." management is politico-social concept in the sense that politics and the social milieu will be considered together. These four points would enable the two countries to build trust amongst each other by increasing understanding, communication and mutual good will. Therefore, Musharraf's four point formula through joint management and self governance, demilitarization and irrelevant borders and free trade will provide a case worthy of pursuit. Nadir Ali: According to you Musharf's four point formula is a workable solution to the Kashmir problem. Why it failed to get materialised? Professor Bhat: During Pervez
Vol. 5 Issus 04
4
Musharraf's time the leadership in India and Pakistan had made appreciable progress towards finding a solution of the Kashmir problem. The Foreign Minister of Musharraf's government even claimed that "the agreement between India and Pakistan on Kashmir was just a signature away." However, this deal could not be brought to fruition as General Musharf had to resign. In fact earlier in April 2007, Pervez Musharraf told me to see the Prime Minister of India, who was gracious to grant me an interview at his official residence. We talked for more than 40 minutes. I told Mr. Manmohan Singh that General Pervez Musharraf asked me to tell you "that you are a Pakistani Sikh ruling India and I am an Indian Muslim ruling Pakistan. A duty is divinely enjoined on us to buy peace for the people in the sub continent. Let us summon courage and rid Indians and Pakistanis of sentimentalism that is bordering on insanity." The Indian Prime Minster felt very happy, and remarked that "unless we restore peace, progress will not mean anything. Progress in turmoil is no progress." If the General had not left at that particular time it is possible that India and Pakistan might have reached a solution and the Kashmir problem would have been resolved. There was also a review clause in the Musharraf formula that after 7 or 15 or more years it would be referred to the people and if they agree with it the arrangement will be deemed as final settlement on the Kashmir problem. But if they say no, then another mechanism will have to be evolved to ascertain the desire of people in all these regions comprising Jammu and Kashmir and India and Pakistan. The proposal was in fact not only an acceptable solution but a very workable one too, where no party would have suffered the painful sense of defeat: neither the Indians nor the Pakistanis and not even the people of Kashmir.
Epilogue, April 2011
5
Nadir Ali: You have traveled in both India and Pakistan. How would you compare the two countries? How should the Indian State alter its approach towards Kashmir? Professor Bhat: The two countries can be best described as one soul inhabiting two bodies. Many scholars endowed with a fine sense of history believe Pakistan and India share geographical features, similarities in poetry, fine arts, music, waters and several species of birds. It is also a ground reality that the two countries are likely to share future political repercussions of the developments in each other's territories. The region can be brought out of the political quagmire only by oneness of thought and deed disregarding caste, creed and colour, which is my sincere hope. India is world's seventh largest country and world's largest democracy. India has great amount of resources and great potential which is visible in its growing economic clout. However, if India is really keen to address the Kashmir problem it has to give some amount of leeway to Kashmiris as it is only by their conjoined effort that the two will be able to reach a possible solution. India should resume its composite dialogue with Pakistan. Let Indians and Pakistanis agree that the Kashmiris also have stakes in the conflict. If they acknowledge this it will be a very positive step towards resolving the Kashmir issue. Nadir Ali: What is your assessment of the Kashmiri separatist leadership? Do you think they have a long term vision and a sustainable goal in mind? Do you think people repose faith in them or that they can deliver to the expectations of these people? Professor Bhat: Well, leaders do not have to put on blinkers. Leaders have to be wide awake to the realities. If you are not wide awake
www.epilogue.in
NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS INTERVIEW
to the realities, you do not have any right to belong to politics. A good leader should not feel frightened if some people do not go his way or do not say what he says. A good leader should have two qualities: a) represent the sentiment genuinely, in this case the sentiment of the people in Kashmir, the people in Jammu, and the people in Ladakh; b) one who understands the dynamics of the change, who has the will to ride the tide of change and not be swallowed by the change but work out a strategy to tame the raising waves so that we reach the shore across a sea of turmoil. Nadir Ali: The Kashmiri youth are in revolt. They are very angry and are fighting hard. How do you see this rising angst? Professor Bhat: In terms of collective psychological personality of Kashmir the sentiment is transferred from generation to generation. It is as though the people in this region inherit the baggage called Kashmir problem, not only from 1947 but much earlier than that. Talking of youth, they are most visible on the streets. While the elders deliver speeches, and are not a part of the agitation: violent or peaceful, it is the youth who are always involved everywhere like in Telangana, in Palestine, in America (in the Vietnam War) etc. It is the youth who are the future. In Kashmir the sentiment and the anger of the youth finds expression in the roar of the gun, in stone pelting, in raising slogans, etc. Even everyday problems in Kashmir get often articulated as Aazadi (Freedom) discourse and it is the youth who are in the forefront. It is the youth who hold the key to the future of Kashmir. Nadir Ali: Professor, you were one of the founding members of Hurriyat conference. Now there are two sections of Hurriyat: one is moderate and the other is extrem-
Vol. 5 Issus 04
ist. What were the main reasons behind this split and why cannot the Kashmiri separatist leadership unite? Professor Bhat: Unity is an ideal which the people love to talk about but never achieve. Russia was a monolithic state, one single political party (USSR) but Russia broke and Communism is no more except for whatever little is left in China. India has a number of political parties and belongs to the democratic era and upholds the democratic culture. Disagreement on issues is allowed in an environment of rhetorical dissidence. Therefore, talking in terms of two Hurriyats does not matter. They (Hurriyat G) have their own path to pursue, and the other section has its own path to pursue which believes in dialogue. But look at the change: Geelani sahib tells gunmen not to wield guns anymore as this will be doing a favour to India. Even Jihad Council chief Salahudin says they are prepared for a dialogue. Today Geelani sahib is willing to receive and talk to the members of Indian Parliament. What was haram yesterday is halal today. The two Hurriyats have the same goal and are differentiated only by the belief or disbelief in extremism. Nadir Ali: What is your message to the International community and what do you want to convey to India and Pakistan? Professor Bhat: The people of Kashmir deserve to live in peace. However, no peace can be established in a vacuum. It has to be bought. So how do the people of Kashmir buy peace for themselves? Let the international community throw their weight on India and Pakistan and express sympathies with the Kashmiris and help resolve the long standing dispute which has not only soured relations between these two neighbouring countries but also endangers the future of all concerned parties. (By Arrangement: IPCS) Epilogue, April 2011
NEWS & CURRENT AFFAIRS
6
SANGH'S KASHMIR OBSESSION
BJP's Version of Nationalism
A Review of Controversial Ekta Yatra AMIT KUMAR Marx wrote in 'The Eighteenth Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte' that "History repeats itself, first as tragedy, then as farce". One feels tempted to repeat the same in the case of BJP's recent concluded 'Ekta Yatra' which started from Kolkata and which was supposed to be culminated at Lal Chowk, Srinagar with the hoisting of national flag on January 26, the Republic Day. The present campaign of BJP reminds of May, 1953 when Shyama Prasad Mukherjee along with some other Jan sangh members attempted to cross the state borders and were arrested. This campaign gives us a chance to revisit the BJP history from Jan Sangh onwards and analyze how and why they take such campaigns/yatras. What is it, that BJP targets again and again be it Mukherjee's journey in 1953, Advani's rath yatra in 1990, Murli Manohar Joshi's 'Ekta Yatra' of 1992 or the present 'Ekta yatra' of the BJP youth wing, Bharatiya Janta Yuva Morcha. This campaign also gives us a chance to unravel the claims of nationalism, national integrity, respect to national flag and all other questions which they pick up while on the 'Rath' and forget after that. In this article I will attempt to briefly touch upon the Yatra which Jan sangh founder Shyama Prasad Mukherjee took in 1953 demanding assimilation of J&K fully into Indian union by abrogating Art. 370 and will try to juxtapose it with the recent concluded BJYM's 'Ekta yatra'. Mukherjee and Jan sangh Mukherjee started his career as a Vice-chancellor of Calcutta University and from there he turned to be the founder of Jan sangh in 1951. Apart from the political compulsion of his time, it seems that the influence of his mother was very much on Mukherjee. After his death in Srinagar in one of the letters written to Pandit Jawahar lal Nehru his mother wrote "I had long dedicated my son for the selfless service to the country and my son sacrificed his life for the cause of the motherland", (Balraj Madhok, Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, A biography, pp.3-4). Mukherjee while being the VC of Calcutta University also gradually started to drift towards the Hindu right particularly towards Hindu Mahasabha. Thus in 1941 along with Hindu mahasabha and a breakaway faction of Muslim league, Mukherjee formed a coalition ministry in Bengal. But soon in 1943, falling in line with the Indian National Congress, Mukherjee re-
www.epilogue.in
signed from the ministry in protest to the repressive measures followed by the colonial state. When the debate of independence and partition started he became one of the biggest champions of Bengali Hindus and demanded that Bengal be divided along communal lines, West Bengal for Hindus and East Bengal for Muslims. But he was one leader from Hindu right wing i.e. from RSS or Mahasabha who was regarded as a moderate Hindu leader. This image gave Mukherjee the cabinet ministry formed under the prime ministership of Pt. Jawaharlal Nehru in the first Lok sabha. But soon the conditions in West Bengal where a large no. of Hindus had started to migrate from East Bengal and the tribal raid in kashmir started changing Mukherjee's future course of action (B.D Graham, 'Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and the communalist alternative', in Soundings in Modern South Asia,ed by D.A Low). In his highly passionate and articulate speeches in the Indian parliament
Vol. 5 Issus 04
he criticized the policies by Nehru and Congress regarding Bangladeshi migrants and 'Delhi agreement' signed between Pt. Nehru and Liaqat Ali khan, the Prime minister of Pakistan. Mukherjee resigned from the ministry on 1st April, 1951 and in October of the same year formed All Bharatiya Jana sangh, which was seen by many as an alternative to the Indian national Congress. Jan sangh though never declared openly but they had definite links with RSS since the very start of its formation, (Myron Weiner, State politics in India, the development of Multi-party system). This is the background from where we can try and understand Shyama Prasad Mukherjee and the whole politics which Jan Sangh did in the coming years. Jammu and Kashmir, Sheikh and Mukherjee The conditions in Jammu and Kashmir after the tribal raid were turbu-
Epilogue, April 2011
7
lent but despite this Sheikh Abdullah and National conference had been pushing hard to implement the agendas they had raised in 'Naya Kashmir'. The first and foremost being of Land reforms and abolition of Land Lordism. The most radical clause in the 'Big Landed Estates Abolition Act 1950' was that no compensation was to be provided to the land lords and the ceiling of land had to be 22.75 acres (182 kanals). This step was not comfortably taken by the Landlords who were mostly Dogras and they by 1952 with the help of Ex-Maharaja of J&K started a vigorous campaign against Sheikh Abdullah and National Conference with the name Jammu Praja Parishad. The demand of compensation to the landlords was mixed with the emotional cry of Jammu being subjected 'kashmiri raj' and abrogation of Article 370. Jan sangh which was trying to build itself throughout these, found a fertile ground in Jammu and an able ally in Jammu praja parishad. From late 1952 onwards Mukherjee continuously raised the issue of 'Jammu being discriminated' in the Indian parliament, and in one of the letters dated 9th January, 1953 to Nehru, Mukherjee wrote. "If people of J&K think otherwise, must Jammu also suffer because of such unwillingness to merge completely with India? Ek nisan,ek vidhan, ek pradhan-one flag, one constitution, one president-represents a highly patriotic and emotional slogan which the people are carrying on their struggle", (Integrate Kashmir, Mukherjee-Nehru and Abdullah Correspondence). Mukherjee later even went to the extent to suggest that Jammu and kashmir be divided into three parts in which Jammu and ladakh would be the completely merged into India while the fate of the valley to be decided by plebiscite or any other formula. Many scholars like Balraj puri look at the Praja
www.epilogue.in
SOCIAL SCIENCES SANGH'S KASHMIR OBSESSION
Parishad movement as the first of those examples which did send a message to the Kashmiri people that their complete integration with India might not be so soothing as they had thought it to be. Apprehensions were seen from Nehru's side also and in a letter dated 10th, January, 1953 he wrote to Mukherjee, "Suppose some remnants of the Muslim league in the valley of Kashmir started an agitation which was anti-India and proPakistan, how should we deal with it? What affect do you think has Praja parishad agitation on such persons in the valley or elsewhere? If you open Pandora's Box, then all kinds of unexpected and undesirable things come out of it." But despite Nehru's advice the Pandora's box was opened and his apprehensions were to a large extent true and the very basic characters of the Indian state, be its democracy, socialism or its secularism for which Kashmiri's joined India, are now the characters for which they are fighting. The movement in Jammu had soon turned to be violent and huge public property was lost, not only that, the movement soon took a communal angle and Muslims of Jammu were targeted. To prevent the influence of external forces like Jan sangh Govt. of India had put a permit system on the movement across the state. Mukherjee and Jan Sangh saw in it an easy method of raising an issue and thus on 11th May, 1953 as he was about to cross the state from the Madhopur bridge he was arrested with two other leaders of Jan sangh. From there all the three were made to sit in a jeep and after spending their night at Batote next day they reached Srinagar where they were made to stay in a small Villa. Due to his ill health, (cold and symptoms of Gouts) Mukherjee died while in valley on 24th June, 1953. The death of Mukherjee was the last nail in the coffin and sheikh Abdullah was
Vol. 5 Issus 04
charged as a murdered and slogans like 'Gaddar Abdullah ko fansi do' were raised. Even the attitude of Nehru had started to change towards his friend Sheikh Abdullah and eventually on 8th August, 1953 Sheikh was dismissed, put behind bars and Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed was made the puppet Prime Minister. Masculine project of National integration continues From 8th August, 1953 to the present day when the 'Ekta yatra' is the talk of the town the unending saga of repression of Kashmiri's continue and their only crime being that they time and again tried to make Indian leadership realize its promises and to fulfill the same. The Jan sangh in the Lok Sabha elections in 1957 won only 4 seats and their vote percentage increased from 3.1% in 1952 to 5.9% in 1957. Though the results show that they couldn't cash on the Praja Parishad agitation and the slogan of 'national integration', but the whole period of 1952 to 1957 set the trend for the future generations of Jan sangh/ BJP, and even know the same slogans are invoked time and again by BJP or other right wing Hindu organizations. I go back to my basic argument what is it that BJP is targeting and when? The rhetoric of Nationalism and national integration is one of their biggest weapons, a nationalism which is majoritarian and exclusive. Muslims and Christians don't form a part of this national discourse. They are the 'others' of 'us', 'outsiders' for the 'insiders', because nationalism as defined by their ideologues is not only decided by religion, but also by history and culture. Thus M.S Golwalkar wrote, "The non Hindu people of Hindustan must either adopt Hindu culture and language, must learn and respect and hold in reverence the Hindu religion, must
Epilogue, April 2011
SOCIAL SCIENCES SANGH'S KASHMIR OBSESSION
entertain no idea but the glorification of the Hindu race and culture" (Gowalkar, M.S ,We or Our Nation defined.. pp-. 55). Every nation requires the creation of a 'self' and 'other' dichotomy, sometimes the 'other' is inside (like Muslims in India, Jews in Germany) the national boundary while at other times it might be outside (French for Britons). In both the cases nationalism acquires an exclusionary tendency. BJP often plays upon the basic fear psychosis of the majority i.e. of Hindus and fabricates the history and narratives of 'Muslim oppression', 'Muslim population explosion', demonize Islam as a 'violent religion'. Apart from this creation of Muslim as 'other', the cartographic anxiety of a nation is continuously evoked. A post-colonial state like India which has fluid boundaries around it (be it Bangladesh in 1971, Sri Lanka, or even Kashmir in 1948) is extremely conscious of its boundaries i.e. has a great degree of 'cartographic anxiety'. Like a 'female body' the body of a nation is linked to pride or izzat and any impingement upon that challenges/invokes the masculine identity of any nation. Evoking the similar notion of nationalism and 'cartographic anxiety' Mukherjee in letter
dated 9th January, 1953 asks Nehru, "one third of the territory of Jammu and Kashmir is now occupation of Pakistan‌ It will be nothing short of national disgrace and humiliation, if we fail to regain this lost portion of our country". In this definition of nationalism, Kashmir gets the most focus because unlike other parts of India, it has a majority Muslim population and also it's close to Pakistan thus invoking the worst kinds of cartographic fears among the Majority in India. As one of the columnists recently wrote the message of the yatra isn't the Ekta or integrity, but it's rather an invasion to a foreign land. Infact kashmir has always been as invincible territory which despite being within the boundary of India, still is not fully into, which despite being a physical part of India is mentally something to be conquered. Symbols play an important role in right wing yatras and they are used to generate more passions and thus sometimes the body of country is shown as 'Bharat Mata' and sometimes furling of flag (the recent campaign and M.M Joshi's yatra of 1992) demarcates a nationalist from that of an anti-national. If Somnath (BJP argues that it was at Somnath where the assault on Hindu temples and shrines was started by
8
Ghazni) choosed to be the starting point of the yatra in September, 1990 by L.K Advani, Kolkata the ancestral home of Shyama Prasad Mukherjee was used in the recent 'Ekta Yatra'. In this game of politics everything is arranged strategically by BJP. One more aspect of all the yatras has been the timing of these yatras, if Mukherjee defied the permit system when Jan Sangh was at the lowest ebb, the recent Yatra aimed at fulfilling Mukherjee's mission when they have almost been rooted out of last Lok sabha elections. Also the coming elections in UP and West Bengal is of course very well in the mind of the BJP ideologues and strategists. Apart from that as the issue of Ram Janam Bhoomi is more or less dead, Yeduruppa is also involved in corruption and most importantly when Assemananda case has surfaced so BJP is desperately in need of an issue which brings it back into the picture and also veils 'Hindu terrorism' and huge scams throughout the country. Nothing better than the rhetoric of Nationalism and that also when linked with Kashmir gives the best response. (Author is a Scholar of Political Science at university of Jammu)
The movement in Jammu had soon turned to be violent and huge public property was lost, not only that, the movement soon took a communal angle and Muslims of Jammu were targeted. To prevent the influence of external forces like Jan sangh Govt. of India had put a permit system on the movement across the state. Mukherjee and Jan Sangh saw in it an easy method of raising an issue and thus on 11th May, 1953 as he was about to cross the state from the Madhopur bridge he was arrested with two other leaders of Jan sangh. From there all the three were made to sit in a jeep and after spending their night at Batote next day they reached Srinagar where they were made to stay in a small Villa. Due to his ill health, (cold and symptoms of Gouts) Mukherjee died while in valley on 24th June, 1953. The death of Mukherjee was the last nail in the coffin and sheikh Abdullah was charged as a murdered and slogans like 'Gaddar Abdullah ko fansi do' were raised. Even the attitude of Nehru had started to change towards his friend Sheikh Abdullah and eventually on 8th August, 1953 Sheikh was dismissed, put behind bars and Bakshi Ghulam Mohammed was made the puppet Prime Minister.
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
9
SOCIAL SCIENCES KASHMIRI RESPONSE TO PHRASEOLOGY
Locating Kashmir in Indian Thinking
New Delhi's obsession with 'integral' phrase and its emotional, diplomatic consequences WAHEED UR REHMAN The Government of India has always maintained its position and stand on Kashmir as an "Integral Part of the Indian Union". The phrase integral part' was originally coined in response to international clamour on the issue of Kashmir as a bone of contention between India and Pakistan. 'Integral Part' was coined by the Parliament of India, to announce to the international community that Kashmir was an integral part of the country, making it an internal issue not an international one, and thus any kind of interference therein would be seen as a breach of the sovereignty of India. However, the term and its use have mutated so that it is used domestically itself as a claim to the land of Kashmir, thus creating a phrase that Kashmiris view as a challenge to their rights upon their own lands. Today, every leader speaking about Kashmir begins with the pronouncement that Kashmir is an Integral part of India. Why, a Kashmiri might ask, or indeed any Indian might wonder, is it necessary to make such a redundant seeming proclamation? The term is never used for the other 28 presumably equally integral states of the country. Laying claim in such a fashion reveals entitlement where there is none, and in fact, is exacerbating the strained relations that the nation already has with Kashmir. Not only does this indiscriminate use of the term fail to heal the wounds and fail to rebuild the trust deficit, it in fact acts as an ever-expanding divider between Kashmir and New Delhi. As soon as leaders in Delhi say that Kashmir is an 'integral part' of India, they reveal the doubt that shrouds their relationship with Delhi; as soon as they use this phrase never used for other regions
www.epilogue.in
of the country, they expose the complicated and confused domestic issues that Delhi is unable to resolve. 'Integral Part', Explained: It is a geography-specific term and does not take into account the human aspect, the emotions of those living in the region. The moment someone uses the term he pushes Kashmiris up against a wall and acts as an irritator for the common masses. Even separatists use the term to illustrate it as indicative of India's greed towards land, and the people in valley feel blindsided. History, as seen through news and the media, is a witness to the negative consequences of this phrase. The day the words 'integral part' are used within the country about Kashmir, invariably the next day is presented with reactionary statement from separatists to counter it and provoke people. The question to ponder here whether it is the term 'integral part' in and of itself or the unnecessary use of the term that provides the springboard for the separatists to launch off of. Could the term, if used for the purpose it was originally intended to serve,
Vol. 5 Issus 04
be redeemed and thus retained in our national vocabulary? Since its coinage, even before it could be marketed by politicians for its international use, the term was coopted by separatists and used as a platform. This fact, added to what the term has now become in its domestic avatar, makes it nothing but salt to the wounds of Kashmir. We should blame the users of this term for its complete corruption. However, rather than leave it by the wayside as nothing but an obsolete byproduct of the Indian political game, it should be used where in fact needed, in international dialogue. The tragedy is that term 'integral part' refers to the principal stand of GOI on Kashmir and also non-intervention to the sovereignty of the country, and yet rarely appears in international conversations. I recently heard a conversation involving the Foreign Minister & Foreign Secretary of India where they were ready to discuss every issue with Pakistan including Kashmir, and had completely left out any mention of the position of 'integral part'. In another separate statement the foreign officers said that India was
Epilogue, April 2011
SOCIAL SCIENCES
10
KASHMIRI RESPONSE TO PHRASEOLOGY
ready to talk with China about Kashmir visa row, and other issues. Once again the term 'integral part' did not make even a guest appearance. How unfortunate then that in the one place where this word should actually be used, it was slipping into oblivion. Forgot ting what it was actually meant for; it is like diluting the country's principal stand on the Kashmir Issue. In spite of this the term continues to be used today to talk with our own people at domestic and intra-state levels, either by those who are oblivious to its negative impact, or by those who use it to manipulate and the dialogue, and favor vested interests, in the guise of national interests. It seems that our Prime Minister and other socalled leaders are as eager to begin speeches at home with the grand statement that Kashmir is an 'integral part' of India, as they are quick to forget it when they reach the United Nations General Assembly or any such international forum. Pakistan and Integral Part: Countering India's position on Integral part, Pakistan has floated the theory of 'jugular vein' on Kashmir. The term is evocative and emotional rather than being about anything material such as land, thus appealing to the sentiments of the people in Kashmir. It is in fact the same phrase that Muslims believe is used in the Quran where Allah says to man that He is closer to him than his own jugular vein. It is a phrase that signifies that there is a real bond, an inseparable connection, a loving relationship there, not just a grab for land or resources. The moment any leader in Pakistan proclaims, Kashmir - " Pakistan Ki Shah Ragh Hai" - he gets an overwhelming welcome from the people in the region. Even the separatists have marketed the term as less about land and more caring about the people living on the land. Diplomatically, this approach is much smarter, and hence has yielded better results for Pakistan.
www.epilogue.in
History, as seen through news and the media, is a witness to the negative consequences of this phrase. The day the words 'integral part' are used within the country about Kashmir, invariably the next day is presented with reactionary statement from separatists to counter it and provoke people. The question to ponder here whether it is the term 'integral part' in and of itself or the unnecessary use of the term that provides the springboard for the separatists to launch off of. Could the term, if used for the purpose it was originally intended to serve, be redeemed and thus retained in our national vocabulary? Since its coinage, even before it could be marketed by politicians for its international use, the term was co-opted by separatists and used as a platform. This fact, added to what the term has now become in its domestic avatar, makes it nothing but salt to the wounds of Kashmir. We should blame the users of this term for its complete corruption. However, rather than leave it by the wayside as nothing but an obsolete byproduct of the Indian political game, it should be used where in fact needed, in international dialogue.
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Suggestion What need to be done in the future to prevent further damage, while also maintaining the prestige of India's stand on Kashmir is the following: To ensure that the term is marketed and used at the right forums i.e., to communicate to the international community and not the intra-national community. To stand up and say that Kashmir is as good and as much a part of the country as the other 28 states of India. To avoid inter-party allegations within the country around the use of the phrase 'Integral Part' To believe in practical actions rather in statements. To address the people and avoid addressing land, thus recognizing that the people of Kashmir are integral to India, not simply the land. To nurture people of Kashmir and finally yield a truly 'integral part' by this cultivation. Is it possible, that whenever we talk about Kashmir, we make sure to address the people of Kashmir and not make it a geography-specific? Can we make the people feel as though they are being advocated for, and as though they belong? Can we believe that we want to live in a country where Kashmiris are a part of India, because it adds to the wonderful diversity of India, and because our constitution guarantees unity in the diversity of this country? And can we forget lip-service to Kashmir as an 'integral part' within the country and start believing in Kashmiris as an 'Integral People' of India. One can easily Google this term " Kashmir as an Integral Part of India" and find out how people from separatist to so-called activist enjoyed this term and gained unnecessary importance. (Author is a student of Strategic Studies and also a peace activist )
Epilogue, April 2011
SOCIAL SCIENCES
11
GROWTH OF PARTIES IN J&K
Study of circumstances that gave birth to political parties SALFIE MUZAFFAR Almost coinciding with the Non-Cooperation Movement of Indian National Congress, the first political party to arrive in Jammu and Kashmir was Dogra Sabha in 1904 -based in Jammu, secular in outlook and headed by Lala Hans Raj Mahajan. Two decades later, silk factory agitation brought Kashmiris out of political lethargy and by 1930 the 'Reading Room Group' -an association of educated Kashmiris -had become a strong political movement. Kashmir's new head preacher Mirwaiz Maulana Yusuf Shah's decision (March 1931)of reversing the trend of political neutrality of his predecessors and allowing mosques -the only platform immune from State control -for political organisations is seen as defining moment in Kashmir's political activism. The happening of July 13, 1931 and subsequently arrival of Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah as charismatic leader on the scene laid foundations of a strong political movement across Jammu and Kashmir Rai to induce the students to join the non-cooperation The State of Jammu and Kashmir, as it exists today, is movement. In the Kashmir valley, the political system was the creation of Maharaja Gulab Singh. He laid the founbased on the personal rule of the Prince who used to be dation of the State in the context of Jammu and Kashthe centre of all the powers; executive, legislative and mir, known as Dogra Dynasty. Under this dynastic rule, judicial.[4] Under this system, the question of freedom people of the State in general and Muslim majority in and civil liberties of the people did not arise. Such rights the Valley in particular suffered a number of disadwere denied to them.[5] Till the mid 1920's, there was vantages and discrimination in all walks of social, poapparent calm but occasionally there was a rumbling on litical and economic life1. Up to the initial years of the the political horizon. In 1924, the inadequately paid 20th century, there was no political awakening or polabourers of the Silk Factory arose in rebellion.[6] They litical dissent of any kind in Kashmir. But things soon assembled in Hazuri Bagh (Srinagar) in defiance of the ban started changing since the early 20th century with the imposed on the assembly of people. They were dispersed growth of political awakening(2). The first political by the cavalry regiment of the Maharaja. Their leaders organisation made its debut in Jammu in 1904 under a were arrested, tried and sentenced to various terms of special permission. The name of this organisation was imprisonment. Simultaneous disturbance at Anantnag was Dogra Sabha headed by Hans Raj Mahajan. It had a limalso quietened.[7] ited programme of social reforms. It was liberal in outlook and non-communal in character, as both Hindus and Muslims joined it.[3] During the same period the Period of thinking and awaking Non-cooperation and Satyagrah movements launched Thus, the period between 1925 and 1930 witnessed the by the Indian National Congress under the leadership dawn of political awakening in Kashmir. A number of of Mahatma Gandhi factors combined to arouse greatly inspired the the masses out of their popeople in the State and In the context of Kashmir there are broadly two types litical lethargy and inertia, of parties operating at the political landscape: made them conscious of for which they had paid (a) parties that operate within the existing political the ideals of freedom and heavy price in the past.[8] system and have been regularly participating in the self-rule. Subsequently, The Kashmiri Muslims, who electoral process of the State; and over hundred fifty stuhad either migrated to (b) Parties that have been refraining from participating dents from the State went Punjab to escape oppresin the process but have been operating outside the to Gujranwala to attend a sion during the Sikh period framework of the existing political-institutional frameconference of students or due to repeated famine work of politics in the State. convened by Lala Lajpat in the valley or exiled by
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
SOCIAL SCIENCES
12
GROWTH OF PARTIES IN J&K
the Dogra rulers for their political activities carried on a relentless campaign against the autocratic Dogra rule for its inability to provide educational and other facili-
Mirwaiz of Kashmir leading funeral prayers of the martyrs of June 13, 1931
The first major political spark in Kashmir was ignited by Abdul Qadeer (the personal attendant of a British official), through an inflammatory and anti-Maharaja speech in a public gathering. He was arrested and tried in the Central Jail of Srinagar. Outside the jail, the Dogra military personnel opened fire upon a procession and 22 people died, known as the martyrs of 1931. This incident laid foundation of a massive political movement across the state.
ties to the Kashmiri Muslims. They had also founded an organisation called "The All India Kashmiri Muslim Conference" which started functioning from Lahore, the then capital of Punjab. It offered scholarships to poor Muslim students from Kashmir, eager of having higher and technical education in India.[9] Quite a few Kashmiri Muslim young men availed themselves of this facility. They went to the universities in British India for their higher education. There they happened to integrate with their young contemporaries and get stimulated by the nationalist feelings and sentiments. After completing higher education, they could not find suitable jobs here in the Government sector. They founded a 'Reading Room Group' in 1930, where lengthy discussions used to take place on how the Muslim grievances could be redressed.[10] The 'Reading Room Group' gradually emerged as the main organization with a definite political character giving direction to the political struggle through the organisation of small group meetings. In that atmosphere of toil and sufferings, the 'Reading Room Group' guided the Muslim masses, thereby "enhancing their interest in politics and political change."[11]
Opening Mosques to Politics In March 1931, Maulana Yousuf Shah, became Mirwaiz, (the Head preacher of Srinagar). He at once reversed
www.epilogue.in
The first political organisation made its debut in Jammu in 1904 under a special permission. The name of this organisation was Dogra Sabha headed by Hans Raj Mahajan. It had a limited programme of social reforms. It was liberal in outlook and non-communal in character, as both Hindus and Muslims joined it the trend of political neutrality of his predecessors in his family and started sympathizing with the activities of the 'Reading Room Group'. He helped the Reading Room Group to organise mammoth public meetings in various masajids (mosques) of Srinagar. In all such meetings, Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah and other top leaders of the 'Reading Room Group' delivered fiery speeches exposing the hardships and depressed condition of the Muslims across the Valley.[12] In the face of repressive rule, the only forum, which was immune from the State control and hence could be used for political organisation was the "Masjid". The July of the same year brought more miseries to the people. The appalling conditions of the Muslims reached the flash point that needed only a spark to explode.[13]
Landmark: 1931 That spark was ignited by Abdul Qadeer (the personal at tendant of a British official), through an inflammatory and anti-Maharaja speech in a public gathering. He was ar In October, 1932, Sheikh Abdullah founded the All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference. On June 11, 1939 it was renamed as the All Jammu and Kashmir National Conference. The National Conference was affiliated to the All India States Peoples Conference and in 1947 Sheikh Abdullah was elected president of it. In 1946, the National Conference launched an intensive agitation against the state government. It was directed against the Maharaja. The slogan of the agitation was "Quit Kashmir". Third generation down the line, NC still remains state's largest political party.
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
13
SOCIAL SCIENCES GROWTH OF PARTIES IN J&K
After 1953, the National Conference (Bakshi led National Conference) emerged as the dominant party in the State politics and ruled the State without any effective opposition upto 1965. In other words, the State was virtually under one-party dominance and the rise of any other party was intentionally discouraged
Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad rested and tried in the Central Jail of Srinagar. Outside the jail, the Dogra military personnel opened fire upon a procession and 22 people died, known as the martyrs of 1931. In the wake of this upheaval, thousands of Muslim demonstrators including Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah and Choudhary Ghulam Abbas were arrested and imprisoned.[14] This event became the important landmark in the political history of Jammu and Kashmir. The demonstration of open opposition to Dogra rule came as a rude shock to the establishment. In response to this, Maharaja Hari Singh conceded the demand for the establishment of a Commission of Enquiry presided over by Sir B. J. Glancy of the Foreign and Political Department of the Government of India. The aim of this Commission
Abdul Gani Lone floated peoples conference as regional party Despite Congress being in power, the 1972 Panchayat polls showed huge support for Sheikh's party. This prompted Indira Gandhi to enter negotiations with Sheikh which culminated with Beigh-Parthasarthy accord. Return of Sheikh to power in 1975 finished off space for opposition as also created a huge gap between Kashmir and New Delhi. This led to formation new local parties like Peoples Conference and arrival of national parties like Janta Party in Kashmir.
www.epilogue.in
was to examine the grievances of the Muslim and other communities and to present a list of recommendations to the Maharaja. The main recommendations of the report-relaxation on restrictions, freedom of press and right of free assembly in the State were accepted by Maharaja Hari Singh on March 12, 1932.[15] The acceptance of the Glancy Commission recommendations had two-fold importance in that it recognized the legitimacy of the demand for basic political and civil liberties which the people deserved, and it implied the first major victory achieved by the Muslim subjects of the Maharaja. The Glancy commission report opened the flood-gates of extensive political activity in the State. The ban on the formation of political organisations was called off and the Muslim leaders began to consolidate the mass base of the movement. In order to conduct the movement with strict discipline, the Muslim leaders established an organisation and a platform in the name of After Sheikh's death in 1982, the National Conference split in 1984. The breakaway group came to be known as NC(K) -K for Khalida, Sheikh's daughter married to GM Shah who became the Chief Minister. 1986 Farooq returned to power through an NC-Congress accord; the breakaway group of NC lost its organisational strength and got confined to GM Shah's family and few trusted G M Shah friends -this group came to be known as Awami National Conference which is still making strides to enter the arena of power politics
"All Jammu and Kashmir Muslim Conference".[16] The venue for its foundation was "Pather Masjid" at Zainakadal in the old city of Srinagar. The first session of this party was held in Srinagar from 15 to 17 October, 1932. From 1932 to 1938 there were six annual sessions of the party. The first four sessions held in Srinagar, Mirpur, Jammu and Poonch were presided over by Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah. The fifth and sixth sessions were held in Sopore and Srinagar and they were presided over by Main Ahmad Yar and Choudhary Ghulam Abbas respectively.[17] In its ongoing struggle against the autocratic rule, the Muslim Conference issued a Charter of National Demands in August 1938. The charter stated that the ultimate goal of the party was to bring about a complete change in the social and political outlook of the people and to achieve a responsible government under the aegis of the Maharaja. It made the people conscious of their rights by im-
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
SOCIAL SCIENCES
14
GROWTH OF PARTIES IN J&K
Gelani(Left) and Mirwaiz Farooq The period of early to mid1990s, when armed militancy was at its peak, went through a near total absence of mainstream political activities. It was during this time that several separatist political parties arrived on the scene. Many other parties which existed long before, like Peoples Conference, shunned the electoral course and joined an umbrella organisation which came to be known as All Parties Hurriyat Conference
parting to them political education through the instrument of press, platform and electioneering.[18] But the Muslim Conference was converted into a secular organisation in 1939 when its doors were thrown open to all sections of people of the State irrespective of their religion, creed, caste and colour. The new party came to be known as the "All Jammu and Kashmir National Conference", ideologically wedded with the Indian National Congress and its secular nationalism brought it closer to it. Both these organisations henceforth worked in cooperation with each other against the British imperialism and other feudal forces within and outside.[19] Those Muslim leaders who had not agreed with its conversion into National Conference retained the old Muslim Conference. There was also a non-Muslim organisation, called Yuvak Sabha, in existence. It was merely a representative forum of Kashmiri Pandits besides some progressive forces like Kissan Sabha, Mazdoor Sabha, and Kashmir Socialist Party, etc, which had also cropped up in the political world of the State. But all these forums and parties were insignificant when compared with the National Conference which came to dominate the politics of the State under the charismatic leadership of Sheikh Muhammad Abdullah.[20]
sition upto 1965. In other words, the State was virtually under one-party dominance and the rise of any other party was intentionally discouraged. In fact, the Congress government at the centre under the leadership of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru was totally against any such development.[21] Nehru did not like any other political force in the State to be permitted to be pitched against the National Conference party. He even did not allow his own Congress Party to establish its unit in the State during his life-time. Instead, the National Conference was given a free licence to continue with its dominant position. This policy adopted by Nehru was for his own interest, the most convincing reasons in favour of Indian National Congress and that the National Conference led by even Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah had been the sole political force to have secularized the State politics. Also had helped to bring it within the influence and ideological fold of the Indian National Congress.[22] His daughter Mrs. Indira Gandhi reversed Nehru's Policy. She was judicious enough to strike at a proper time. The time factor was a very active agent in her schemes and political strategies. The Sheikh's long absence from active politics from 1953-75, the resignation of Bakshi Ghulam Mohammad (the then Prime Minister of J&K) under Kamraj plan, the Indo- Pakistan war of 1965 and the conditions created by it provided a comfortable excuse to the Prime Minister to permit her own party to establish its unit in the State of Jammu and Kashmir. Mr. Ghulam Muhammad Sadiq who had become the first member of the party was inducted into the office of the Prime Ministership of the State. From 1965 to 1972 the Congress party enjoyed unchallenged monopoly of political power in
In absence of Sheikh After 1953, the National Conference (Bakshi led National Conference) emerged as the dominant party in the State politics and ruled the State without any effective oppo-
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Mufti and Mehbooba Year 1999 would be remembered as defining year in Kashmir's mainstream political framework when Mufti Mohammad Sayeed launched Peoples Democratic Party first mainstream alternative to National Conference. In 2002 PDP, in alliance with Congress, became first non-NC regional party to head government in J&K.
Epilogue, April 2011
SOCIAL SCIENCES
15
GROWTH OF PARTIES IN J&K
strides to enter the arena of power politics. Rajiv-Farooq accord again took away the political space leaving hardly any platform for alternative voices. Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, then a senior Kashmiri leader in Congress, broke away his ranks with Rajiv Gandhi and joined Janta Dal, then an emerging alternative to Congress at national level. Mufti's entry into Janta Dal paved way for entry of that national party in Jammu and Kashmir though it could get much time in touching base with masses as this development coincided with arrival of militancy and subsequent breakdown of political institutions.
Bhim(right) and nephew Harsh Dev In Jammu province, the Panthers Party of Bhim Singh which has been contesting elections since mid 1980s returned with four seats in 2002 elections in three seats in 2008 elections. Panthers Party is non-communal in outlook and seeks to work across Jammu and Kashmir though its influence mainly limited in few districts of Jammu province. Harshdev Singh, suave and eloquent, is its second generation leader.
the State. However, the entrance of the Congress party into the State politics paved the way for other national parties to establish their party units in the State.[23] It also opened opportunity for local leadership to enter into the political battlefield of the State. During the panchayat elections of 1972 in the State, the results of the elections were almost totally in favour of Sheikh Abdullah's party rather than in favour of the Congress and this changed the whole situation. It was in this context Sheikh Abdullah and Mrs Indira Gandhi began to negotiate a new political understanding that cultivate Beigh-Parthasarthy Accord. As a result of the Sheikh Abdullah assumed the chief Ministership of the state with the support of Indian National Congress. Then Sheikh adopted authoritarian means to ensure his own security, which meant the security of his party.[24] This created a big gap between the people of Kashmir and the Indian Union. In order to fill the gap created by return of Sheikh to mainstream politics, number of new political parties came into existence, People's Conference being one of them. After Sheikh's death in 1982, the National Conference split under leadership of his son Dr Farooq Abdullah in 1982. The breakaway group came to be known as NC(K) -K for Khalida, Sheikh's daughter married to GM Shah who became the Chief Minister after Farooq regime was overthrown in an allegedly Raj Bhawan manoeuvred and New Delhi orchestrated political coup. In following years when Farooq returned to power through an NC-Congress accord, the breakaway group of NC lost its organisational strength and got confined to GM Shah's family and few trusted friends -this group came to be known as Awami National Conference which is still making
www.epilogue.in
Alternative, Non-electoral Discourse The period of early to mid1990s, when armed militancy was at its peak, went through a near total absence of main stream political activities. It was during this time that several separatist political parties arrived on the scene. Many other parties which existed long before, like Peoples Conference, shunned the electoral course and joined an umbrella organisation which came to be known as All Parties Hurriyat Conference or the APHC. In context of the politics of conflict and in absence of a viable and credible mainstream discourse, the APHC suddenly became a massive force to reckon with. It split twice in next 20 years, many other separatists parties emerged during this time did not necessarily come under APHC umbrella but the separatist thought became a widely recognised reality of Kashmir politics offering an alternative to the mainstream political discourse. Separatist parties neither contest elections nor aim at coming to power still their legitimacy is traced in the influence they wield on Kashmiri populace. Some prominent parties in separatist bloc are Awami Action Committee headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, Tehreeke-Hurriyat headed by Syed Ali Shah Geelani, two factions of Peoples Conference headed separately by two brothers Bilal and Sajjad Lone, Democratic Freedom Party of Shabir Ahmed Shah, J&K National Front of Nayeem Khan, J&K Liberation Front of Mohammad Yaseen Malik.
PDP's electoral success against National Conference offered cue to others and in following years two other parties arrived Kashmir scene -the Peoples Democratic Front of Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen and Democratic Party Nationalist of Ghulam Hassan Mir -both have one seat each in Legislative Assembly.
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
SOCIAL SCIENCES BREAKING INDO-PAK LOGJAM
PDP: the formidable regional alternate After a vacuum of six years, the mainstream political discourse returned to make some presence in the state with Lok Sabha elections in 1996 and state Assembly elections later same year. On election eve Mufti Mohammad Sayeed quit Janta Dal and returned to Congress. National Conference under Dr Farooq Abdullah registered a sweeping win leaving very seats to opposition parties -Congress 8, BJP 7, Janta Dal 4 and Panthers Party 1. All four legislators of Janta Dal later merged with National Conference. Congress had most of its legislators and BJPO's all from Jammu province. Kashmir Valley was again left with no space for alternative voices within mainstream political thought. Year 1999 would be remembered as defining year in Kashmir's mainstream political framework when Mufti Mohammad Sayeed launched Peoples Democratic Party -first mainstream alternative to National Conference. His daughter Mehbooba Mufti, a legislator on Congress ticket, also quit Congress to join campaign with father. Mufti's party comprised of some his old loyalists and dissidents from other par-
ties like NC, Congress, Janta Dal and Peoples Conference. In a byelection the same year PDP sent two legislators to the Assembly. In following years PDP campaigned hard to become a viable and dependable regional alternate to National Conference. The party fetched 16 seats in 2002 Assembly elections and headed a government in alliance with Congress -first non-NC regional party to form government in Jammu and Kashmir. PDP's electoral success against National Conference offered cue to others and in following years two other parties arrived Kashmir scene -the Peoples Democratic Front of Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen and Democratic Party Nationalist of Ghulam Hassan Mir both have one seat each in Legislative Assembly. In Jammu province, the Panthers Party of Bhim Singh which has been contesting elections since mid 1980s returned with four seats in 2002 elections in three seats in 2008 elections. Political parties have become a cardinal part of political process in modern times. Universally, political parties get involved in mobilising people in favour of their subjective agenda and programme. However, their role varies in rela-
16
tion to the context in which these operate. Under a normal political context, political parties are generally engaged in campaigning for political power by a mechanism of controlling government, through a universally accepted democratic procedure of participation in electoral process. In this context, Kashmir politics is different, as not all political parties here have been operating within this framework. There are parties that have been questioning the legitimacy of the existing political structures and the electoral process. These parties have by and large been refraining from participating in electoral process aimed at gaining political power. So, in the context of Kashmir we broadly have two types of parties operating: (a) parties that operate within the existing political system and have been regularly participating in the electoral process of the State; and (b) Parties that have been refraining from participating in the process but have been operating outside the framework of the existing political-institutional framework of politics in the State. (Author teaches at Government Degree Collage Baramulla )
N.A. Baba, “Contextualizing 1931 uprising� Greater Kashmir, 13 July 2007. P.N Bazaz, Inside Kashmir, New Delhi: Kashmir Publishing Co. 1941, p.95 Mohammad Yusuf Saraf, Kashmiris Fight for freedom, Lahore: Froz Sons Ltd., 1977, vol. I, p. 33 4 Kashmir Government Records, File No.63/60-C of 1921. 5 N.A. Baba, n. 17, 6 Ghawasha Lal Kaul, Freedom Struggle, New Delhi: light and life Publishers,1973 p. 38 7 Ibid, p. 49 8 Ibid, p. 52 9 P.N.K Bomzai, States of our Union- Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi: Publication Division Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Government of India, 1973, p. 12 10 Bazaz, n.18, p. 48 11 Ibid, p. 45 12 Ibid, pp. 55-56 13 Balbir Singh, State politics in India, Delhi: Macmillan India, 1982, p. 67 14 Bazaz, n. 18, p. 67 15 Jammu and Kashmir Government, A Handbook of Jammu and Kashmir State, Ranbir Government Press, Jammu 1936, p. 34 1 2 3
N.A. Sheikh: Kashmir, Journey to freedom, A survey of Political Events in Jammu and Kashmir State since 1931: Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, 1948, p. 35 17 Ibid, p. 37 18 Ibid, p. 39 19 Narinder Singh, Political Awakening in Kashmir,Delhi: H. K. Publications, 1992, p. 25 20 Ibid, p. 29. 21 Bazaz, n.18, p. 67 22 Narinder Singh, n. 35, p. 29 23 Ibid, p. 47 24 Bazaz, n. 18 p.175 16
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
SOCIAL SCIENCES
17
BREAKING INDO-PAK LOGJAM
There is no better alternative to dialogue RAHILLA PERVEEN
Weathering the politics storms created by terrorist attacks and navigating carefully through various diplomatic crests and troughs, India and Pakistan are once again in a friendly mode to build better relations. The recent meeting between Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Yusuf Raza Gillani as a part of cricket diplomacy in Mohali clearly suggests that it was not a sort of one-off political adventure but a result of months of homework towards building better ties between bitter South Asian rivals.
Jammu and Kashmir, a bone a contention between India and Pakistan, continues to be a reason for making Indo-Pak relations towards a state of constant flux. Though leaders of both have been engaging themselves, sides since independence till date, in dialogues and discussions over Kashmir, yet nothing enduring could be achieved. While India treats Jammu and Kashmir as its integral part, Pakistan views it as an unfinished agenda of partition. Pakistan, in order to annex the Kashmir by force, fought three wars viz, 1947, 1965 and 1971 with India and since 1989 has constantly been indulging in providing arms aid and assistance to anti-Indian forces. In fact, the years since 1989 witnessed Pakistan's indulgence into proxy-war strategies and increasing support to the violent activities. Pakistani establishment convinced of its success in annexing Kashmir by force have provided support to many militant organizations like Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, Hizbul Mujahideen, Jaish-e-Mohammad, Lashkar-eToyyaba, Harkat-ul-Ansar, All Parties Hurriyat Conference, J&K Peoples League, Muhaz-e-Azadi,
www.epilogue.in
Hizb-e-Islami at el to launch armed struggle against India and bleed it to the maximum. Consequently, fundamentalist violence, mass-killings, strikes, shutdowns etc, became daily routine in the state of J&K. However, the growing tensions between the two countries saw a ray of hope in 1999 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee attempted a major reconciliatory measure by visiting Lahore in February that year in a bus. In Lahore, both Vajpayee and Pakistan Prime Minister Mian Nawaz Sharief, agreed that durable peace and development of harmonious relations and friendly cooperation will serve the vital interests of the people of both the countries. Moreover, they also agreed to resolve all outstanding issues including Kashmir bilaterally. But the efforts at reconciliation were dashed to the ground after the Kargil intrusion. However, after the end of Kargil war, Pakistan indicated willingness for the resumption of talks but India rejected the offer in view of the continued support provided to the terrorist outfits by Pakistan. However, it is interesting to mention that Indian government's policy of solving the Kashmir is two
Vol. 5 Issus 04
pronged, i.e. firstly between India and people of Jammu and Kashmir and secondly between India and Pakistan bilaterally, India has been trying to engage itself in dialogue will all groups in Jammu and Kashmir State. The Government of India, therefore, extended an invitation for talks even to the separatists groups provided they express their willingness for the same. Subsequently Vajpayee announced unilateral cease-fire for the Holy month of Ramzan in the spirit of Insaniyat (Humanity) on November 20, 2000 which was initially hailed by separatists, but gradually they started putting pressure on the government for holding the tripartite peace-talks among the three stakeholders-India, Pakistan and people of Kashmir. The Indian government's offer of inviting various separatist groups particularly, the APHC was therefore rejected on this plea. India once again took the initiative and invited Parvez Mushraf, the then President of Pakistan on May 23, 2001 to have dialogue. But Pakistan's insistence on the centrality of Kashmir resulted in failure of the talks. The Indian view point was that let least con
Epilogue, April 2011
SOCIAL SCIENCES BREAKING INDO-PAK LOGJAM
tentious issues be solved first. The different altitude of both India and Pakistan as such of them from moving forward to resolve the vexed problem of Kashmir. In addition of this, the continued support of Pakistan to the separatist organizations increased the level of violence in Jammu and Kashmir as well as in other parts of India. The attack on Legislative Assembly of Jammu and Kashmir and Parliament depicts the level of violence created by those organizations. Subsequently, India while adopting coercive measures deployed forces along line of control and international Border under an operation code name 'Operation Prakaram' and discontinued Samjota express rail service etc. these measures resulted into deepening of crisis and further encouragement to the separatist politics. The process of rapprochement once again started in 2003 when Atal Bihari Vajpayee extended a hand of friendship to Pakistan while delivering his speech in Srinagar. in addition to it, various steps like appointment of High Commissions, resumption of DelhiLohore Bus Service, cease-fire along LOC and the Actual Ground Position Line at the Siachen Glacier were taken to diffuse the crisis between 'India and Pakistan. However, the formal agreement between the two countries was signed on January 46-2001 at Islamabad on the sidelines of 12th SAARC summit which gave some degree of relaxation to the people of both countries. The composite dialogue process was based on the recommendations of the working groups identified during foreign secretary level talks in June 1997. These working groups were on peace and security including CBMs and Jammu and Kashmir, Wallar Barrage Project, Sir Creek,
www.epilogue.in
Terrorism and Drug Trafficking, Economic and Commercial cooperation and promotion of friendly exchanges in various fields. Soon after the composite dialogue agreement, the BJP led NDA Government was replaced by Congress-
Subsequently, the ministry of external affairs on February 10, 2011 issued a statement that the foreign minister of Pakistan will visit India by July 2011 to review the progress in the dialogue process will his counterpart. This will be preceded by a meeting of two foreign secretaries, the MEA said. All this clearly shows that there is no other alternative available to India and Pakistan other than to discuss all outstanding issues bilaterally. led UPA Coalition. This created doubts regarding the continuation of composite dialogue process already undertaken between India and Kashmir. However, the common minimum programme of Manmohan Singh led government stated that dialogue with Pakistan would be carried on systematically and on sustained basis. Subsequently, on April 7, 2005 a historic step was taken by both the coun-
Vol. 5 Issus 04
18
tries when Sringar-Muzafarabad bus service was started after a long gap of 57 years. The people of both sides of Line of Control hailed this step as it made possible the meeting of members of the divided families. In addition to this in September 2005, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh held significant meetings with Hurriyat delegation headed by Mirwaiz Umar Farooq. However, the composite dialogue process was discontinued after the Mumbai trains attack of July 2006. This was followed by expulsion of diplomats of both sides. Meanwhile on the Mumbai blast issue, E. Ahmed, the then Indian Minister of State for External Affairs stated in Parliament, "India has conveyed to Pakistan that dialogue process between the two countries can be sustained and carried forward only if Pakistan takes effective action to dismantle the infrastructure of terrorism". Thus the Mumbai blast of 2006 led to the postponement of proposed Foreign Secretary level talks. Again in September 16 2006, Manmohan Singh and Parvez Mushraf on the sidelines of (NAM) summit held in Havana decided to set up Joint Anti-Terrorism Institutional Mechanism to identify and implement counter terrorism initiatives and decided to resume Foreign Secretary level talks. The first meeting of the Anti-Terrorism Mechanism was held in Islamabad on March6 2007. As a result, both sides not only condemned all acts of terrorism, but also underlined the need for effective and sustained measures against terrorist activities. However, peace-process and Confidence Building Measures were again disrupted after the terrorist attack on Mumbai in November 2008. In view of the Mumbai attack,
Epilogue, April 2011
19
all diplomatic ties with Pakistan were snapped. India also announced that dialogue with Pakistan can be resumed only when it takes credible and visible action against terrorists and dismantle all "terrorists training camps within its territory, India thereafter furnished list of five Lashkar-e-Toiba leaders who were allegedly the mastermind behind the Mumbai attack. Pakistani government detained these leaders, but they were released after sometime citing the lack of any credible evidence. Subsequently India agreed to delink composite dialogue process from action against terrorism. This was revealed by the speech of Manmohan singh during the NAM summit at Sharam-ul-Sheikh, Egypt in July 2009 wherein he said, "other things cannot wait action by Pakistan on ending terrorism and hence needs to have dialogue. In fact, the first meeting between India and Pakistan in the post 26/11 attack was held on February 25, 2010. The Foreign Secretaries of both countries met with the aim of breaking the logjam in their relations caused by Mumbai attack. Hence both sides agreed on the need to remain in touch with each other to restore trust and confidence. Moreover, The India-Pakistan forum of Parliamentarians (IPFP) has been formed with the purpose of realizing a comprehensive mechanism of mutual exchange and engagement between India and Pakistan. This Forum at present on visit to Pakistan is scheduled to play a crucial role I strengthening and supporting initiatives already undertaken and focusing on issues like improving trade, reinforcing cultural tie and boosting cultural cooperation. Moreover, the statement of Prime
www.epilogue.in
SOCIAL SCIENCES BREAKING INDO-PAK LOGJAM
Minister , Yusuf Raza Gillani that Pakistan is the home of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh once again raised hope of restarting peaceprocess between the two countries. Meanwhile on February 6, 2011, the Foreign Secretaries of both the countries have expressed their satisfaction over the talks held at Thimphu, the capital of Bhutan. Both the Foreign Secretaries have agreed that dialogue between India and Pakistan is necessary and a must, if we are to satisfactorily resolve the outstanding issues between the two countries. Both Nirupama Rao and Salman Bashir expressed the hope that the stalled composite dialogue process between the two countries would be resumed sooner or letter…we had a good meeting, useful meeting, we were able to discuss a number of issues of relevance …we talked about the dialogue process and charting the way forward what the best modalities would be both the sides had adopted an open and constructive attitude…nature of IndiaPakistan relationship had been complex…there is the need for a vision for the future of the relationship …..they agreed on the need for constructive dialogued between the foreign secretaries were a continuation of the meeting of Prime Minister of India and Pakistan at Sham-ul-Sheikh, Egypt in 2009. Hailing the talks, Geelani, the Prime Minister of Pakistan said that the foreign secretary level talks were fully in conformity with the spirit of his parleys held with Prime Minister singh, he also appreciated the progress made by Pakistan and India during talks at Thimpu, Bhutan. Subsequently, the ministry of external affairs on February 10, 2011 issued a statement that the foreign
Vol. 5 Issus 04
minister of Pakistan will visit India by July 2011 to review the progress in the dialogue process will his counterpart. This will be preceded by a meeting of two foreign secretaries, the MEA said. All this clearly shows that there is no other alternative available to India and Pakistan other than to discuss all outstanding issues bilaterally. Weathering the politics storms created by terrorist attacks and navigating carefully through various diplomatic crests and troughs, India and Pakistan are once again in a friendly mode to build better relations. The recent meeting between Prime Ministers Manmohan Singh and Yusuf Raza Gillani as a part of cricket diplomacy in Mohali clearly suggests that it was not a sort of one-off political adventure but a result of months of homework towards building better ties between bitter South Asian rivals. It therefore can be stated that both sides should have a patient mindset, proactive in nature, so as to resolve their problems bilaterally, without giving any external power the advantage of exploiting the volatile situation in the region, Both countries should bilaterally embark upon the process of better understanding, which would not only favour mutual collaboration, but also boost the development of the entire region as well. This rationale of bilateral cordiality is very important in the backdrop of globalization, which demands greater interaction and interdependent, facilitated through the medium of regional cooperation. This and only this will usher in an era of mutual understanding and better living of the people of both the countries. (Author is a Research Scholar)
Epilogue, April 2011
20
IN FOCUS J&K IN NUMBERS
12548926
is the total population of Jammu and Kashmir as per census 2011, which shows a 23.7 per cent decadal growth. Between 2001 and 2011 the growth of population in Jammu and Kashmir has been lesser by around 6 per cent over the previous decade. As per latest census, Jammu and Kashmir becomes 19th largest among States and Union Territories in India, in terms of population. India's total population has been put at 1,21,01,93,422 and Jammu and Kashmir makes 1.04 of it -slightly up from 0.99 percent as per 2001 census.
Males: Females:
6665561 5883365
Sex Ratio: 883 (Overall) Sex Ratio: 887 (Age 7 and above) Child Population: 2008642 Males: 1080662 Females: 927980 Sex Ratio: 859 Decadal Growth: 23.71% Density: (Per Sq KM)
124
Literates: 7245053 (68.74%) Males: 4370604 (78.26%) Females: 2974449 (58.01%) Jammu and Kashmir is ranked 19th in India in terms of population. Population of Thane district (11054131) in Maharashtra is close to the total population of Jammu and Kashmir State. Kupwara district of Jammu and Kashmir has highest proportion of child population in India. 22.50 percent of total population of Kupwara is aged by 0-6. Pathanamthitha district in Kerala has lowest child population -7.65 per cent of total
Surprisingly, the Census report has ranked Samba district in Jammu and Kashmir with lowest population in the country. Report says, in Samba, only two persons are living per square kilometre. Previous records after creation of new districts put Samba's population at 2.86 lakh and density 317 persons per square kilometre. This may have been an error. Meanwhile North East district of NCT of Delhi has highest population density in the country with 37346 persons per square kilometre.
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Leh district of Jammu and Kashmir has lowest sex ration in the country. There are 583 women per 1000 men in Leh against state average of 883 and national average of 940. Mahe district in Puducherry has highest sex ratio with 1176 females per 1000 males.
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
21
J&K IN NUMBERS
One of the key features, countrywide, reflected by the latest census is a drop in child sex ration indicating a continuing preference for boys in society. The child sex ratio in India has dropped to 914 females against 1,000 males - the lowest since Independence - in the provisional 2011 Census report released today. Despite a slew of laws to prevent female foeticide and schemes to encourage families to have girl child, the ratio has declined from 927 females against 1,000 males in 2001 to 914, which was described as a "matter of grave concern" by Census Commissioner of India C Chandramauli. Though an increasing trend in the child sex ratio (0-6 years) has been seen in Punjab, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, Mizoram and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, in all remaining 27 states and Union Territories, the child sex ratio shows decline over Census 2001. The highest child sex ratio has been reported in Mizoram (971 females against 1000 males) and Meghalaya (970). Notably, Punjab and Haryana, which have traditionally seen low sex ratio, have recorded an increasing trend but still remained at the bottom of the list. Haryana has 830 female children and Punjab 846 against per 1000 male child. Haryana's Jhajjar (774 females) and Mahendragarh (778 females) districts have the lowest sex ratio while Lahul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh has the highest sex ratio (1,013 females). Uttar Pradesh (29.7 million), Bihar (18.6 million), Maharashtra (12.8 million), Madhya Pradesh (10.5 million) and Rajasthan (10.5 million) constitute 52 per cent children in the age group of 0-6 years. Population (0-6 years) 2001-2011 registered minus 3.08 per cent growth
with minus 2.42 for males and minus 3.80 for females. However, in some good news, the overall sex ratio at the national level has increased by 7 points since the 2001 Census to reach 940 females per 1000 male at Census 2011. This is the highest sex ratio recorded since 1971 and a shade lower than 1961. Increase in sex ratio has been recorded in 29 states and UTs while three major states - Bihar, Gujarat and Jammu and Kashmir - have shown a decline in sex ratio as compared to Census 2001. Kerala with 1084 has the highest sex ratio followed by Puducherry with 1038. Daman and Diu has the lowest sex ratio of 618.
Total Population 2011 Total Population 2010 Decadal Growth 19912001 Decadal growth 20012011 Decadal Growth 19912001 (absolute) Decadal growth 20012011 (absolute) Average annual exponential growth 1991-2001 Average annual exponential growth 2001-2011 Male population Female population Sex Ratio 2011 Density/Sq KM Child population (06) Male Female
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
J&K 12548926 10143700 29.4
India
23.7
17.64
236649
182316397
2405226
181455986
2.61
1.97
2.15
1.64
6665561 5883365 883 124 2008642 1080662 927980
623724248 586469174 940 382 158789287 82952135 75837152
1210193422 21.54
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
22
J&K IN NUMBERS
Rs
31211
Crore
the last financial year indicating a is Jammu and Kashmir's annual budgrowth rate of 6.61% as against get for the financial year 2011-12. 6.48% growth rate registered last This year's budget is an increase of year adding that in either case, the over 20% over the budgetary estigrowth rate estimated now is higher mates for year 2010-11 which stood than the growth rate of last year. at Rs 25, 984 crore. Out of Rs 31,211 However, it still remains below the Crore, an amount of Rs 26, 701 cr All India average growth rate of 8.6% have been categorized as revenue expected during the current finanreceipts and Rs 4,511 cr capital recial year and 7.17% recorded last ceipts. The total estimated revenue year. Nonetheless it is satisfying that expenditure comes to ` 22,752 crore. we have continued to move forward The capital expenditure both on acdespite the prolonged disruption of count of Plan and Non-Plan has been estimated at ` 8,460 crore. AMOUNT TO SPEND IN 2011-12 the economic activities during the last summer. The current The State's own tax and non-tax tween the revenue and capital exyear's (2010-11) per capita income revenue inclusive of its share in the penditure comes to Rs 22,752 has been estimated at ` 32,496 at central taxes totals to 9,131 crore crore on revenue account and ` constant prices (2004-05) in comand represents about 29.25% of its 8,460 crore on capital account. parison to the last year's estimates total estimated receipts. This comAt current prices, the preliminary of ` 30,886. This indicates a growth pares well with the figure of 24.79% estimates place Jammu and of 5.21%. While at the national calculated as per RE figures of the Kashmir's GSDP for the financial level, there are clear signs of recovcurrent fiscal. The state's own tax year 2010-11 at Rs 47,709 crore as ery of the economy from the effects and non-tax revenue totals to ` 5,803 against the previous year's figure of global melt down, a lot remains crore which works out at 18.59% of of Rs 43, 236 crore reflecting a the total budgetary receipts for the to be done by us at the State level growth rate of 10.35% as against next fiscal. The total expenditure of to catch up with the All India growth 10.22% growth rate recorded last Rs 31,212 crore projected for the rate. As per the preliminary estiyear. The corresponding figures of next financial year is broadly divided mates, the contribution of the PriGSDP at constant prices (2004-05) into a plan outlay of Rs 6,600 crore mary Sector to the GSDP in the curare Rs 37,887 crore for the current and PMRP outlay of Rs 1,200 crore. rent financial year is estimated at financial year and Rs 35,538 crore for Expenditure on Centrally Sponsored 21.10%. The contributions of the Schemes is estimated at Rs 425 crore. Secondary and Tertiary Sectors have As many of the Centrally Sponsored been estimated at 29.82% and Schemes are shifting to off budget 49.08% respectively, he added. mode, a figure of Rs 425 crore only is kept in next year's Budget Estimates, corresponding to the figure of Rs 386 crore projected in current year's RE which is considerably lower than the FY 2010-11 BE figure of Rs 850 crore. The non-plan expenditure during the FY 2011-12 has been estimated at Rs 22,987 crore, up by Rs 5,059 crore over FY 2010-11 BE of Rs 17,928 crore. Based on the projected figures of the next year's plan outlay, the break-up be-
Rs
25984 Crore
was Jammu and Kashmir's annual budget for the year from the BE figure of ` 17,698 crore, indicating a net 2010-11. Reading out the budget speech on March 7, increase of ` 676 crore. the Finance Minister put the Revised Estimates at Rs The main reason for the increase of Rs 676 crore is 28,733 crore indicating an increase of Rs 2,749 crore that the power purchase bill has gone up by Rs 273 with similar improvement on the receipt side. These crore. Besides this, the government has increased figures include a sum of Rs 2,300 crore on receipt side, the rate of House Rent Allowance of its employees by 2.5% raising the present rate comprising Rs 1,000 crore as one time grant in aid from the Centre EXPENDITURE IN 2010-11 of 15% to 17.5% from July 1, and `Rs 1,300 crore as additional open market borrow- 2010 involving an expenditure of ` 70 crore in the ing outside the FRBM arrangement. This amount of Rs current financial year. The government has also an2,300 crore is proposed to be utilized to reduce the nounced a further increase of HRA by 2.5% with efaccumulated over draft of the government with the fect from 1st July 2011 taking the HRA rate to 20%. J&K Bank. The total capital expenditure is now esti- The government has also sanctioned Hardship Almated at Rs 8,059 crore on both plan and non plan lowance to the personnel in the Police Department side. The revenue expenditure is estimated to in- @ 10% of basic pay. This last measure is estimated to crease to 18,374 crore as per RE of the current fiscal cost ` 60 crore for part of the current financial year.
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
23
J&K IN NUMBERS
Rs
6000 Crore
was the annual plan of Jammu and Kashmir for the year 2010-11 highest ever, besides, a provision of Rs. 1200 crore under the Prime Minister's Reconstruction Plan. The Annual Plan 2010-11 also contains the highest ever allocation of Rs. 800 crore which will enable the Government to access over Rs. 2000 crore of funding under various Centrally-sponsored schemes and flagship programmes. Thus, in financial year 2010-11, the state government had the opportunity of delivering developmental programmes worth up to Rs. 10,000 crore. It is also notable that for the period 2010-15, the 13th Finance Commission has given a financial award of Rs. 40,557 crore to the State. This award was 94% higher than the award under the 12th Finance
ANNUAL PLAN Commission. The FY 2011-12's Plan Outlay has been projected before the Planning Commission of India at Rs 6,600 crore inclusive of the State share against Centrally Sponsored Schemes. This proposed outlay comprises of a capital component of Rs 5,422 crore and revenue component of Rs 1,178 crore. In addition to the annual plan outlay, the requirement on account of schemes taken up under PMRP has been projected at Rs 1,200 crore. Main schemes included in the PMRP are Power Transmission and Distribution (Rs 359 crore), Mughal Road (Rs 191 crore), Land acquisition for PMGSY roads (Rs 127 crore) and counterpart funds for World Bank Schemes (Rs 120 crore).
www.epilogue.in
Rs
14740 Crore
is the amount Jammu and Kashmir state spends on salaries of its employees and pensions. While the Salary Bill 2001-2002 was of the order of about Rs. 3591 crores it jumped to Rs. 7896 crores in 20082009 and is touching Rs. 14740 crores at present. Finance Minister told Legislative Assembly that the nonplan expenditure on salaries of the government employees inclusive of the provision for the two DA installments which will become payable during the FY 2011-12 is estimated at Rs 11,360 crore which would be Rs 3,246 crore more than the current year's RE of Rs 8,114 crore. The revenue component of the Plan Outlay works out to Rs 1,178 crore which is primarily on account of salaries of the staff
borne on the Plan. In addition to this amount, the estimated requirement of grants-in-aid for the autonomous bodies and institutions has been worked out at Rs 727 crore as against Rs 482 crore estimated in the BE of the current fiscal. A provision of Rs 1,607 crore
SALARIES, PENSIONS has been kept on account of two DA installments which shall become due from 1.1.2011 and from 1.7.2011 and one installment which became due on 1.7.2010. The expenditure on pensions and retirement benefits to the employees is estimated at Rs 2,651 crore during the next fiscal as against RE of Rs 2,031 crore in the current fiscal.
5.96 lakh
was the number of registered unemployed youth in Jammu and Kashmir as per records till December 2010. Government has proposed some initiatives to tackle the unemployment problem. Some of these measures include: speeding up the process of filling-up vacancies in the Government sector, through the designated recruiting agencies. In the past two years, the J&K Public Service Commission, Services Selection Board and the Police Recruitment Board finalised the selection of 26,866 candidates. The Government has also approved an additional 43,000 casual engagements in designated sectors. Further, 8,000 youth from all over the State have been inducted as volunteers under the National Youth Corpus (NYC) for carrying out various nation building activities. The Government have also launched the Sher-eKashmir Employment & Welfare Programme for the Youth (SKEWPY), which combines the possibility of assistance UNEMPLOYMENT being provided for self-employment and Voluntary Service Allowance (VSA) for the unemployed youth. In order to gainfully utilize the enormous manpower resources available in the country, the Prime Minister has announced a Skill Development Mission under which about 40 lakh people of State would be trained by 2022. Eighteen new polytechnic colleges, being established in the State, will contribute to upscaling the skill development efforts. Under the programme for "Skill Development of Youth of the State of Jammu and Kashmir" (SDYJK), announced by the Prime Minister, more than 1,200 young men have received training outside the State and 2,000 youth are being trained locally, in various institutions, during the current year.
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
24
hydel potential has been harnessed so far out of total estimated resources of 20,000 Mega Watts. Government claims to have evolved a strategy which focuses on setting up of new hydro-electric projects under the State sector and establishing a mechanism for implementing projects as Joint Ventures and, besides, via the IPP route, on BOOT basis. Projects with a capacity of more than 6,000 MW are being taken up during the 11th and 12th Five Year Plans. The implementation of these projects will improve the overall power situation in the State. As a sequel to the MoU signed between the J&K SPDC, NHPC and PTC, a Promoter's Agreement for the formation of a Joint Venture Company (JVC) to develop three hydro electric projects in the
J&K IN NUMBERS
2460.20 MW Chenab Basin, with a capacity of 2,120 MW, was signed in December, 2010. Ratle HEP (690 MW) has been allotted, on BOOT basis under the IPP route, through a transparent tariff bidding process. To reduce transmission and distribution losses, a scheme under Restructured Accelerated Power Development and Reform Programme (RAPDRP) has been approved for implementation in 30 towns with a population of 10000 and above in the State, at a cost of Rs. 191.25 crore. To rationalize regulation and address demand-side issues, the J&K State Electricity Act, 2010, has been enacted on the lines of the Central Electricity Act and a new
6000 MW
legislation on energy conservation is also on the anvil. In recent years some renewed attention is being paid to utilization of non-conventional sources of energy, with particular focus on unelectrified villages, hamlets, and remote and inaccessible areas. 75 un-electrified villages or hamlets, including 27 villages of Gurez, have been provided around 10,000 solar home lights. Besides, 226 un-electrified villages of the State have been taken up for electrification by providing about 31,000 solar home lighting systems. Under the Remote Village Electrification Programme, proposals for the electrification of 75 villages and 531 hamlets have been cleared and 15,150 solar lanterns are being provided to the Gujjars and Bakerwals of the State.
Of power is likely to be generated from state's MVA capacity at 132 KV level are likely to be comhydel resources during Eleventh and Twelfth Five pleted in the State Sector during the next finanYear Plans under the multi-pronged strategy cial year. Two Grid Stations at 400/220 KV level have adopted by the government. A new Hydel Policy been approved at New Wanpoh in Kashmir and Samba in Jammu in the Central Sector. is expected to be finalized very soon. POWER With a view to reducing T&D losses, a Three on going hydel projects namely scheme under Restructured Accelerated Power 44 MW Chutak, 45 MW Nimoo Bazgo and 240 MW Uri-II hydel projects are expected to be commis- Development and Reforms Programme has been sioned during the next financial year under the approved for implementation in 30 towns of the Central sector. Five Grid Stations of 1240 MVA ca- State, with a population of 10,000 and above, at a pacity at 220 KV level and 12 Grid Stations of 600 cost of ` 191 crore.
Rs budgetary investment for FY 201112 has proposed for Roads and Buildings sector under the State Plan. About 2,000 kilometres length of roads is proposed to be black-topped or macadamized during 2011-12. Under phase VIII of PMGSY, 160 new schemes are expected to be taken up during the next year. The number of bridges under execution is 442. Out of them, 103 bridges are be-
www.epilogue.in
857 Crore
ing completed in the current year and 100 additional bridges are expected to be completed during the next financial year. An investment of ` 857 crore is being proposed for R&B Sector under the State Plan. Additionally, 900 crore are expected to flow in the R&B Sector under the Central Schemes during the next financial year. Under Central Sposorship, work on the Mughal Road estimated to cost about Rs 640
Vol. 5 Issus 04
crore is progressing satisfactorily. The total expenditure on this road by the end of March, 2011 is expected at about Rs 450 crore. Fairweather connectivity has already been provided between Kashmir Valley and Jammu region through this road. The work of consolidation, metalling and macadamization of the road surface shall be resumed as soon as the weather improves, he said.
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
25
J&K IN NUMBERS
Rs
1620 Crore
Is the target for non-tax revenue in financial year 2011-12 as against the previous fiscal's BE of Rs 1,307 crore and RE of 1,475 crore. Out of the total non-tax receipts, the Power Development Department is being assigned a target of 1,330 crore as power receipts in comparison to current fiscal's BE of Rs 1,055 crore and RE of ` 1,209 crore. Among other notable contributors on the non-tax revenue side during the next fiscal are Mining, Forestry, Water Supply and Health Services which are expected to contribute Rs 35 crore, Rs 60 crore, Rs 31 crore and Rs 17 crore respectively as against the current fiscal's BE of Rs 30 crore, Rs 38 crore, Rs 27 crore and Rs 15 crore respectively.
Rs
2363 Crore
is what Jammu and Kashmir state pays in interests to its various lender. The expenditure on payment of interest is estimated at Rs 2,363 crore during the FY 2011-12 as against Rs 2,251 crore worked out in RE of the current fiscal. The expenditure on account of cost of purchase of electrical energy is projected at Rs 2,400 crore as against the current year's BE of Rs 2,050 crore and RE of Rs 2,324 crore. A sum of Rs 1,174 crore is estimated to go out on account of repayment of loans, as against Rs 959 crore budgeted in the BE as well as RE of the current fiscal.
Is the amount proposed under elementary education with a view to lifting 819 crore Central share under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan (RMSA), mid-day meals, Saakshar Bharat Mission etc. Under Rashtriya Madhyamik Shiksha Abhiyan, construction of 19 Model Schools and 19 Girls Hostels will be taken up during the next fiscal. Another new scheme in the name of Saakshar Bharat Mission is being launched. One of its components shall replace the previous
Rs
506 Crore
programme known as Total Literacy Campaign. All the 20 districts which had literacy percentage of below 50% as per census of 2001 shall be covered under this new programme during the next financial year. An amount of ` 42 crore is proposed to be spent on this programme during the next fiscal inclusive of State share of ` 10.50 crore. A fresh initiative on adult education has also been launched
Rs
316 Crore
Rs
259 Crore
Rs
130 crore
is the amount the Planning and Development Department has proposed to keep under Agriculture and Allied Activities Sector for the ongoing as well as expansion programmes. This indicates an increase of 18% over the FY 2010-11's outlay.
allocation of has been proposed in budget under Industries and Mining Sector indicating an increase of over 27%.
Rs
1100 crore
Is the amount that has been proposed under Education Sector indicating increase of over 12% on the current plan base.
in these 20 districts from the current financial year under Saakshar Bharat Mission. Work on construction of 3,769 primary school buildings, 937 additional class rooms, 503 middle schools, 78 Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas, 95 Cluster Resource Centres and 29 Block Resource Centres is to be completed soon. Under the Mid-Day Meals programme, about eleven lakh children are proposed to be covered during the next year.
Budgetary investment has been proposed for Higher and Technical Education departments for FY 2010-11. Gross Enrollment Ratio target of 15% has been adopted at the national level to be achieved by 2015. For this purpose, 11 Model Degree Colleges are being established in 11 districts under a Centrally Sponsored Scheme on 50:50 basis. Additionally, 11 new Degree Colleges are being taken up under the State sector. The number of colleges which have been already made functional under PMRP and under State sector plan is 18. The next year's target for construction of colleges is 32 including 10 colleges under PMRP. The Government is aiming at creation of 50 lakh skilled persons by the year 2022 under the National Skill Development Mission, through Engineering Colleges, Polytechnic Institutes, ITIs, departmental training centres and RSETIs. Skill upgradation requirements are also planned to be simultaneously attended to. The present intake capacity of the technical institutes is accordingly being enhanced in a rapid and planned manner. Eighteen new Polytechnic Institutes are being established. Out of them 10 Polytechnic Institutes shall be developed as Centres of Excellence under the 'Integrated Skill Development Mission'. Besides these Polytechnics, 27 ITIs are undergoing the process of upgradation in PPP mode.
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
26
J&K IN NUMBERS
3000000
Is the approximate number of students enrolled in different schools, colleges and universities in Jammu and Kashmir. This number excludes the students studying in private B.Ed Colleges and ETT Colleges. Taking this number into account, the unemployment problem, which is often projected as biggest challenge in Jammu and Kashmir, comes under question in terms of real and perceived. While 30 lakh students above the age of six years are in schools and colleges, more than 20 lakh are in the age group of 0-6 years. According to government statistics, 19.30 lakh students are enrolled in primary and middle schools while eight lakhs are enrolled in high and higher secondary schools. A little over one lakh are in 72 degree colleges. Approximately two lakh students are in Universities, professional colleges, polytechnic colleges and other industrial training institutes. The Educational system in Jammu and Kashmir is manned by two provincial directorates, 22 Chief Education Officers, 22 DIET Principals, 200 Zonal Education Officers, 877 Headmasters, 10284 masters, 51890 teachers, 6962 other teachers and 32286 RET teachers working under Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan. At present there are 16364 primary schools including 2015 in private sector, 8766 middle schools, 1947 high schools and 809 higher secondary schools.
Activitv wise number of establishments and employment therein for j&K S.No. Maler Activity qroup Establishments Total
1 1
2
4
Aqriculture establishments i. Farrninq of animals ii. Aqricultural services iii. Fishinq etc. All Agricultural activities 2 Non ‐aqricultural establishments i. Mining and Quarrying ii. ManufacturinQ iii. Elect. Gas and Water iv Construction v. Sale, maint repair, MN and M/C vi Wholesale trade vii. Retail trade viii. Restaurants and Hotels ix. Transport and Storace x. Posts and telecommunication xi. Financial intermediation xii xiii. xiv. xv.
Real estates, banking and services Public adm. Defence social security Education Health and Social Work
xvi. Other Community personal service xii. Others activities Total Non‐agricultural activities All Establishments
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
1704 584 297 2585
919 67328 699 3322 4763 3412 153270 12891 7800 6436 1207 7347 7541 20304 8996 16088
Employment Total
5
3658 2810 379 6847
0.49 0.37 0.05 0.91
0.42 20.5 0.80 0.65 1.58 0.87 27.0 3.65 1.65 1.44 1.43 1.58 13.3 16.8 4.11 3.26
0.53 0.18 0.09 0.80
0.28 3195 20.72 154192 0.22 5997 1.02 4859 1.47 11873 1.05 6551 47.17 203160 3.97 27456 2.40 12399 1.98 10830 0.37 10734 2.26 11881 2.32 99921 6.25 126244 2.77 30896 4.95 24497
322323 324908
‐
99.20 744685 100.0 751532
99.0
100.00
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
27
J&K IN NUMBERS
is the FY 2011-12 annual grant for departments of Finance along with supplementary grant of Rs 40305.53 lakh. The Minister for Finance and Ladakh Affairs said that enhanced tax collections from Jammu compared to Kashmir is due to the fact that the entry to the State is through Jammu only (Lakhanpur) and payment of the entry tax and toll tax takes place there only. He said similarly, the Motor spirit Tax of around Rs 450 crore is being paid by oil companies at Jammu only but used throughout the State. Similarly, he said many national and multi-national companies have their establishments located at Jammu only and their toll tax amounting to around Rs. 450 crore is also being collected at Jammu only. All this, he said, works out to a whooping sum of Rs 1330 crore which actually is the revenue to the State and not to a specific province. Giving a resume of the activities of the departments under his charge, he said the commercial taxes department is doing a commendable job which is the biggest tax earning department. Even the 13th Finance Commission, Planning Commission after monitoring revenue real-
Rs
199830.88 lakhs
ization of all states of the country, praised this department for its good performance and said that it was running on expected lines. The Planning Commission and the Empowered Committee of Finance Ministers too have lauded the State for tax reforms and fiscal discipline, Mr. Rather added. The Minister said the revenue collection of Commercial Taxes Department for the year 2010-11 (ending January, 2011) is of the order of Rs. 2334.14 crore against collections of Rs. 1906.62 crore for the corresponding period of year 2009-10 thus registering a growth rate of 22.40%. The performance is inspite of long spell of disturbances particularly in Kashmir between June and September. He said the total Excise revenue realized in 2009-10 was Rs. 596.10 crore compared to Rs. 517.23 crore, during 2008-09 show-
Rs
32249.86 lakh
is the annual grant for 2011-12 for the department of Animal and Sheep Husbandry. Minister Agha Roouhullah told Legislative Assembly that Government has successfully inducted new germ plasm through Embryo Transfer Technology- a most modern scientific technique for genetic upgradation of sheep population, besides providing artificial insemination facilities to the farmers at their doorsteps. Minister said the genetic up-gradation of live stock particularly sheep, goat and poultry would enable State to check the flight of capital due to import of mutton, and poultry products worth Rs. 1000 crore annually. The Minister said 1200 frozen
www.epilogue.in
ing an increase of 12.25%. During the current financial year, the revenue realized up to ending January 2011 is Rs. 568.44 crore as against Rs. 484.29 crore realized during the same period in the last financial year, showing an increase of 17.38%. To ensure in fiscal discipline in the State, the Minister said Audit and Inspection Department has been entrusted with the job of conducting special audits and exercising budgetary control over the expenditure to see that the funds are appropriately utilized and spent. He advised the Members to approach the department whenever they feel that any misuse of funds takes place in any department. He said the department has so prepared 410 audit reports pertaining to various government departments, adding that strict action would be taken against defaulters. The Minister said that State Financial Corporation had done a good job in the past particularly in financing the transport industry in the State. He said unfortunately two decades long militancy in the State gave the corporation a set back Anyway, a revival plan has already been formulated and we expect adequate assistance from the State Government and Central Government in this regard.
semen centres has been already set up in the State and the embryo Transfer Technology started at sheep farm Panthal. He said in order to strengthen the backyard poultry, the centre has sanctioned a project cost of Rs. 7.78 crore under which 45 poultry birds are provided free of cost to BPL farmers besides Rs. 750 for making of cages adding that 2200 families have been benefited from the scheme during the current fiscal. He said that the import of Day Old Chicks (DOC) has increased and 10 more hectares are being established during the next fiscal to give fillip to the poultry industry in the State. He said production of DOC has increased from 4.5 lakh per year to 6 lakh during the current fiscal year.
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
28
J&K IN NUMBERS
Rs is the annual grant for FY 2011-12 as approved by House, for departments of Housing and Urban Development. Tara Chand, who is also the Deputy Chief Minister, holds the charge of this department. He told Legislative Assembly that a Tax Board Bill is being introduced in the State legislature for rationalization of service tax in cities and towns. On lake Dal Conservation, he said that land mass over 1.15 sq km area has been converted into water surface by conducting dredging in the Dal Lake. Development and beautification of fore-shore road has been completed besides restoration of 33 springs in the Dal Lake. Rs 172 crore have been incurred to check soil erosion and flow of sewage and nutrients in the Dal from the catchworth projects stand sanctioned for the cities of Jammu and Srinagar and other smaller towns of the State under JNNURM. To ensure transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Urban Local Bodies, the J&K Public Disclosure Act 2010 and the J&K Municipal Award Act 2010 have been already enacted. Accrual based double account system is proposed to be introduced
91899.48 lakh
Rs
1227 crore
in the Urban Local Bodies from the year 2011-12. Action has been initiated for bench marking of services like sanitation, sewerage, drainage, soil waste collection and disposal. Next year's allocation is proposed at Rs 326 crore. The State share for JNNURM is proposed at Rs 150 crore. Apart from ongoing Rs 299 crore project on conservation of Dal-Nageen Lakes, Rs 356 crore are proposed to be utilized
Rs
ment area. Tara Chand also announced that elections to the Municipal Bodies would be conducted soon after the completion of the panchayat elections to ensure decentralization of power at the grass-root level. He reiterated the commitment that equitable development and justice to each region will be ensured while fixing plan allocations. The Deputy Chief Minister said that the J&K Housing Board, Jammu Development Authority and Srinagar Development Authority has been asked to create land banks for construction of new housing colonies to provide residential plots to the needy people, adding that allotment of plots to MLAs and media persons is also under consideration.
under PMRP for rehabilitation and resettlement of Dal dwellers. The Government has approved acquisition of 200 kanals of land near Raya Morh for developing new Warehouse and Transport Nagar for Jammu. Consultants have been engaged to prepare plans for development of multi-tier parking lots at General Bus Stand, Panjtirthi and Doctor's Lane.
710 Crore
is the likely expenditure on the water schemes for FY 2011-12. Apart from 823 on going water supply schemes, 320 new water supply schemes have been takenup under Mega Flagship National Rural Drinking Water Programme. Under this programme, 60 water testing Laboratories are expected to be completed by the next financial year. Reconstruction of Kargil and Leh water supply schemes has been taken up at a cost of about Rs 7 crore each under the Prime Minister's Natural Calamity Relief Fund. About 1500 additional habitations are targeted to be covered by potable drinking water supply during the next financial year. A Master Plan for Jammu has been prepared costing ` 1,037 crore. The next year's expected expenditure under the National Rural Drinking Water Programme is Rs 170 crore under the State plan and ` 540 crore in the Central sector. Meanwhile, comprehensive flood management programme has been prepared for River Jhelum. Phase-I of the project has been approved by the government of India at a cost of Rs 97 crore. Construction of gated barrage across river Tawi for creation of pondage near Beli Charana has been approved at a cost of Rs 70 crore. The Legislative Assembly has already passed J&K Water Resources (Regulation and Management) Act 2010. The Department has initiated follow up action for implementation of various provisions of this Act. Bills on account of user charges worth around Rs 60 crore have already been issued to the hydel power producers in the State.
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
29
J&K IN NUMBERS
Rs
is the annual grant for 2011-12 for the departments of Public Health Engineering, Irrigation and Flood Control. The department which deals with water affairs is on an innovative path to make most of state's hydel potential. Following a legislation enacted last year, the department recently generated first set of bills amounting to Rs 66 crore, out of which the J&K State Power Development Corporation has made the payment while as NHPC has sought two months time. The Minister, Taj Mohiuddin, admitted in Legislative Assembly that the relevant provisions of Indus Water Treaty are coming in the way of State in utilizing its full hydel and irrigation potential. He said the present Government is making serious efforts to put up the State's case with the centre for compensation. In this regard, he said, area mapping to know the exact land irrigated and water tapped is being done. He said to work out the losses the Centre has sought the services of a consultancy whose report is expected. Terming the Water Resources Management Act 2010 as a landmark step in preserving the water resources of the State, the Minister said it is hoped that the State would earn revenue of Rs 863 crore annually as user charges from several power projects operating in the State. He regretted that while setting up hydel projects like Salal, Dul Hasti and Uri-I no formal MoUs were signed with the State Government but now section 102 of the Act makes it mandatory for the companies to register themselves with the State Water Resources Regulatory Authority. On Ravi Tawi project, Mr. Taj said it was planned in 1973, out of which J&K was supposed to get 0.65 MAF
www.epilogue.in
143600.10 lakhs
of water. However, he said when the J&K constructed canal upto
Lakhanpur Punjab Government came with the plan of constructing joint Ranjit Sagar Dam, which was build on the 65 per cent area of the State. However, he said neither power nor water was given to the State for which J&K waited for 30 years. He said as a result 1.2 lakh kanals of land in Kathua-Samba-Jammu district could not be irrigated. The State Government has decided to construct the balance portion of the canal from Satwain to collect its share of water from the Ravi for which the DPR has been prepared and the Government is getting complete report of the Rs 273 crore project by the end of this month.
Selected socio-economic indicators
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
30
J&K IN NUMBERS
Rs is the annual grant for the departments of Rural Development, Panchayats, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, all headed by National Conference strongman Ali Mohammad Sagar. Rs 1445Ccr has been set aside as wage budget under MGNREGA for financial year 2011-12. Sagar said that MGNREGA has witnessed a quantum jump in its expenditure and around Rs. 400 crore has been utilized during the current financial year. He said the State is projecting Rs. 1455 crore for the next financial year and the wages being given under the scheme has also been increased from Rs. 110 to Rs. 121 per day so that more and more people are involved in the scheme. "We will also appoint ombudsman at district level and state monitors have already been appointed to effectively moni-
Rs is the annual grant for FY 2011-12 for the department of Health and Family Welfare. Minister Sham Lal Sharma told Legislative Assembly that every District hospital will be provided with CT Scan facility, adding that five such hospitals have already been equipped with this facility this year till date. He said a project for creation and up-gradation of health units in nine districts of the State with hilly and rugged terrain has been submitted to the Centre for relaxing the population norms. Another proposal envisaging up gradation of 280 Allopathic Dispensaries and 180 Medical Aid Centres has also been sent to the Centre for funding, he said and added the results of the reformative measures taken by his depart-
www.epilogue.in
51729.74 lakh
tor the implementation of the scheme and take care of complaints if any". "The Government is also setting up separate Finance Com-
mission and Election Commission for Panchayats for which he said the Bills will be tabled in the ongoing session" he said adding that reservation for women and SC and ST population will also be ensured. With regard to providing justice to the people at an earliest, the Minister said that several measures have been taken. He said 12 new courts have been opened after getting the proper sanction. An amount of over Rs. 27 crore has so far been released for upgrading the judicial infrastructure which includes the construction of district lower courts at Mominabad, Srinagar, construction of lawyers chambers at Jammu and Srinagar, construction of different courts at various district headquarters besides, construction of judicial academy at MominabadBemina.
1519.19 crore
ment has started showing results on ground.
Vol. 5 Issus 04
The Minister said 12 AMT schools are coming up in the State in which 1000 educated youth will be trained in the initial phase. He said the revenue receipt of the department has gone up to Rs. 11.52 crore by the end of January this fiscal as against Rs. 5.16 crore recorded in 2008-09. Sham said Jammu and Kashmir has earned top notch in the primary healthcare in the entire country on account of marked improvement on all health parameters. He said the mortality rate has dropped to 45 as against 51 at national level. Similarly, the child sex ratio in the State is 941 as against national average of 933. He said 2300 posts of doctors and paramedics have been created to tide over the manpower shortage in the health institutions.
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
31
J&K IN NUMBERS
Rs
is the annual grant for the departments of School Education, Youth Services Sports and Public Enterprises for 2011-12. Minister for School Education Peerzada Mohammad Sayeed said that all the parameters of education have witnessed marked improvement over the years in the Stat -literacy rate in the State has risen to 65.57 % as against 55.52% in 2001-02. While the male literacy has risen to 75.30% the female literacy has touched 57.11%. The gender gap has also recorded significant drop to all time low 16.59%, he said.
324950.30 lakhs Peerzada said presently 16.60 lakh children are studying in government schools with total dropout recorded at 39,150 as against 3.76 lakh in 200405. He said successful implementation of SSA has facilitated building of gigantic educational infrastructure across the State. He said 680 middle school buildings and 5467 additional classrooms were also constructed throughout the State equitability as far as possible to tide over accommodation problem of the students. He said Government will provide free of cost uniforms to all the stu-
Selected socio-economic indicators
dents of government schools next fiscal to facilitate their education. He said free books are made available from 1st to 8th class students in Government schools. He said as many as 551 headmasters, 1757 subject teachers and 251 junior teachers will be appointed under RMSA. He said while the government covered 10.60 lakh students under mid-day meal scheme, as many as 8683 kitchen sheds were also constructed.
55% Of total population in Jammu and Kashmir live in permanent houses, as per census of 2001. Other 32.15% live in semi-permanent houses and 12.85% were living in temporary houses, and the relative position in India was 51.80%, 30.04% and 18.16% respectively. Categorizing the households living in owned, rented and other categories, works out to be 93%, 5% and 2% for J&K and 87%, 11% and 2% respectively for India. These figures also depict good position for the State as compared to All India.
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
32
J&K IN NUMBERS
Rs
is the annual grant for the 201112 for the departments of Consumer Affairs and Public Distributions and Transport. Minister concerned Qamar Ali Akhoon informed Legislative Assembly that government has arranged an additional quota of 51,539 Metric Tonnes food grains to regulate the ration supply for the consumers of the State for next six months at the rate of 35 kg per Above Poverty Line ration card and 40 Kg per ration card of Below Pov-
93951.62 lakhs erty Line and AAY categories. Akhoon said from January to March, 2010, the Government lifted 1.05 lakh MTs of foodgrians under Open Market Sale scheme involving a subsidy of Rs 69 crore. He said subsequently the government lifted 30,634 MTs adhoc allocation to supplement the ration under PDS to APL during the month of August to October 2010. The Minster said reverification of BPL lists has been undertaken in a big way through concerned Deputy Commissioners to
Selected socio-economic indicators
ensure that deserving people get their due share of ration. He said state government has made revised projections for allotment of required quota of foodgrians, adding that there was a gap between supply and demand of ration as the State still receives ration quota as per 2001 census. Akoon said that shortage of food grains sometimes occur vis-a-vis APL quota only, making it clear that adequate quota of ration for BPL and AAY is available.
350
Is the number of militants still active in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir, says state Director General of Police Kuldeep Khoda. While nearly 45 % reduction in the militancy related incidents has been recorded in the first quarter of this year, over 300 to 350 terrorists are still active in the Jammu and Kashmir State. The DGP says 232 militants were eliminated by the security forces during the year 2010, but nearly 300-350 terrorists were still active in the Jammu and Kashmir State. Out of these total ultras operating in J&K, nearly 45 % of them are foreigners. Referring to the infiltration attempts along the borders/ LoC and the infrastructure raised on that side for facilitating the terrorists, the State Police chief said there seems to be no change in the attitude of the neighbour.
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
33
J&K IN NUMBERS
Rs.
22.63%
Has been the contribution of Primary Sector (Agriculture & allied activities) to the State economy at constant (2004-2005) prices as per advance estimated for 2009-10. The relative share of this sector to GDP at national level for the year 2009-10 has been 16.99%. Contribution of Secondary sector to State GDP as per advance estimates for 2009-2010 was 29.55% against 25.84% at the national level for the same year. Contribution of Tertiary Sector to State GDP as per advance estimates for 2009-2010 was 47.82% against 57.17% at the national level for the year 2009-2010. Agriculture constitutes an important sector of the State economy as around 70% of the population of J&K derives its income directly or indirectly from this sector. Agriculture absorbs 49% of the total working force of the State with 42% as cultivators and 7% as agriculture labourers depending directly on agriculture for their livelihood. Kashmir's agriculture has an international identity. The worlds best saffron is grown in the Valley and its major intensity is in District Pulwama and Budgam. Nearly 98% of total area in the State under the crop is cultivativable in Kashmir division only. Its cultivation in Jammu division is limited to district Kishtwar only. Horticulture is emerging as a fast growing sector in the State. Its importance can be visualized by its contribution to the State's economy which is estimated around 7-8%. Almost 45% economic returns in agriculture sector are accounted for by horticulture produce. 5 lakh families comprising of 30 lakh people are involved in horticulture trade. Fruit production of the State increased from 16.91 lakh metric tones in 2008-2009 to 17.13 lakh metric tones in 2009-2010, recording an increase of 1.30%. For the current year, the State expects fruit production of 22.22 lakh metric tones to register notable increase of 29.71% over previous year's production figures. Out of total fruit production for 2009-2010, 15.35 lakh tones constituting 90% was fresh fruit and the remaining 10% dry fruit. In the fruit production figures share of apple accounted for 86.17% and walnut with 9.64% share, is the next major fruit. The industrial sector of the J&K State comprising of manufacturing sector (both registered & unregistered), Construction, Electricity, Water supply and Gas and Mining & Quarrying is growing slowly. Overall contribution of Industrial Sector to GSDP has risen from 27.33% in 2004-2005 to 29.55% in 2007-2008. The contribution of Manufacturing sector (both registered & un-registered) in GSDP of J&K is increasing day by day and has increased from 3.8% in 1999-00 to 7.17% in 2007-2008. Taking individually, the manufacturing sector. Registered contributes 2.65% and un-registered contributes 4.42% to GSDP of the State. The contribution of Construction sector to GSDP in the J&K State is also increasing over the years and has increased from 11.60% in 1999-00 to 18.12% in 2009-2010. The construction sector is growing significantly which is evident from the fact that its contribution to GSDP has substantially increased during the period from 1999-00 to 2009-2010.
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
47709.31 crore is the Gross State Domestic Product of Jammu and Kashmir for the year 2010-11 at current prices. It has grown from Rs. 27004.63 crore in 2004-2005 registering an increase of 76.67%. At constant (2004-2005) prices, the GSDP has risen from Rs. 27004.63 crore to Rs.37886.92 crore during the same period registering an increase of 40.30%. The Per capita GSDP at constant (2004-2005) prices as per preliminary estimates for the year 20102011 was Rs.32496 registering an increase of 5.21% over per capita GSDP of Rs. 30886 for 2009-2010. The relative per capita income figures for India stood at Rs. 38060 for 20092010 and Rs. 36005 for 2008-2009.
1153 Incidents of violence took place in Kashmir Valley during summer unrest of 2010 in which 118 persons were killed hundreds others injured. In connection with Police cases registered against several persons for instigating or leading mobs, 4000 persons were arrested from time to time. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has recently claimed that only 171 of them are currently in custody while rest were released. "There are only 128 persons in custody under PSA at present", he added.
104.73 lakh
Is the total livestock population in Jammu and Kashmir as per provisional estimates of 18th livestock census 2007. Total livestock population in the State has increased from 98.99 lakh in 2003 to 104.73 lakhs in 2007, registering an increase of 5.8%. The number of livestock per 1000 of human population as per livestock census 2007 was 882 animals while as at all India level the number was only 457, as per livestock census 2003.
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
34
J&K IN NUMBERS
Handlooms & Handicrafts Exports of handicrafts have also maintained upward trend during the years. Handicraft goods valuing Rs. 1200.00 crore were exported during year 2007-2008. However, there was a decline in export sales to Rs. 705.50 crore during the year 2008-2009, which further declined to Rs. 661.27 crore during 2009-2010. Handloom industry also occupies a premier position in the State's economy. There are approximately 37000 handlooms in the State, out of which Kashmir Valley is having a share of about 70%.
59,023
Selected socio-economic indicators
is the number of daily wagers or casual employees employed by various departments and undertakings of Jammu and Kashmir government on temporary basis. As many as 59,023 daily wagers and 19,323 casual labors are working in various departments, autonomous bodies and public service undertakings in the state. Out of these 55478 daily wagers stand regularized by the government leaving a balance of 3541.
15,243 Recruitments have been made by Services Selection Board of Jammu and Kashmir since 2009. This
2273 Persons are covered by one Doctor in Jammu and Kashmir as per estimates of 2009. In 1950 there was one doctor for a population of 17683
128 Students are taught by one teacher at an average. The national level ratio is one teacher for 45 students. Population covered per school in the State was 539 in 2008-09 against 871 persons in 2006-2007 at the national level.
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
35
J&K IN NUMBERS
14,359.62 hectares of forest area is under encroachment in Jammu and Kashmir and 1009.27 hectares area has been retrieved during the last five years. Of the total forest area under encroachment, 9481.98 hectares fall in Jammu region and 4877.62 hectares in Kashmir region. In Jammu region, the maximum area under encroachment falls in Rajouri district (2748.56 hectares) followed by Ramban district where 1919.97 hectares of forest area is under encroachment. A total of 1797 hectares of forest area is under encroachment in Poonch district, 1004 hectares in Reasi, 813.79 hectares in Doda, 503.42 hectares in Kishtwar, 184 hectares in Jammu district, 20.10 hectares in Samba, 220.16 hectares in Kathua and 270.38 hectares in Udhampur district. In the Jammu region, 15 hectares of encroached forest area has been retrieved during the last two years. In Kashmir province, maximum area of forest under encroachment falls in Anantnag district (1885.57 hectares). A total of 158.50 hectares forest area is under encroachment in Bandipora, 719.88 hectares in Baramulla, 393.48 hectares in Budgam, 57.978 hectares in Kupwara, 365.55 hectares in Kulgam, 489.95 hectares in Ganderbal and 806.71 hectares in Shopian. A total of 518.38 hectares of forest area was evicted from the encroachers during the last two years in Kashmir valley.
63 tonnes
Selected socio-economic indicators
of Basmati rice has been exported last year to different countries including USA and Middle East for the first time from Jammu and Kashmir. This was following Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Department of Commerce's notification on August 17, 2010 allowing the export of high grade Basmati rice grown in Jammu region of the Ste. The total quantity of Basmati sent outside the state during 2010-11, ending January, 2011, is 2, 19, 928 quintals. The approximate value of the Basmati rice sent outside the state during 2010-1, ending January, 2011, would be of the order of Rs. 109.96 crore, calculated at Rs. 5000 per quintal. The Minister for Agriculture said though details are not available with the state government some private players had received orders from USA for the export of Basmati. Minister said that a comprehensive Basmati Mission Project for the proper marketing and other related activities has been sent to Centre for clearance. He also said that several buyer seller meets have been organized so that the exports both nationally as well as internationally get a boost.
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
36
J&K IN NUMBERS
Rs
is annual grant for departments of Industries and Commerce for the financial year 2011-12 as passed by the Legislative Assembly on March 12. The Minister for Industries Surjeet Singh Slathia told Legislative Assembly the process of permissions and clearances has been fast tracked in his department. He said that plots will be provided to entrepreneurs expeditiously in the industrial estates through single window system of which Director of Industries would be the Chairman in each division. He said registration for new industrial units will be given within a week. Listing achievements of his Department, he said the employees of JK Minerals for the first time are getting their wages monthly while reminding that these employees had not received their salaries for 16
31837.78 lakhs
Rs. is the annual grant for FY 2011-12 for the department of Social Welfare. The Minister for Social Welfare Sakina Ittoo said as many as 23000 new cases have been approved under various social security schemes to provide succour to poor and destitute class, besides enhancing pension amounts of the beneficiaries. She said a record number of 3000 cases stand covered under National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS), while the total number of beneficiaries under ISSS and other welfare schemes has risen to 3.55 lakh. She said two new schemes, Indira Gandhi Widow Pension Scheme and Indira Gandhi National Disabled Pension Scheme are also picking up in the State, even as the Government is pursuing with the Centre to relax norms under the twin welfare schemes to bring more deserving cases under their ambit. The Minister admitted that one lakh pension cases under different schemes are still pending with the department. Presently nine lakh children and
www.epilogue.in
month, when he took over the charge of the Ministry. He said the production of Kalakote Coal Mine has risen to 30,000 MT as against 14,000 MTs registering sale of Rs 10.50 crore as against Rs 2 crore. He s aid, the workers in the project are
getting wages regularly, adding that earlier they used to be on strike off and on. Government has gone for global tendering to ensure systematic extraction of sapphire at Padder. He said the step has been initiated to ensure competitive bidding at a large scale with utmost transparency. In Handloom sector, the Minister said, the Government has embarked on a mega plan of modernizing 40,000 looms involving Rs 100 crore. Slathia said turnover of cross LoC Trade has increased to Rs 68 crore during the first 10 months of current fiscal as against Rs 52 crore during 2007-08. He said telephone facility has been extended to Trade Facilitation Centre Chakkan-da-Bagh and Slamabad, while the issue of banking facility has been taken up with Central Government
52152.28 lakh
women are benefitting under ICDS through a network of 28,000 Anganwari Centres across the State, she said, adding 3500 Centres under phase-III are also being set up. The selection process for engagements of Anganwari Workers and helpers has been made totally transparent with 85% marks prescribed for matric merit and 15% for interview for A/W workers, she maintained. To augment the network of Anganwari Centres in the
Vol. 5 Issus 04
state, a fresh proposal envisaging establishment of 10,000 new Anganwari Centres has been flagged to Centre, she said, adding the concerned Union Ministry has agreed to sanction these Centres in principle. The Minister said assistance under Rehabilitation Council has been hiked to Rs. 1000 from Rs. 750, adding 7000 militancy hit victims are availing benefits under the scheme presently. The Women Development Corporation is providing soft loans to women entrepreneurs, Sakina said, adding Rs. 10 crore provided to the Corporation under Empowering Skilled Young Women Scheme is expected to be utilized in full. She said Corporation has trained 4000 girls in market oriented trades, enhancing their skills and capacities. It has also provided soft loans to 1300 women entrepreneurs and conducted 80 awareness camps to acquaint women about entrepreneur and soft loan schemes in different areas.
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
37
J&K IN NUMBERS
83.60 Quintals Of saffron was produced in Jammu and Kashmir during 2009-10. Out of this 80 quintals were produced in Pampore area of Kashmir division and 3.60 quintals in the Kishtwar area of Jammu division. The Minister for Agriculture says that the Saffron Development Project in a mission mode is for Rs. 372.18 crore to be implemented over a period of 4 years, 2010-11 being the first year. He said Rs. 288.06 crore shall be provided by the Centre in four years and Rs. 85.122 crore shall be the farmers share. The Minister further informed the house that in order to strengthen quality control in saffron, a quality control laboratory is being set up under the Centrally Sponsored Mission 'Economic Revival of J&K Saffron Sector'. Additional infrastructure facilities for Storage, grading and packing of saffron have also been conceived in this project in addition to the installation of SMS server and the establishment of an electronic auction and trading centre at Pampore. Mr Mir said that saffron of J&K State (Indian Saffron) is known the world over as the best saffron due to its intrinsic quality characters, primarily because of its strong colour and flavour as a result of high crocin and safranal content. H e said that the area under saffron cultivation has increased from 2931 to 3785 hectares from 2000 to 2010-11
112837 students are currently enrolled in different Government Colleges across Jammu and Kashmir. this is a huge jump over previous session's enrolment of 87920 students. There are 72 Government Degree Colleges in the state -35 in Kashmir division and 37 in Jammu division. Government has announced to establish 22 new Degree Colleges in the State shortly under expansion programme. In addition to the Colleges, 11extension Campuses of Jammu University have been sanctioned for various districts and tehsil headquarters, most of them have started their functioning. Two extension campuses of Kashmir University at Anantnag and Baramulla have been also made functional, he maintained. The Minister for Higher Education Abdul Ghani Malik said the department has provided transport facilities to 50 colleges across the State, adding that all colleges will be provided these facilities by the Government during the next fiscal.
Rs
Rs.
4,513 crore
are being spent on 4066 schemes under State plan and Centrally sponsored schemes in the state under Rural Development sector, of this Rs. 1395 crore stands incurred so far. The Rural Development Department has expanded its activities since 1996 and several Chief Engineers have been posted in different wings of the department. 1913 schemes costing Rs 3582 cr have been approved under NABARD, of which 725 schemes have been completed at a cost of Rs. 725 crore.
Rs
1000 crore
Is the amount to be spent under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in Jammu and Kashmir during FY 201112. Under MG NREGA the rural works to the tune of Rs 400 crorewere under execution during during FY 2010-11. Under this programme, the infrastructure in every village is being developed. For the purpose the concerned legislators would identify more works to boost the development as the scheme is demand drive. Eleven villages, 10 in Kashmir and one in Jammu province, have been taken up for infrastructure development under State sector during last fiscal and current financial year.
1857 Crore
investment is being made on health sector in FY 2011-12. The Super Speciality Hospital at Jammu shall be completed early and made functional. The buildings of two new district hospitals, 2 CHC buildings, OPD Block at Bone and Joint Hospital, Srinagar, Girls Hostel of Dental College, Srinagar: OPD Block of Medical College Jammu and Advance Yoga Centre are expected to be completed during the next financial year. A Drug Policy is being formulated to promote medicines accessibility - ensuring safety, quality and efficacy of medicines, good prescribing practices and rational use of drugs in the public and private sector. An investment of Rs 857 crore under the State Plan and Rs 900 crore under Central Sector is expected in the Health Sector during the next year.
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
38
J&K IN NUMBERS
737577 Is the number of various types of vehicles registered in Jammu and Kashmir. The number of vehicles was merely 21000 in 1974-75. Kashmir division accounts for a highest number of registered vehicles. 462714 vehicles are registered in Kashmir Division while 274863 are registered in Jammu division. Out of 737577 vehicles, 8894 are passenger vehicles. Passenger vehicles to human population ratio works out 1:144. Jammu and Kashmir accounts for 65 accidents per 10,000 vehicles. There were 5053 road accidents in 2010 killing nearly 1000 persons.
Statement showing the year wise/Category wise figures of Vehicles Registered in J&K District
Buses M.Buses Truck/ Trailor Taxis 3-Wheelers
Cars
Jeeps 2-Wheelers Others Total
Jammu
5759
7098
23498
4000
14021
80513 6496
250824
15191 407400
Kathua
113
478
1025
398
1158
3815
226
15849
2689 25751
Udhampur
82
397
803
1515
921
3552
167
9470
742
17649
Doda
21
230
142
381
256
510
45
872
92
2549
Rajouri
46
199
138
178
458
614
69
3695
534
5931
Poonch
16
202
156
543
255
535
55
1379
293
3434
Total Jammu
6037
8604
25762
7015
17069
89539 7058
282089
19541 462714
Srinagar
3282
3380
10910
5638
14548
48286 3772
72712
5435 167963
Budgam
26
291
1192
602
945
7241
288
9682
1234 21531
Baramulla 132
775
1880
1892
1519
7366
249
9866
1833 25512
Kupwara
68
217
394
833
191
1310
63
1732
Anantnag
136
912
2245
2642
1833
7891
109
9082
2122 26972
Pulwama
89
421
1679
801
1028
4904
61
9550
1438 19971
Leh Kargil
136 73
180 73
692 166
1762 610
8 6
1734 600
1 0
899 216
275 161
Total Kashmir
3972
6249
19158
14780
20078
79332 4543
113739
13012 274863
G. Total 10009 14853
44920
21795
37147
168871 11601
395828
32553 737577
514
5322
5687 1905
223
is the number of private diagnostic centres operating in various parts of Jammu and Kashmir. Minister of State for Health and Medical Education, Mr. Javid Ahmad Dar said as many as 223 registered diagnostic centres, including X-Ray units, ultra-sonography units and laboratory clinics are operating in the state. He said all private clinical establishments, diagnostic centres and laboratories are registered under the provisions of the Jammu and Kashmir Nursing Homes and Clinical Establishments (Registration and Licensing) Act, 1963. He said the ultrasonography units are also governed by the pre-natal sex selection / determination regulation Act, 2002, which in force in the state. Registrations are granted to all private clinical establishments only after they fulfilment the necessary requirements and complete all formalities as are envisaged under the said Acts and the Rules framed there under.
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS
39
J&K IN NUMBERS
160214812 kanals
Of state land is reported to under illegal occupation of private persons. Few years back state government led by Ghulam Nabi Azad enacted a legislation regularising ownership of state land to the private persons against payments to government under different rate slabs. Minister for Revenue says 14, 44,360 applications for regularisation have been received from applicants while 1,18,132 applications are disposed off and 6, 42, 992 kanals of land on which ownership has been given to the claimants across the Jammu region. He said cost of the land has been assessed at Rs. 189.46 crore by the committee and the beneficiaries have been asked to deposit the amount adding that so far Rs. 20.70 crore have been received on this account. Similarly, 4, 22, 934, 80 kanals of State land is under occupation of the people in Kashmir region against which 3, 55, 221 applications have been received, the Minister said adding that 29, 620 applications are disposed off and the ownership of 32, 238 kanals of land has been given to the claimants. He said against the total assessed cost of Rs. 114.53 crore, the department has so far received Rs. 52.20 crore
341
persons have been killed in custody of Police and other security forces during 20 years of militancy in Jammu and Kashmir, the government has recently admitted. The Government has disclosed that a total 698 political activists and leaders were killed in the State since 1990 and the highest number of 101 were killed during 2002, followed by 76 in 2001, 62 during 2004, 61 in 1996 while 58 each during 1997 and 1998. During 2008, 09 and 10, four each political activists were killed by terrorists while during this year up to February 25, 2011, only one political worker was killed in such incident. A total 12,517 other civilians and 5363 security force personnel were killed in the State since 1990 up to now. The total number of civilians killed has now gone up to 13, 215. It was further disclosed that 341 persons have been allegedly killed in custody in the State in last two decades. However, no such custodial death has taken place in Poonch and Rajouri districts. Out of the total 113 persons missing in Poonch and Rajouri districts during militancy, 99 belonged to Poonch, whereas, only 14 missing persons have been reported from district Rajouri since 1990 so far. The Government has also claimed to have provided ex-gratia relief to the families of 14 persons missing in district Rajouri and nothing in Poonch so far on the plea that verification process has not been completed as yet.
Rs
1093
Questions, including 604 starred and 489 un-starred, were received from Legislators for replies by the Ministers in the latest budget session of state Legislative Assembly which concludes on April 1. Speaker said 997 questions were listed for business, adding that 158 starred questions were raised whereas 96 questions were disallowed. He said about 22 hours time was utilized on Question Hour, adding that 255 issues were raised during Zero Hour. During the sessions, 16 bills were received and passed whereas 58 private members bills were received by the Assembly Secretariat, out of which one bill was taken up and introduced and 10 bills disallowed. In addition, 108 Calling Attention Notices were received, out of which 48 notices were taken up and 17 notices disallowed. Two resolutions were also taken up in the House against 84 admitted resolutions. that 25 resolutions were disallowed. Assembly Secretariat also received 3721 cut-motions, of which 2685 motions were taken up and 1035 disallowed. A total of 134 hours of time was consumed for the entire budget session. 14.10 hours was consumed by National Conference party on discussion on motion of thanks on Governors Address, general discussion on budget and discussion on demands for Grants for the year 2011-12 whereas congress party consumed 9.15 hours, PDP 17 hours, BJP 6 hours, JKNPP 4.30 hours, others 7.15 hours.
37.01%
Of total population in Jammu and Kashmir comprises the workforce as against national average of 39.10%. The State is neck to neck in respect of work force with national rate.
4183 Crore
is the target fixed by Finance Minister collection of tax revenue in financial year 2011-12 against previous year's BE of Rs 3,505 crore, projecting an increase of around 20% from BE to BE. Out of the total tax collection targets, the BE for VAT collection has been kept at 3,025 crore aiming at an increase of ` 514 crore over the current year's BE of ` 2,511 crore. In percentage terms, it comes to around 20.5%. The collection on account of Excise Duties is targeted at ` 333 crore as against the current year's BE of ` 280 crore. Collections against Taxes on Goods and Passengers are aimed at ` 382 crore as against BE of ` 334 crore in the current fiscal. Among other major tax items, Taxes on Vehicles and Stamp Duties are expected to contribute ` 123 crore and 76 crore respectively to the state exchequer as against the current years BE targets of ` 101 crore and ` 67 crore respectively. www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
IN FOCUS J&K IN NUMBERS
40
23783
Is the number of Special Police Officials, low paid cops originally recruited to assist J&K Police in sighting militancy. A total 23,783 Special Police Officials (SPOs) including 1375 ex-servicemen are working in the Jammu and Kashmir State. In Jammu Zone of Police, the number of total SPOs deployed was 14274 while the number of exservicemen was 1092. The overall total number in Jammu region was 15,366 while in Kashmir Zone their number was 8417, out of which only 283 were ex-servicemen. The highest number -4176 SPOs, was in district Doda, followed by 2287 in Kishtwar and 1773 in district Jammu. In Rajouri their number was 1471, 1209 in Baramulla, 1127 in Poonch whereas, 1058 in district Srinagar. The lowest number of 61 were placed in district Kargil while just 88 in Leh district. 8079 SPOs have completed seven years of engagement in Police Department. They are getting Rs 3000 as honorarium and a proposal to hike the same up to Rs 5000 per month has been taken up with the Union Home Ministry. The response from Centre is yet awaited. To yet another question regarding their regularization, the Law Minister told Legislative Assembly said the engagement of SPOs was purely temporary in nature. However, the Government has formulated a comprehensive policy for their absorption as Constables to the extent of 15 % of the available vacancies.
Selected socio-economic indicators
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
RELIGION
41
BELIEFS AND MATHEMATICS
Significance of 7 in Islam: A mathematician's viewpoint DR. SHAKEEL AHMED RAINA Seven is a natural number. It is a prime number which is also sum of two prime numbers five and two. It has been seen that this number has great significance in Islam and it had been frequently used in The Holy Quran and sayings of Prophet Mohammad.
A
eman(Faith) is the first funda mental of Islam. The detailed definition of Aeman is to bring faith blindly on 7 things: first faith on God, second faith on His angels, third faith on His books, fourth faith on His Prophets, fifth faith on the Day of Judgement (Kiyamat), sixth faith on fate (Takdeer) and seventh faith on re-life after death. Muslims are directed to start every work with the word Bismillah. Bismillah means I start with name of God. The Abjid Haroof of the Arabic word Bismillah is 786. The number 786 starts with 7.The sum of all digits of 786 = 7+8+6 = 21 which is a multiple of 7 and clearly the product of all digits of 786 = 7 8 6 is also multiple of 7.The sum of other digits 8 and 6 is multiple of 7. The first Surah of The Holy Quran is Surah Al-Fateh. It has 7 verses. Among these 7, first three contain praise of God , last three contains prayer of human being to God and the central verse is equally divided in two parts, first again explain greatness of God and second part is again a prayer to God. In this way the Surah is exactly divided in to two parts. First half contains praise and greatness of God and second half is prayer of human beings to God. Nimaz is the second and most important fundamental of Islam after faith. It is obligatory for every Muslim to perform five times Nimaz daily whether he is rich or poor, healthy or patient, at home or in journey. The total number of Rikats
www.epilogue.in
of evening Nimaz is 7.The maximum rikats of Fariz and Vajib in a single Namaz is 7(in Aishah Nimaz 4 fariz and 3 Viters).The total number of Rikats of Fariz in all Namaz(2+4+4+3+4) is17 which has 7 at its unit place. The total number of Fariz in Bath and Ablution (3+4) is 7. Fasting during the month of Ramzan is third fundamental of Islam. It is obligatory for every Muslims except patients to observe fasts during the month of Ramzan. The Holy night known as Shab-E-Qudir is of great importance. Almost all Islamic Scholar are of the opinion that it is 27th night of the Holy Month of Ramzan. It is also said that in this Night the Great Angel Jabrail is sent on the earth with 70000 angels who recommend the demands of the human beings to God whatever they want. In this month the reward of good deeds is increased 70 times. Paying of Zokat is fourth fundamental of Islam. It is obligatory for every Muslims to pay 2.5% of his wealth as Zokat who are holding 7.5 tolas of Gold. In Sural-AlBaqarah(Verse No.61), it said that the example of those who spend their substance in the way of God is that of a grain which grows 7 ears and each ear has hundred grains. God even increases for some whom he is pleased. Hajj is the 5th fundamental of Islam. It necessary for all those Muslims who afford to perform one Hajj during life time. During Hajj one has to perform several duties. One
Vol. 5 Issus 04
among them is Towaf of Khana Kaba which means to perform 7 rounds around Khana Kaba. Sai is one of the important factors of Hajj and Umra which means 7 rounds between the Mountains Safa and Murva. Rami Jamratis also an important factor of Hajj which means to throw 7 stones on pillar of Iblees. Prophet Mohammad(SA) said that on the Day of Judgement 7 people would be under the shadow of Thorne of God(Arish).These 7 people are: first is a King who always do justice, second a person who had remained busy in worship of God during his youth period, third a person who likes to sit in masque, fourth the two persons who meet and depart for God sake, fifth a person who is attracted by a beautiful woman for doing evil but he ignores her by the fear of God, sixth a person who gives charity in most secret way and seventh is a person who remembers God in lonely and tears follow from his eyes due to fear of God. Prophet Mohammad(SA) said when a person embraced Islam his all sins prior to this are forgiven and his reward for good deeds is increased from 10 to 70 times. In an other saying Prophet Mohammad (SA) has prohibited the 7 things: (i) Backbiting and unnecessary discussion,(ii) Asking of many questions in the controversial matters and (iii)Unnecessary spending of money and wealth,(iv) Disobedience of mothers,(v) Berried alive the girls (vi) To deprive the others from your own kindness, (vii) Unnec-
Epilogue, April 2011
RELIGION BELIEFS AND MATHEMATICS
essary begging. In one saying of Prophet Mohammad (SA) it is said that on the Day of Judgement 70000 people will be send to heaven without any questioning. He has also told an herb(Hood Hindi) which according to him is cure of 7 diseases. Prophet Mohammad(SA) said that one should protect himself from 7 dangerous sins which are: first to make some one as partner of God, second doing magics, third murder of innocent human being, fourth eating of interest, fifth to grab the assets of orphans, sixth to run away from war and seventh to labelled allegations on pious ladies. In Holy Quran(Surah Al-Anam) God asks Prophet Mohammad(SA) to convey the people(i) Don't make any partner of God,(ii) Be obedient to parents,(iii) Don't kill your children due to fare of food,(iv) Don't follow paths of Beheyayi,(v) Don't murder(vi) Don't grab the property of orphans, (vii) Be accurate in weigh and measurement. These are seven items which are asked to Prophet Mohammad (SA) to convey the mankind. When people demanded to Prophet Musa that they would not bring faith unless they sea God. Then Prophet Musa selected 70 people and took them on mount of toor for the purpose (Surah-AlAeraf). Prophet Mohammad(SA) said that on the day of Judgement(Kayamat) people will be sinked 70 cubits in swart. He(SA) also said that God gives one time reward to a person just for the intension of doing some good work and when he practically do that work God gives him reward from 10 to 700 times. Prophet (SA) said while telling the punishments of a person who does not perform Nimaz that a big snack will be imposed upon him in grave who punish him continuously for leaving Nimaz. The punishment will be so strong that when the snack will kick his body with nails the body ,the body will go down 70 cubits into earth. Once Prophet Muhammad (SAW) asked to Angel Jebrail what his age was, he replied, "there is a star which appears on sky after every 70,000 years and I have seen it 70,000 times". The Kaba of Angels is known as Baet-Ul-Mamoor. It is said that every time 70000 angels moving
www.epilogue.in
round the Baet-Ul-Mamoor and daily new angels performed this duty. No angel is repeated. In Surah Al-Kahf of the Holy Quran a story of companions of cave has been told. Their exact number is not known. Quran says some say they were three and dog was the fourth, some say they were five and dog was the sixth, and some say they were 7 and dog was the eight. Some great scholars of Islam are of the opinion that they were 7 and dog were the eight because it is the last line of the Holy Quran regarding this story. In Surah AlBanisrail it is said that there are 7 skies. In Surah Al-Lukman it is said that pens made with all the trees on earth and ink made with whole water of sea plus water of 7 more sea are not sufficient to write praise of God. In Sural Al-Sagida it is said that God created 7 skies in two days. Creation of skies and earth was also discussed in some other verses of Quran also. In Surah AlYousif the number 7 appeared 10 times in the story of dream of King of Egypt and the prediction of dream made by Hazrat Yousif(RA). In fact this knowledge of prediction of dreams of Hazrat Yousif(RA) had become apparent source of his liberation from the prison and also ultimately and his appointment as Finance Minister of Egypt. In Surah Al-Talaq (Verse No.12) it is said that God created the seven skies and earth. In Surah Al-Haqqah it is written that the the people of Samood and Ad were destroyed by God with natural calamity in the form of a sound vice and fast which was kept continue on them for 7 nights and 8 days. In the same verse it said that on the day of Judgement the sinners will be thrown in heaven and each will be tied with a chin of length 70 cubits. In Surah AlTawbah(verse No.80) God addresses Prophet Mohammad(SA) and says, Whether you ask for their forgiveness or not , their sins are unforgivable. If you ask 70 times for their forgiveness, Allah will not forgive them because they have rejected Allah and His Messenger and Allah guides not those who are perversely rebellious. Hell has 7 doors(Surah Al-Hijr, Verse No.44). In the same
Vol. 5 Issus 04
42
Surah(Verse No.87) God says, "And we have bestowed upon thee the 7 oft-repeated verses and the Grand Quran". The 7 oft-repeated verses are usually understood the opening Sural Al-Fatihah. In Surah-AlNahl(Verse No.124) there is mention of 7th day. The wars of Badar and Ohad are very famous wars. In the first war a small group of Muslims defeated a big group of the opponent group at the place Badar in Madina Manawarah. Even in this war 14 Muslims were killed and 70 people of the opponent group were killed. Of course 14 is a multiple of 7.In the later war Muslims were harmed much. Hazrat Hamza maternal uncle of Prophet Mohammad (SA) was also killed in this war. A tooth of Prophet Mohammad (SA) was broken in this war and 70 companion of the Prophet Mohammad (SA) were also killed. It is said when war was finished then Prophet Mohammad (SA) made an announcement that who follow the enemies so that they might not again attack. 70 people promised to do so including Hazrat Abubakar (RA) and Hazrat Zabar (RA).It is written that Prophet Mohammad (SA) daily 70 times prayed to God for Magfirat (forgiveness).Prophet (SA) said that is one of the duties of parents that they give name to newly born child within 7 days. Seven has significance otherwise also. We know 70% surface area of earth is occupied by water and 30% is land. Human body contains 70% water and 30% other matter. There are 7 holes in human body. It said that there are several bacteria and virus in pig which he transmits to human beings and animals. These bacteria and virus cause 70 diseases (Tameer-e- Hayat. No24, Vol42). In 1962, 18 masques were built in Breton and in next 10 years the no. of masques increased at the rate of 7 masques per year and present there are 500 masques. Recently a masque in near the Proposed Olympic stadium was constructed in which 70000 people can offer prayer together (Tameer-e- Hayat. No24, Vol42). (To be continued) Author teaches mathematics at Government Degree Collage Thannamandi
Epilogue, April 2011
COLUMN HISTORY
43
Tarikh-i-Rashidi As a Source of the History of 16th Century Ladakh PROF: JIGAR MOHAMMED
I
t is a well established fact that Ladakh was one of the largest Hi malayan states of the 16th A.D. century India which political stability and socio-economic developments were maintained by its rulers belonging to the Namgyal dynasty. Since before 1919 there was no concept of the definite boundary of a state, territorial expansion was understood as a political duty of a ruler. Ladakh bordered the Central Asian and Chinese regions. Consequently, there were huge political and socio-economic exchanges among these regions. Some of the Central Asians were well versed with the major aspects of the socio-political and economic life of Ladakh. Mirza Haider Dughlat was one of those Central Asians who not only entered Ladakh as a warrior and conqueror, but also studied the historical developments of Ladakh and narrated and analyzed the historical themes of Ladakh in his work Tarikhi-Rashidi. It is known that history is an organizer of continues dialogue between past and present. But the dialogue between past and present can be organized only on the basis of the sources, and not on the basis of heresay. Ladakh is very rich in terms of the Tibetan sources of history. However, it is also given huge space in Mirza Haider Dughlat's Tarikh-iRashidi, a Persian source. This shows that Ladakh received the attention of non-Ladakhi in terms its significance in the literature of the others. Though Tarikh-i-Rashidi is mainly concerned with the history of the different parts of Central Asia, it also in-
www.epilogue.in
corporates historical events which were witnessed by its author Mirza Haidar Dughlat during his invasion of some parts of Ladakh, Baltistan and Kashmir. Since Ladakh was closely connected with Central Asia by the trade routes, Mirza Haidar Dughlat also paid respects to the sentiments of the people of Ladakh and Central Asia by depicting the historical events of Ladakh in his account. It is known that Mirza Haidar Dughlat was born at Tashkand. He had an aristocratic background. His father Muhammad Husain Kenkan was governor of Shash, the capital of Tashkand, for six years. But the Mirza's father was assassinated by Shaibani Khan, the Uzbeg leader, in 1508. Consequently the Mirza faced many misfortunes and wandered in the different parts of Central Asia for many years. E. Dennison Ross, the translator of the Tarikh-i-Rashidi, rightly observes, "Mirza Haidar began his life in strife and adventures." In 1514 he joined the service of the Sultan Said Khan, the Khan and rulers of Mughalistan. Said Khan invaded Ladakh in 1532 and Mirza Haidar accompanied and assisted him. The Mirza showed amazing courage in the conquests of the Himaliyan regions such as Ladakh, Baltistan, Kashmir and Tibet proper. Though he dedicated his Tarikh-iRashidi to Rashid Khan, the sovereign of Kashgar, he provides valuable information regarding different areas of Central Asia, Tibet proper, Ladakh, Baltistan, Kashmir and hill states of Jaammu region. However, as far as Ladakh is concerned, Tarikh-i-Rashidi is only the
Vol. 5 Issus 04
non-Ladakhi or non-Tibetan source which devotes number of pages on its history and culture. It deals with the nature of the invasion of Mirza Haidar of Ladakh, its geographical features, means of defence, ruling class and socio-economic life etc. It was a general trend to use the term Tibet for Ladakh during the medieval period. The Mirza has done the same thing in most of the cases. But at one place he uses the term Ladakh. It is known that the terms Tibet-i-Kalan or Tibet-i-Buzurg for Ladakh and Tibet-i-Khurd for Baltistan are generally used by the Persian sources of the Mughal period. Even the modern historians like Maulvi Hashmatullah Khan Lakhnavi use the terms Tibet-iBuzurg for Ladakh and Tibet-i-Khurd for Baltistan. Tibet-i-Kalan or Tibet-iBuzurg means the Great Tibet and Tibet-i-Khurd means the Little Tibet. Consequently, most of the places of modern Ladakh are mentioned as parts of Tibet by the Mirza. He has tried to establish that the rulers of Central Asia frequently attacked Ladakh and Tibet proper and made these regions as the centres of their political activities and source of income from time to time. But Mirza Haidar Dughlat, like other Central Asian invaders, pretends to have religious objectives behind his Ladakh and Tibet proper invasions. He mentions that he invaded Ladakh for the expansion of Islam in the region. He observes, "Previous to this (his), Amirs had frequently invaded and plundered that country (Ladakh), but on account of their ignorance and folly, Islam had made no progress, and
Epilogue, April 2011
COLUMN HISTORY
there were still numberless infidels in Tibet, besides those whom the Amirs had subdued. The Khan had always been animated by desire to carry on holy wars in the path of God, and specially so now that he had just assumed the saintly ways of the Khwajas. He was always ready to devote himself to the cause of cause of the faith, and felt that the holy war was one of the surest roads to salvation and union with God. Prompted by such pious feelings as these, at the end of the year 938 (hijri) he set out to invade Tibet." This shows that the Mirza had an invader mentality in terms of narrating his territorial expansion to Ladakh. It is an established fact that the invaders of medieval period emotionally blackmailed their army men to keep the latter always ready to fight their enemies. The invaders particularly from Central India gave religious slogan and misused their religion for political and financial mileage. Whenever they found that their army men showed inability to fight against a particular area or ruler and their territorial aggrandisement policy received some set back, they found it very effective method to announce religious war against the rival force to arouse the feeling of their soldiers. Before Mirza Haidar Dughlat the Mangol invaders such as Timur and Babur had experimented the method of the exploitation of the religious sentiments of their soldiers to make their invasions successful. It is important to mention that Ladakh was not only the region of Himalyas invaded by the Mirza, but he also invaded Kashmir which ruling class and majority of population belonged to the Muslim community. Thus use of religious slogan by the Mirza for the invasion of Ladakh was merely to create sensation among his army men. Ladakh being a difficult topographical and climatic region hardly allowed the non-Ladakhis to retain their political domination on it for long time. Consequently, only the religious zeal of the invading army men could be aroused to utilise their service for the
www.epilogue.in
successful invasion of Ladakh. The Mirza himself has admitted at many places that it was not easy task to stay in Ladakh for long time because adverse climatic factors. Although the Mirza gives name of several places such as Balti, Zanskar, Maryul, Rudok, Guga, Lu, Buras, Zunka, Minkab (or Hinkab), Zir-Sud-Kankar, Nisan, Ham, Alalai-Lutak, Tuk, Labug (or Lanuk Astakbark (or Askabrak) as the limit of his journey, he provides detailed information regarding the different aspects of Nubra and Maryul provinces. He found variations in the attitudes of common people and ruling class of Nubra province towards his invasion. His mention indicates that the common people of Nubra were not very much influenced by the warfare trends of the Central Asia, basically they remained unarmed. Consequently, the Mirza did not get much resistance from the masses of Nubra. But the Kupa, the ruler of Nubra was very much conscious of his sovereignty and he gave tough resistance to the Mughal forces. Describing the nature of his invasion of Nubra and the resistance of the ruler of Nubra the Mirza writes, "I set out in Zulhijja of the aforesaid year (1532), and in the beginning of Safar, reached Nubra, a dependent province of Tibet. I then sent a person all over that country to great the people with a general invitaiton. ‌The greater number submitted, but not the chief of Nubra, who were refractory and rebellious retired to their castles and forts. A certain man named Bur Kupa, who was at the head of the chiefs of the infidels, strengthened himself within the castles of Mutadar, which is the chief fort of the country. I laid siege to this fort, and was some days employed in making ready the siege implements, such as catapults, shields(tura) etc. On the appointed day I approached the fort and talons of Islam, seizing the lands of infidelity, the enemy were thrown into disorder and routed. Having deserted the fort, they fled in confusion and dismay‌Bur Kupa was slain together with all his men; their hands formed a lofty minaret‌Thenceforth no one dared to
Vol. 5 Issus 04
44
offer resistance. Having thus reduced the whole province of Nubra, a garrison was placed in the fort and order established." Mirza Haidar's description of Nubra invasion shows that during the sixteenth century Ladakh was divided into number of small principalities. The administration of Ladakh region was decentralized. But the local chiefs were concerned with the security of their provinces and resisted the invaders with all their available means. They constructed the forts and organized the army. Though the army of Nubra was strong enough to defeat the Central Asian invaders, the ruler understood his duty to protect his sovereignty and dignity of his throne. Therefore, he tried to resist the invasion of the Mirza for sometimes with his limited resources. The construction and maintenance of the fort in Nubra substantiates the point that its ruler had a definite defence policy. Mirza's mention also shows that there were some important routes between the Central Asian countries and Ladakh. Since the Mirza's army did not face much difficulty in reaching Nubra, it may be assumed that the Central Asians had knowledge of the routes to different areas of Ladakh. It may be mentioned that the knowledge of exact route was precondition for the advancement of the army from one area to the other. The Mirza entered Maryul and did not face any resistance there. According to him, there were two rulers in Maryul. One was known as Lata Jughadan and other Tashikun. When he reached Maryul both of them submitted before the Mirza. Thus the Mirza established his sovereignty in Maryul without any armed struggle. For him the occupation of Maryul was an easy task. He also mentions that much armed power was not needed for the conquest of the different areas of Ladakh. According to him, "At the outset of his expedition (the Khan) knew that Tibet was no place for a
Epilogue, April 2011
45
large army. Five thousand men has been fixed (as the number), 3000 belonged to the Khan's army and 2000 to mine." Thus, for the political history of Ladakh the Tarikh-i-Rashidi provides very valuable information. First it mentions names of the contemporary rulers of Nubra and Maryul, which can be utilised to trace the genealogy of the ruling class of the areas concerned. Secondly, it also establishes that the Ladakhi people were obedient to their rulers and they did not indulge in the creation of the law and problems. The peaceful nature of the Ladakhis may be substantiated from the fact that the rulers of Ladakh did not give much stress on the organization of big army. The Mirza's narration also indicates that during the sixteenth century the Mughals of Central Asia were aware about the political condition of Ladakh. Therefore, they invaded Ladakh frequently. Besides the description of his invasion, the Mirza discusses some more important aspects of history of Ladakh. He devotes a special chapter to Ladakh's geographical features, cultural and economic life and some religious aspects. He mentions Ladakh and Tibet as a long country. It is important to mention that in his description he treats Ladakh as a part of Tibet. Almost each part of modern Ladakh is mentioned by the Mirza as a part of Tibet. However, he uses certain terms which meanings are available in the Persian and Turkish dictionaries. These terms pertain to the certain areas of Ladakh in particular direction. Though Mirza Haidar himself gives the meaning of these terms, it is very difficult to assess the importance of these terms from linguistic point of view. According to the Mirza, "From Bikan Bain which means "between the north and the west," towards Bakani , which is "between the south and east" is eight months journey, not less than ten days. Its frontier on the side of Bikan Bain adjoins
www.epilogue.in
COLUMN HISTORY
Baluristan (Balur), that on the Bikan side, touches Huchu Salar, which is dependency of (what is called) Kanjanfu of Khitai." The passes of Ladakh region attracted the attention of the Mirza very much. These passes were used as the trade routes between Ladakh and Central Asia. Ladakh'a contacts with Central Asia through the mountains of Moghulistan and Kashghar is well depicted in the Tarikh-i-Rashidi. Its mention shows that the passes of Yarkand were very useful from Ladakh to other parts of Central Asia. Describing the significance of the passes near Yarkand in terms of their uses as the routes to the areas of Ladakh the Mirza writes, "The passes ascending from Yarkand is the pass of Sanju, and the pass descending on the side of Kashmir is the pass of Askardu (Skardu). (From the Saanju Pass to the Askardu pass) is twenty days journey."15 He also mentions that Yarkand, Khotan, Charchan, Lob, Katak, and Sarigh Ulghur were situated on the north east of Tibet. Similarly, he describes the routes from Ladakh to other parts of India. According to him, "In the direction of winter sunset from Khotan, are some of the cities of Hind, such as Lahur (Lahore), Sultanpur, and Bajwara, and the aforementioned mountain lies between. Between Khotan and towns of Hind above-named are situated Arduk, Guga, and Aspati, which belonged to Tibet; it must be supposed that these mountains extend into Khitai. On the west and south of the range lies Hindustan; while Bhira, Lahur and Bangala are all on the skirts of it. All the river of Hind flow down from these hills, and their sources are in the country of Tibet."16 The Mirza shows that river routes also connected Ladakh and some parts of north India with each other. He writes, "All the rivers which flow down from the mountains of Tibet, in a westerly and southerly direction, become rivers of Hind, such as the
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Nilab, the river of Bhira, the Chinab, the river of Lahur, the river of Sultanpur and the river of Bajwara, which are all rivers of Sind." The climate of Ladakh did not allow to raise large agricultural productions. The Mirza was presents very gloomy picture of the crops cultivated in medieval Ladakh. He writes, "On account (of the height) Tibet is excessively cold-so much so, that in most places nothing but turnips can be cultivated. The barley is generally of a kind that ripens in two months. In some parts of Tibet, the summer only lasts for forty days, and even then the rivers are frozen over after midnight. In all Tibet, in consequences of the severity of cold, trees never reach any height; nor does the corn, for, being low on the ground, it is trodden down by the cattle." Although Mirza reached Ladakh as a conqueror and a warrior, he gives considerable respect to the common people in his account. He divides the inhabitants of Ladakh and Tibet into two categories: 1. Yulpa, who lived in the villages, 2. Champa, who were nomads and resided in the desert. A large part of Ladakh was inhabited by the Yulpa. According to him, "‌they (Yulpa) inhabited many districts such Balti, which is a province of Tibet ; Balti, in turn, comprises several (smaller) districts such as Purik, Khapula, Askardu (Runk) and Ladaks and each of these contains fortress and villages."19 Mirza Haidar' description of the Champas includes their food habits, means of livelihood, the places of their migration and the use of sheep as a means of transport. Some practices of the Champas surprised the Mirza very much and he was ignorant of them before coming to Ladakh. He observes, "The inhabitants of the desert of Tibet have certain strange practices, which are to be met with among no other people. Firstly they eat meat and all other foods in an absolutely raw state, having no knowledge of cooking. Again
Epilogue, April 2011
COLUMN HISTORY
they feed their horses on flesh instead of grain. They also use sheep exclusively, as beast of burden. Their sheep carry, perhaps, twelve statute man. They harness them with pack saddles, halters, and girths; they place the load upon the sheep, and except when necessary, never take it off, so that summer and winter it remains on the animal's pack." This observation of the Mirza is very important from Ladakh socio-economic point of view, but it contains the error that the Champas did not know the cooking. The taking of raw meat was associated with the climatic factor and not with ignorance of the Ladakhis about the cooking of the food. According to the translator of the Tarikh-i-Rashidi, "In winter when meat is frozen, hard, the Champa, and indeed other Tibetans, have no objection to eat it raw, but they usually cook it after a fashion. In this respect their custom are the same as those of the Mangols, Kulmaks and other similar tribe." Thus the food habit of the Ladakhis was conditioned by the climate of the region. The Mirza highlights the nature and objectives of the migration of the Champas in a very interesting manner. He writes, "In winter they (Champa) descend towards the western and southern slopes of the aforesaid mountains-that is to say, to Hindustantaking with them wares of Khitai, salt, cloth of goats' hair (tana-kar), zedoary (an aromatic root), kutas (Yaks), gold and shawls which are Tibetan goods. They trade in Hindustan and mountains of Hindustan, and in the spring they return from that country, bringing many of the products such as cloths, sweets, rice and grain, loaded upon their sheep. After feeding their flocks, they advance slowly but continuously into Khitai which they reach into winter. Having laid in a stock, during spring, of such Tibetan products as are in demand in Khitai, they depose of the Indian and Tibetan goods their in winter and return to Tibet in the (following) spring, carrying with the
www.epilogue.in
Khitai wares. The next winter they again go on to India. The burdens which they load on the sheep in Hindustan are removed in Khitai and those put in Khitai are taken off in Hindustan. Thus they spend their winters alternatively in Hindustan and Khitai. This is the mode of life of all the Champa. A Champa will sometimes carry as many as 10000 sheep loads, and every sheep load may be reckoned at twelve man. What an enormous quantity is this. That amount is loaded in one year, either in Hindustan or in Khitai. On very occasion wherever they go, they take all these loads with them. I (Mirza Haidar) have never heard of a similar practice among any other people. In fact, some do not even credit this story." Moreover, the Mirza also appreciates the numerical strength of the Champas. He mentions that Dulpa, a tribe of the Champa, alone numbered more than 50000 families. This narrative of the Mirza not only important for the construction of the history of people of Ladakh, but it also indicates that society and culture of Ladakh attracted the attention of non-Ladakhis and became themes of literary works such as Tarikh-i-Rashidi. Mirza Haidar provides interesting information regarding the extraction of gold in Ladakh and Tibet. He has described the gold extraction as an important economic activity o f the people of these regions. It generated income for both the ruling class and the common people. According to him, some gold mines existed in Ladakh and Tibet, which were the major sources of the gold. Though other Mughal sources mention the extraction of gold through the washing of the soil of the river. The Mirza noticed only the excavation of the gold mines. He found most of the gold mines in the Champa districts. He mentions that one of the gold mines was called Altunji (or Goldsmith) by the Mughals. Besides, the
Vol. 5 Issus 04
46
people also extracted gold from the some of the caves of Ladakh and Tibet. The Mirza found three hundred families living in these caves. According to him, "Out of these caves they (people living in these caves) bring soil, which they wash and (the responsibility be upon those who tell this story) it is said that in one sieve of the soil from these mines ten mithkals of gold are sometimes found. One man dig the earth, carries it out and washes it by himself. Some days he sorts twenty sieves full. Although this may appear incredible, I have heard it confirmed all over Tibet." He was informed that Guga was the most important centre of the production of the gold. He writes, "‌Guga has two hundred forts and villages. It is three days journey in length, and in it gold is everywhere to be found. Whenever they dig up the earth and spread it on a cloth, they find gold. The smallest piece are about the size of a lentil (adas) or pea (mash), and they say that sometimes (lumps) are found as large as a sheep's lever. At the time when I (the Mirza)was settling tribute upon Guga, the headman related to me told that a man was lately digging a piece of ground, when his spade stuck fast in something so that he could not, with all his efforts, draw it out. Having removed the earth, he saw that it was a stone, in the middle of which was gold; in this his spade had become fixed. Leaving the spade where it was, he went and informed the governor. A body of men went to the spot and extracted it, and having broken the stone and found in it, 1500 Tibetan Mithkals pure (mohri) gold (a Tibetan mithkal is worth one and a half ordinary mithkal), and God has so created this soil that when the gold is taken from the ground it does not diminish (in bulk), however, much they beat it out and stamp it; it is only fire that has effect on it." The above mentioned narration of the Mirza not only shows that the gold extraction pro
Epilogue, April 2011
47
tected the interest of both the state and society, but more importantly it was found in abundance and its quality was very good. It may be mentioned that during medieval period gold was found at some places. Its availability in Ladakh not only strengthened it local economy but it also received fame in other parts of India for the export of gold. The breath seizing disease has been described by the Mirza most dangerous problem of Ladakh. According to him, it was called damgiri and the Mughal called it Yas. The breath seizing attacked the people severely where the population was very thin, whereas in the vicinity of forts and villages its affect was lesser. It mostly attacked the nonLadakhi or non-Tibetans, the local people even the local doctors did not know the cause of disease, because they did not become the victim of it. The Mirza further mentions that the animals were more prone to the dam-giri than the men. The horses were more severely attacked by the dam-giri than any other animal. However, once it caught either the men (non-Ladakhi) or the animals, there was no remedy of it. The Mirza has shown very miserable condition of dam-giri stricken persons. He was fully ignorant of this disease before coming to Ladakh. Although the Mirza gives a fanatical expression of objectives of his invasion, he gives due importance to the religious practices and other cultural aspects of Ladakh. He devotes a full chapter to the customs and some religious beliefs of Ladakhis and Tibetans. He mentions that the men of learning (Ulema) were called Lamas. Some other synonym terms such as tunkana and Kahjavar of Lamas were used in the different parts of Ladakh. The Mirza had long conversation with the Lamas . Since he did not know the indigenous language of Ladakh, he took the help of interpreter. He discovered that the main thrust of the
www.epilogue.in
COLUMN HISTORY
teachings of the Lamas was to tell the people that the God existed in every thing. They also taught the people the concept of heaven and hell. They believed in the transmigration of the soul. The Mirza calls these beliefs as the tenets of the religion of Shaka Muni. He writes, "All Khitai is of this faith and they call it the religion of Shaka Muni, while in Tibet it is called Shaka Tu Ba and Shaka Muni. In histories it is written Shaka Muni. In some histories Shaka Muni is reckoned among the prophets of India, and some hold that he was a teacher (hakim). Also it is maintained that no one goes to Heaven by the mere acceptance of the faith and religion, but only in consequence of his works. If a Musalman performs good acts, he goes to Heaven, if he do evil, he goes to Hell. This also applies to (these) infidels. They hold the Prophet in high esteem, but they do not consider it incumbent duty of the whole of mankind to be his religion. They say "Your religion is true, and so is ours. In every religion one must conduct oneself well. Shaka Muni has said: after me there will arise 124000 prophets, the last who will be called Jana Kasapa, an orphan, without father and mother. All the world will comprehend his religion." 27 The Mirza further mentions that the idol of Jana Kasapa was kept almost in each temple. The Shaka Muni's religion is also mentioned by an inscription at Zunka, the most famous place of Tibet. The Mirza gives a very vivid description of the yaks, the most famous animal of Ladakh and Tibet. It was very ferocious and heavy. It was called kutas. The Mirza describes the nature, activities, weight and utility of the Kutas in these words: "This (Kutas) is a very wild and ferocious beast. In whatever manner it attacks one it proves fatal; whether it strikes with its horns, or kick, or overthrow its victim. If it has no opportunity of do-
Vol. 5 Issus 04
ing any of these things, it tosses its enemy with its tongue, twenty gaz into air, and he is dead before reaching the ground. One male Kutas is a load for twelve horses. One man can not possibly raise a shoulder of the animal. In the days of my forays (kazaki) I killed a kutas and divided it among seventy persons, when each had sufficient flesh for four days. The animal is not to be met outside the country of Tibet." After giving a long description of the history and culture of Ladakh Mirza Haidar discusses the some aspects of history of Baltistan briefly. He generally mentions Baltistan as Balti. It has already been mentioned that most of the Persian sources of the Mughal empire use the term Tibet-i-Khurd for Baltistan. Maulvi Hashmatullah Khan also uses the same term. According to the Mirza, his conquest of Baltistan was easier than the conquest of Ladakh or Tibet. He also felt more comfortable in Baltistan than in Tibet. There was no disease like Dam-giri in Baltistan and no pass to be traversed. His patron succeeded in getting the support of one of the chiefs of Baltistan. His name was Bahram Chu. With the help of the latter he captured the fort of Shigar. The Tarikh-i-Rashidi's mentions of the historical themes of Ladakh enable a modern historian to write history of Ladakh in inclusive form in terms of its sources. The use of certain terms such as the Kuta for Yak and Damgiri for breath seizing disease by Mirza Haider Dughlat shows that how the immigrants coined the new terms in their own language for indigenous animals and diseases. Similarly, Mentions of the social identities such as the Yulpas and Champas are very helpful in highlighting of the people participation in the making of the history of Ladakh. (Author Teaches History at University of Jammu)
Epilogue, April 2011
REPORT DIALOGUE ACROSS DIVIDES
48
Intra-J&K dialogue The meeting of hearts and minds CONFERENCE REPORT A case of multiple identities and competing aspirations, the need for a continuous dialogue in Jammu and Kashmir is perhaps more than the events of floating proposals for 'settlement'. There are a number of initiatives going on at present and one sustainable and deeply penetrating among them is perhaps a series of interactions conducted by New Delhi based Centre for Dialogue and Reconciliation. The CDR has been holding a series of Intra-Jammu and Kashmir cross LoC conferences since 2005. These conferences have provided a platform to representatives of civil society and to political groups and parties from all regions and communities on both sides of the LoC to interact and explore ways to making a difference on the ground while building wider consensus on a range of issues for a resolution of the differences surrounding the state of Jammu and Kashmir. These CDR conferences have provided useful suggestions and recommendations over the years and built civil society networks across the LoC. Recently, the CDR held an Intra-Kashmir conference in New Delhi on February 13 and 14 with about 45 participants drawn from different regions of Jammu and Kashmir on both sides of Line of Control. The conference was held soon after a meeting between the Foreign Secretaries of India and Pakistan, at which they agreed to resume dialogue on all issues of concern to both countries. This resumption of dialogue has been welcomed generally by people on both sides of LoC in Jammu-Kashmir. The Conference endorsed this sentiment and hoped the dialogue between India-Pakistan would be protected from any interruptions. The following is an account of the proceedings of the Conference:
The Inaugural session was chaired by Dr. Syeda Hameed and was addressed by three keynote speakers –former Indian Foreign Secretary Salman Haider, former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Dr Humayun Khan and President of Jammu and Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party Mehbooba Mufti. SALMAN HAIDER noted that both countries had welcomed the resumption of dialogue at Thimphu and that beneath the rancour and suspicion there was hope, although admittedly not very much. India wanted to send the clear message that Pakistan had not shown genuine effort in punishing the perpetrators of the Mumbai attacks. The attacks had created bitter divisions, throwing the whole relationship into a tailspin of mutual recrimination. Pakistan needed to undertake a more responsible effort to break the logjam. Interestingly, it now seemed that Kashmiris on both sides are in a mood to settle. There had been prolonged engagement on the back channel, first between the governments led by former Prime Minister Vajpayee and former President Musharraf, the threads of which were picked up by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh' government. Perhaps the passage of time had something to do with this, as the 'midnight's children' of 1947 had become grandparents today and the newer generations had
www.epilogue.in
different priorities. Also, when the two countries took small steps forward, there were attempts to nip them in the bud (unclear). Criticism that the dialogue structure had become inflexible should be taken on board to accommodate discussions on newer issues such as Afghanistan. Dr HUMAYUN KHAN said that the expectations from the resumed dialogue at government level was a life of normalcy and peace, an end of fear and cessation of human rights violations by the security forces. Kashmiris on both sides were extremely enthusiastic about de facto integration and making the Line of Control irrelevant on the ground. The dialogue had come to an abrupt end after the Mumbai attacks, but resumption did not mean Pakistan had been absolved of the responsibility of taking action against the perpetrators. If dialogue has to progress and the Kashmiris would like it to progress, Khan said, then action on Mumbai by the Pakistani state was imperative. Khan remarked on the divergence of perception:
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
49
Whereas India said considerable progress had been made via the diplomatic "back-channels? on the disputes around Jammu and Kashmir, the Pakistanis felt the back-channel was not valid anymore because it had been conducted with a government headed by an unelected army general. Pakistan now also preferred the dialogue to be in a more public manner in which both front and back channels are used. Further, the army seemed to have disowned the back-channel. However, it was not appropriate for governments to disown commitments made by previous dispensations. MEHBOOBA MUFTI felt that such 'Track Two' conferences, despite their long presence, have not had much impact. She pointed out that currently more than 3000 Kashmiri youths are behind bars- not for murder but for protesting on the streets. If, in a democracy like India, people are arrested for protesting, then this is not a real democracy. Time and again, Kashmiris have shown their opposition to, and battled against, terror. For example during the major terror attack in Srinagar on the eve of the launch of the SrinagarMuzaffarabad bus service in 2005. . Their good faith is also seen in the large turnouts during elections. However, the Centre has refused to understand this cry for peace; it suits better for Kashmiris to be labeled terrorists. The Kashmir problem has essentially remained the same over the decades with only its manifesta-
www.epilogue.in
REPORT DIALOGUE ACROSS DIVIDES
tions having changed. When India and Pakistan divided Kashmir in 1947, nobody asked the people. The time has come to re-open dialogue with the Kashmiris, because despite last summer?s protests, violence is at its lowest level. This should include Kashmiris from both sides, including Gilgit and Baltistan, as well as with separatists in the Kashmir valley. Without undermining the sovereignty of each country, all sides can still move forward. We have to move away from our tendency to "manage" the Kashmir situation and jointly work towards a resolution. The key question is, "how can one bring the people closer?? Before 1947, the Kashmiris had important trade links with Kashgar and Yarkand, now in China, but after Partition, it was as if an iron curtain fell on Kashmir. The distance from Leh to Yarkand is only 451 miles, from Kargil to Skardu 96 miles and from Srinagar to Gilgit 230 miles, but no travel or movement is allowed. Even as the rest of India, buoyant on high economic growth, is opening up, we have become prisoners in our own region. Integration must translate into economic benefits, otherwise J&K?s siege mentality will remain. Security forces must be withdrawn from civilian areas. There is no village which doesn?t have a martyr?s graveyard, each one is full of young boys killed by the security forces. Pakistan must play a positive role, taking the separatists on board. Pakistan should allow the LoC to be opened further, to establish a joint advisory council, allow Kashmiris to come together and let it become a model region in SAARC. What does one mean by `azaadi? or freedom? Self-reliance, trade and travel within Kashmir. If this happens, Kashmir will become a showpiece of the region.
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Recommendations of the Working Groups Issues of Common Concern 1. All routes which existed before 1947 should be opened. 2. People should be allowed to move freely across LoC without lengthy processes of getting permits. Rather they should be given passes on the basis of domicile certificate. 3. Pilgrim and scenic tourism should be started. 4. Youth exchange programmes that also include educational programme should be started. There should be reservation for the students in the technical institutions across LoC. 5. Cultural exchange programmes, which include mushairas, literary meets etc., should be organised. 6. People belonging to various shades of political opinion should be allowed to travel across LoC to discuss issues, share information and build a consensus. 7. MOUs between the Universities and educational institutions, and professional groups across LOC should be signed to facilitate the admission of students in cross LoC institutions. 8. Festivals like Peer Panjal and Toli Peer should be occasions of cross-LoC people-to-people interchange. 9. Women?s groups from different spheres of life should be allowed to move across 10. A Youth Parliament of all J&K should be established. 11. Sports galas should be regularly organised. Joint teams may be fielded in different sports. 12. Youth/families which migrated across the LoC during the
Epilogue, April 2011
REPORT
50
DIALOGUE ACROSS DIVIDES
SESSION 2: REQUIRING NEW INITIATIVES - I The trauma of cross-LoC separation, the need to look at the past to understand the present and recommend strategies for the future as well as the dire necessity to de-bureaucratise measures aimed at gaining confidence between the peoples of the two sides dominated this session. A senior advocate from Srinagar, pointed to the huge psychological distance between Srinagar and Delhi, adding that both sides had been speaking past each other for some time. Delhi would rather speak to Islamabad than Srinagar, because Delhi was not willing to accept what Kashmir was saying. There remained a conflict between Delhi?s national interest and that perceived in Kashmir. The time had come, after 63 years, to ask who determined national interest. He was sceptical of Pakistan?s claims that Kashmir was the major issue of discussion between itself and India, saying the water issue had overtaken Kashmir in recent discussion. The bilateral dialogue process should remain Kashmircentric and insulated from everything, including terrorist attacks. Dialogue between Srinagar and Islamabad was essential. Pakistan should be taken on board on all discussions on self-rule, otherwise talks wouldn't be meaningful. 'Azaadi' means freedom of choice, the power to take decisions among the choices available, whether in politics or governance. During the Discussion the participants felt the India-Pakistan dialogue should be uninterrupted and uninterruptible. Kashmiris should be allowed to meet each other across the Line of Control to reverse the trauma of partition. Kashmir?s geostrategic location is
www.epilogue.in
unique, sandwiched between three nuclear powers, India, Pakistan and China. Kashmiris saw this as a cause for hope and expected India and Pakistan to behave responsibly. Confidencebuilding measures across the LoC should be enhanced. Cross-LoC buses were largely empty and trade was limited to barter system. It was essential to remove the draconian laws stifling the people?s fundamental rights. However, new hope had been generated by the resumption of dialogue. SESSION 3: REQUIRING NEW INITIATIVES - II A first step was to take the J&K Assembly 2000 resolution on autonomy out of cold storage. Trade was a great weapon, as had been proven in Gilgit-Baltistan, where border trade with neighbouring China was very low until 1994, but once that was transformed into open trade, as much as 60 per cent of the population was now involved in it. Separatists of all hues should be allowed to travel to Pakistan and talk to the leadership there. The separatist and mainstream leaderships in India should talk, an India-Pakistani forum with Kashmiris from both sides formed. An intra-Kashmir dialogue, between Jammu, Ladakh and the Kashmir valley, should be started to remove mistrust and begin discussions on autonomy. Nothing should be allowed to disrupt the India-Pakistan dialogue. Trade and travel should lead to a common market, which could later tie up with the SAARC market. Security forces should be removed from both Srinagar and Muzaffarabad. Cultural and religious festivals, for example a Pir Panjal festival, should be started, while mosques at Mirpur,
Vol. 5 Issus 04
turmoil should be allowed and facilitated to return; and proper arrangements for their rehabilitation should be made. 13. Both India and Pakistan have been using the waters of Kashmir, one of our primary resources, without paying adequate compensation to Kashmiris on both sides. The Indus Water Treaty needs to be revisited keeping this in mind and made more equitable. 14. At times of Natural disaster, there should be no restriction on the movement of people, so that those who are in need of help can be speedily approached. 15. Effective institutional mechanism to avoid human rights violations 16. Telecommunication across LoC should be strengthened. 17. There should be withdrawal of cases against migrated youth. They should be allowed to come back to their native places and some mechanism for their rehabilitation should be introduced at the earliest. 18. Skill enhancement opportunities on both sides of the LoC should be introduced for better employability. 2. Autonomy, Self Rule 1. Without prejudice to the political settlement of the Kashmir problem, we suggest as a starting point that the autonomy of Jammu and Kashmir in its original form should be restored. This must lead to maximum autonomy to three distinct regions of Kashmir, Ladakh and Jammu and the process should be carried forward to district, block and Panchayat levels in keeping with the wishes of the local population. If necessary, changes in the
Epilogue, April 2011
51
Rajouri and Shahdara sharif should be opened to religious tourism. Kashmiri youth should be trained to engage in meaningful work so that they don?t waste their time pelting stones. SESSION 4: EXPANDING ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF TRADE ACROSS LOC Trade and travel, joint mineral exploration, joint exploitation of water through hydro-electric projects and tourism are key areas to expand economic integration. It was imperative to institute dual currency measures, perhaps in "nostro" and "vostro" accounts. This could be followed by a notional economic unification. Trade?s extraordinarily high potential wasn?t being realized as only 21 items were being traded, whereas civil society had identified 60 items. Only two routes existed so far, trucks were allowed in only twice a week; these should be increased. There was no linked banking system, while all phone communication was prohibited. A negative list should be created (consisting of items like drugs, arms, ammunition, etc), everything else allowed to be traded. SESSION 5: ISSUES OF COMMON INTEREST ACROSS LOC The trauma of separation from the Kashmiri motherland gave rise to some verse, considerable emotion as well as the plea that the state, as it existed in 1947, must be re-unified. There was talk of the need to develop long-term regional development goals. It was pointed out that the great powers divided Kashmir without its permission in 1947, and even today the Kashmiris could hardly exercise any personal choice. Kashmiris in the Valley should look beyond their own traumas at
www.epilogue.in
REPORT DIALOGUE ACROSS DIVIDES
the unique problems being faced by Jammu & Ladakh. It was important to look within and not blame only the Centre or Pakistan for Kashmir?s travails. The historical routes between Kargil-Skardu, Jammu-Bhimbher, etc, should be re-opened People?s identities had undergone a radical change, especially in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Prior to 1947, this region was very much part of the Kashmir valley, but since then, much more closely connected to Rawalpindi and West Punjab. Scores of former militants from the Kashmir valley had found refuge in Pakistan, but now yearned to come home and lead honourable lives. The Question was, how could they return? Were there any ways to rehabilitate them? India also had to realize the grave danger that Pakistan was under because of the terrorism within. On the second day the conference took up the issues of Autonomy and Self-rule. CDR?s comparative study report on some of the Autonomy documents produced in J&K was distributed to the participants. SESSION 6: ISSUES OF AUTONOMY, SELF-RULE The issues revolving around Autonomy and Self Rule was one of the important highlights of the conference in which participants expressed diverse viewpoints. This session had three keynote speakers: Senior National Conference leader and Jammu and Kashmir Finance Minister Abdul Rahim Rather, former Chief Justice of 'Azad Jammu Kashmir' High Court Justice Majeed Malik and former Chairman of Ladakh Autonomous Hill Development Council Chering Dorjey:
Vol. 5 Issus 04
constitution and laws should be made for this purpose. 2. The State government should make arrangements for equitable distribution of resources across the regions. 3. The State government should provide development power to all the districts of Jammu and Kashmir similar to that of existing Hill Development Councils in Leh and Kargil. 4. Create a common council at the state level across the LoC with representatives from across all regions to address common issues like economy, ecology, environment, disaster management etc. The participants from AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan in this working group put forward the following points. 5. The Ministry of Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan should be dissolved. 6. The upper houses of the Azad Kashmir and the Gilgit-Baltistan known as Kashmir and GB Council to be merged. 7. The AJK interim constitution act of 1974 to be repealed to further strenthen AJK assembly and the post of Prime Minister. 8. A common council should be formed between the representatives of Jammu, Kashmir, Ladakh, AJK, and Gillgit-Baltistan which can look at and suggest resolutions for issues of common concern including on trade, ecology & environment, natural resources, disaster management, and similar. 9. The borders between the Indian and Pakistani administered regions of Jammu and Kashmir be made porous for an interim period of five years and people-topeople interaction encouraged to assess the situation with the possible aim of a referendum at
Epilogue, April 2011
REPORT
52
DIALOGUE ACROSS DIVIDES
ABDUL RAHIM RATHER, beginning with a historical perspective, said the relationship between J&K and the Indian Union was defined by three documents, the Instrument of Accession of 1947, the Presidential Order of 1950 and the Delhi agreement of 1952. The National Conference continued to fight for the restoration of these powers. The Instrument of Accession gave the Union power to make laws only on defence, foreign affairs and communication, validated by the Presidential Order, 1950, and the Delhi agreement, 1952. When Nehru and Sheikh Abdullah began talks over Kashmir?s special status within the Indian union, Nehru agreed the state would have its own constitution and only its constituent assembly would have the right to cede powers to the centre. But, within months, all the agreements began to be violated. But the NC did not give up. In 1994, when nobody could think of anything beyond 'azaadi', we met then Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao and told him to find a solution, around autonomy. Rao told us he was for autonomy short of independence. Even then we told him, we don?t want independence. We decided to fight the 1996 election on the plank of autonomy. In 2000 the J&K Assembly passed the autonomy resolution, but the Parliament rejected it. You can imagine what Kashmiris went through. Even today we tell people, a way found will have to be found within the Constitution. The people will be strong, only if the country is strong. But we are
www.epilogue.in
also sure of one thing : There can be no status quo. The erosion of autonomy over the years, by the Centre, is the primary cause of discontent. All that the autonomy resolution asks is the restoration of the autonomy agreed upon in 1952
the end of the interim period PS: The text highlighted in red was not presented to the conference by the group?s rappoteur while reporting back due to oversight. Hence these points were not discussed or ratified by all participants.
JUSTICE MAJEET MALIK felt thatKashmiris need to embark on a process leading to independence, via the UN SC resolutions. The relationship between Azad Jammu & Kashmir and the Pakistani state is very different from that of Indianadministered Kashmir to India. In AJK, there was no accession to Pakistan, so the question of autonomy or self-rule did not arise. Therefore, we could only talk about the resolutions which Ramaswamy Iyengar took to the UN in 1948. India and Pakistan could have easily resolved this problem under this UN Resolution, instead they signed agreements and declarations in Tashkent and Shimla, which only complicated the issue. But the people of Kashmir never agreed with all this. Article 257 of the Pakistan Constitution gives the people of Azad Kashmir the right to determine their relations with Pakistan, and in Bhutto's time, defence, foreign policy and the power over Gilgit-Baltistan was voluntarily handed over to the Pakistani state. India and Pakistan perceive the Kashmir issue in conflicting ways. In India, voices for autonomy are substantial, but in Pakistan Kashmiris are seeking pan-Kashmir unification or independence. Pakistani Kashmiris want to go
3. Cross-LOC Trade.
Vol. 5 Issus 04
The working group was of the opinion that before taking up initiatives for expanding the potential economic benefits across LOC, need for consolidation of initiatives taken on 21st of October, 2008 was imperative to put a mechanism in place for ending the blind/ barter transactions in the trade. In this context, the group recommended short, medium and long term measures as follows: Short Term Measures (within 3 months) : 1. Improved infrastructure with integrated facilities like telecom/ fax 2. Postal / courier, warehousing, loading/unloading, scanning, roads, bridges, CA stores for fruits, vegetables and flowers and guest houses on either sides. 3. Multiple entry trade passes valid for minimum of two years with a permission of taking/parking of personal vehicles at Trade Facilitation points. 4. Expansion in the list of items to accommodate all items manufactured/produced in the state of Jammu and Kashmir with a small negative list for items such as cigarettes, liquor, arms and ammunition etc. 5. Establishment of Trade Parks and regular buyer/seller meets and visits of trade delegations. 6. Banking system with Nostro/ Vostro accounts be put in place
Epilogue, April 2011
53
forward to 2014, but Indian Kashmiris want to go back to 1953. Kashmir can be the pivot that provides stability to the region and fears that a small state will not survive in the middle of so many nuclear powers like India, Pakistan and China, are groundless. If states like Nepal can survive, so can Kashmir. TSERING DORJEY said Ladakhis were in favour of further dividing J&K, and creating a separate state of Ladakh, as the Ladakhis were a separate identity, culture and ethnicity from the rest of J&K. Ladakhis were not in favour of restoration of autonomy to J&K because they believed that the Kashmiris were using this to consolidate power instead of devolving it to the sub-regions. Political parties like the NC and PDP say autonomy will further empower the people, but in Jammu & Ladakh this will have the opposite effect. Central institutions like the Election Commission, the Supreme Court and the Comptroller & Auditor General offer greater justice than local institutions. Locally conducted elections in Ladakh, for example, are hardly as free and fair as those conducted by the central Election Commission. The question is, who is raising these voices for 'azaadi' and selfrule? India and Pakistan must first resolve the situation, then the different regions of the state must be convinced that their respective interests will be protected. Only then the Ladakhis may not insist on a division of
www.epilogue.in
REPORT DIALOGUE ACROSS DIVIDES
J&K. A lively discussion followed. One view held that calls for 'azaadi' did not have as much to do with the history as much as with issues of governance. Another felt that the mainstream political parties were not really the source of the problem as they believed in the Constitution, which is why it is important to talk to the separatists, even if the basis of the debate was "azaadi.?. Delhi has not been able to do this. The only person who tried to reach out was Musharraf and he nearly pulled it off. His concept was woven around substantial autonomy on both sides of Kashmir, making borders irrelevant. There is a big dilemma of the regions. The Centre views it as a movement towards devolution, but in the Kashmir valley it is seen by the people as a sell out. The diversity of the state must be looked upon as an advantage, not a curse. Each sub-region has rights, those must be recognized. People from Ladakh and Jammu must understand that it is the Kashmir valley which is paying with blood and destruction, while the Kashmir valley must take the sub-regions with them. A further sub-division of the state would be disastrous. It is imperative for the state to walk together so the Centre is not able to divide and rule. The extreme daily harassment of the people at the hands of the police and security forces is of grave concern. Every criminal act has a price and the citizenry is acutely aware of the money it has to pay security forces‌Evidently, Rs 55,000 is required to release a man from jail, but many ordinary people would be hard-pressed to afford the bus fare from Srinagar to Baramullah.
Vol. 5 Issus 04
for remittance mechanism in both the currencies. Respective governments need to provide tradable windows for these currencies for the purpose of LOC trade with frozen exchange rates for a minimum of 6 months. 7. Trade to remain open for all 7 days in a week with exclusive Trade Facilitator and his staff. 8. Quarterly review mechanism needs to be put in place by a joint committee with representatives from trade community. Medium Term Measures: (within 1 year) : 1. Open all other viable trade routes namely Kargil-Skardu, Nowshera-Mirpur, PallanwalaBhimber and Jammu-Sialkot. 2. Declare both sides of J&K as Free Trade Zone. In this regard all items under bilateral trade between India and Pakistan be allowed to be routed through these routes also. To begin with, such items with zero percent of custom duty application could be made tradable immediately. 3. Lay down mechanism for free movement/ exchange of skilled/ unskilled manpower. Long Term Measures (within 2 years): 1. A concept of Economic unification of the region needs to be incubated and developed for achieving mutual benefits from available inwards resources both natural and human. To begin with explore water and mineral resources for establishment of hydel power projects and mineral based industries. 2. Emphasise scope for new cooperation in areas of service sector like tourism, IT, construction, education, health etc. 3. Emphasise scope for joint management of natural disasters and environmental protection. 4. Allow transit trade beyond the borders of India and Pakistan.
Epilogue, April 2011
DOCUMENTS JOB PANEL REPORT
54
Rangarajan-III
Will it make difference on ground? EPILOGUE BUREAU With three reports in five years, the former Reserve Bank of India Governor C Rangarajan has become a home name in Jammu and Kashmir. Notwithstanding the fact that two of his earlier reports are still gathering dust in government cupboard's, Rangarajan's third report as Chairman Expert Group on Jobs Plan for Jammu and Kashmir released on March 3, has enthused a lot of optimism in the state. His latest report -earlier, first as Prime Minister's special task force and second as chairman of PM's working group -is different from the previous two in terms of practical applicability. Instead of suggesting an already overburdened government to absorb more youths on its payrolls, the expert group has suggested innovative measures to address the issue of unemployment. Capacity building, skill development and roping in private sector are some of the key highlights of the report. Epilogue was able to obtain the full report which is not yet available in the public domain. Key highlights of report with summary and recommendations are reproduced later this section.
On the occasion of release of the report along with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar, Rangarajan said, the expert group has recommended two pronged strategy for creating large number of jobs. He said the strategy comprises skill development and direct employment initiatives envisaging improvement in skill sets through access to education and focused placement oriented training. Dr. Rangarajan said the expert group has also identified sectors having large employment potential to kick start the growth process in the state. He said the group has also recommended skill and placement linked training for 50000 to one lakh youth in 3 to 5 years adding that some probable private sector partners have evinced interest for the purpose which include IL&FS, KUONI, DON BOSCO and Dr. Reddy's Foundation. He said he has also recommended Rs. 257 crore to be allo-
www.epilogue.in
cated for this scheme. The other companies that have expressed interest for launching special industry initiatives in PPP for enhancing skill and employability for 40000 youth in five years, he said, are INFOSYS Technologies, TATA Consultancy Services, Godrej & Boyce, BILT, Crompton Greaves, Avanthe Group, Bajaj Auto, WWFI,
JCB India, Tata Motors, Tata Global Beverages and Apollo Hospitals. For this scheme, Rs. 500 crore have been recommended by the committee, he added. Dr. Rangarajan also made special reference with regard to special scholarship scheme for 25000 students, micro-projects under Agriculture and Animal Husbandry sectors, Tourism, Handicrafts, Micro Small and Medium Enterprises and ITES and BPO. He said the Group has rec-
Vol. 5 Issus 04
ommended Rs. 1200 crore for scholarship scheme. The Chief Minister has welcomed Expert Group and expressed his gratitude to Prime Minster for constituting Expert Group headed by Dr. Rangarajan and the recommendations made by the group for creating employment and employability in the Jammu and Kashmir state. He said the report when implemented would go a long way in tackling the unemployment challenges in the state. He said the youth of the Jammu and Kashmir would get an opportunity for serving in various parts of the country which would help them to exhibit their talent. Omar said that his government would ensure that the youth are selected in a transparent manner so that the talented youth get their due share. He said it would be the primary responsibility of the government to implement the recommendations in letter and spirit in the state.
Epilogue, April 2011
55
DOCUMENTS JOB PANEL REPORT
Summary The state of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) has shown high economic growth but has not been able to meet the aspirations of the population especially the youth. The 'Expert Group' was set up in the context of enhancing the employment opportunities in J&K and to formulate a jobs plan involving both the public and private sectors, especially for the youth.
To establish the broad contours of the problem it is important to estimate the employment- unemployment numbers for which there are two main sources namely the National Sample Survey Office (NSSO) and the District Employment and Counselling Centres (DECC) in J&K. According to the NSSO, the labour force in J&K increased from 4.01 million in 1999-00 to 4.37 million in 2004-05 while in this period the work force increased from 3.94 million to 4.27 million falling a little short of the increase in labour force. In 2004-05 the state had around one lakh unemployed persons and in 2007-08 this number was higher at 1.3 lakhs. However the DECC data shows a much higher figure of unemployed at 4.48 lakhs in November 2009 and 5.89 lakhs in March 2010. The variations in the two sets of data could be due to conceptual and methodological differences. It may thus be useful to view the NSS number of unemployed as the baseline number for strategizing on the number of jobs that need to be created and the DECC numbers regarding 'job seekers', as the aspirational ceiling number. Creating a large number of jobs will require a two pronged strategy. The first would be to identify sectors with large employment generation potential and suggest interventions to kick start the growth process and the second, a human resource development initiative focussed on improving skill sets through improving access to education and focussed placement oriented training. Learning from the experience of the rest of India, the Expert Group focussed a lot of its attention on the latter.
SKILL DEVELOPMENT AND DIRECT EMPLOYMENT
India's growth trajectory has used the skills of the educated middle-class to boost services ranging from IT and software to, airlines, banking, hotels and telecommunications. In J&K, the long drawn militancy and the disturbed political environment have eroded the skill base of the youth in the state. Besides, this problem of skill gap is sharper in J&K due to the lack of private sector initiative in industry which is often an
www.epilogue.in
important driver for skill acquisition. The Expert Group is recommending two initiatives, the first is Skill, Empowerment and Employment Scheme for J&K (SEE J&K) and the second is a Special Industry Initiative for J&K (SII J&K). Report of the Expert Group on Employment in Jammu & Kashmir
The Expert Group in consultation with the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has developed a special placement linked, market driven skill training programme for the J&K youth. The scheme will provide placement-linked, market driven skill training to 50,000 to 1,00,000 youth in 3 to 5 years. The objective of the special scheme is to provide options and opportunity to all youth in J&K regardless of their educational qualifications to select training program for salaried or self- employment as per their interest. MoRD with its experience in such projects will be the implementing agency. MoRD's Special Projects team will work in a public-private partnership mode with State Government, Training Providers, Industry and the J&K communities and youth as its stakeholders. The J&K Scheme will follow a bottom-up approach, tailored to move the J&K youth from the unorganized to the organized labour market, and generate self-employment. The scheme will be launched immediately and the first year upto March 2012 will be treated as a year of experiment. In the first year, 15000 youth will receive training for salaried- employment and selfemployment. During this period there will be bimonthly reviews to assess ground realities and then use the bottom-up approach to tailor industry specific training and placement model for J&K. The new model will be implemented from April 2012. Some probable private sector partners are IL&FS, Kuoni, Don Bosco and Dr Reddy's Foundation.
Special Industry Initiative
J&K has a large talent pool of youth who are well educated but are unable to find employment due to lack of soft skills or lack of practical/hands-on
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
DOCUMENTS
56
JOB PANEL REPORT
training. To engage the youth, one initiative could be to identify 10-20 companies across industry sectors to partner with an educational institution and run special training programs to enhance employability of 8000 youth per annum in J&K over a five year period. This would translate to 40,000 youth in J&K becoming employable in various sectors across India. This could be operationalized through a scheme to be executed in the PPP mode with 50:50 cost-sharing between the government and the private sector. The companies would organize training in different sectors of industry with the training duration being determined by the needs of the particular sector. A parallel exercise would be initiated to promote self- employment of Kashmiri youth. The local institutional partners who have agreed to participate are Kashmir University and the Islamic University for Science & Technology. To begin with, some companies who have expressed interest are Infosys Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services, Godrej & Boyce, BILT, Crompton Greaves, Avantha Group, Bajaj Auto, WWFI, JCB India, Tata Motors, Tata Global Beverages and Apollo Hospitals. A specific scheme to do this was submitted to the Expert Group by Infosys Technologies which envisaged the creation of a Special Training Program (STP) in collaboration with IIIT Bangalore to enhance the employability of science
www.epilogue.in
and engineering graduates in J&K to become "Software Industry Ready" and thus "Employable" by providing technical and behavioral skills relevant to the field of IT. „ The recent youth turmoil in Kashmir, though political, was also indicative of alienation and possibly disappointment at the lack of opportunities in the state. Long years of militancy and violence have on the one hand, damaged the physical infrastructure and eroded the intellectual capital of educational institutions while on the other hand the disruptions in education have impacted the ability of the youth to compete. To increase the access of the youth to educational opportunities the Expert Group recommends four initiatives - first, a Special Scholarship Scheme for J&K (SSS J&K), second, faculty development programmes and third, initiative by Delhi Public School and fourth, special initiatives by Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) for J&K.
Special Scholarship Scheme for J&K „
The state must increase the number of institutions of higher education in J&K but in the short run there is a need to encourage the J&K youth to take advantage of the educational opportunities
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
57
DOCUMENTS JOB PANEL REPORT
in the rest of the country. One way to do this is to give financial support through a special scholarship scheme for J&K (SSS J&K). On the one hand, the scholarships would enable the youth to optimize their full academic potential and turn to productive activities, while on the other they would give the J&K youth an opportunity to interact and bond with their counterparts from the rest of the country. The scholarship scheme, which is in addition to the existing schemes, would be applicable for courses in all Government Colleges/Universities, Engineering Institutions, Medical Colleges and some select private institutions to be identified by the government on the basis of some objective criteria. Students from J&K who get admission in these institutions through the normal selection process would be eligible for scholarships, subject to a parental income ceiling of Rs 4.5 lakhs per annum. The Expert Group recommends that 5000 scholarships per annum may be awarded for the next 5 years. Out of the total, 4500 scholarships (90%) could be for general degree courses, 250 for engineering (5%) and 250 for medical studies (5%). This will benefit 25,000 students. Besides, the state government must also take active steps to utilize the existing government scholarship schemes. If the capacity of the educational institutions in J&K is to be built up, it is essential to enhance the faculty skill set. One important dimension to this is the interaction of the academicians with the industry to understand their expectations of entry level student skills. An interesting example of this connect is the Faculty Enhancement Programmes (FEP) conducted by the Infosys Development Centres which have trained 4900 faculty members from engineering institutions. The other initiative is by the Directorate General Employment and Training (DGET) which has conducted 'Training of Trainers' programmes in ITI's. The state must actively leverage these programmes to expand their scope in J&K. Salman Khurshid, Minister of State for Minority Affairs (IC) has made a suggestion that private schools and educational institutions could be persuaded to accommodate children from Jammu and Kashmir. He has made an offer to (a) bring together representatives of schools and academic institutions to make a commitment and (b) persuade the Delhi Public School and the 150 odd schools that carry the name to set aside as many seats as are required to meet such a commitment. IGNOU, a pioneer in open and distance education has a large presence in J&K and has
www.epilogue.in
helped a number of students to resume their education in places that have been adversely affected by the disturbances. IGNOU has agreed to launch an interactive platform for registering students in J&K for job placements. They will establish Regional Placement Cells (RPC) in Srinagar and Jammu which will provide a platform for prospective employers to communicate with job seekers of Jammu, Srinagar and Leh through virtual job portal, job fairs, placement drives and walkins, provide career specific counselling and guidance, carry out competency mapping of all job aspirants, identify skill gaps and assess and certify existing skills of the youth for vertical career mobility and lateral professional movements. The RPC would have members from local educational institutions, IGNOU centres, industry representatives and students and will forge partnerships with the J&K Entrepreneurship Development Institute and various Chambers of Commerce and Industries. Moreover IGNOU will also enrol youth from J&K in an Ayurvedic Therapy Training Programme which is currently being run for the North East states.
SECTORAL INITIATIVES
Though agriculture is the predominant occupation, heavy dependence on cereals, small peasant holdings and subsistence farming have created a suboptimal cycle of low productivity and investment. In the recent past a number of central government schemes have been launched for productivity increase. Allocations under these to J&K have increased significantly but the state has not been able to fully utilize the funds. The focus areas for the state in agriculture would be to launch projects especially in the micro sector for assured irrigation, upgrade soil testing facilities to ensure macro and micro nutrient analysis, engage agricultural graduates on a contractual basis to carry out agricultural extension effort and promote basmati rice cultivation in mission mode. To undertake these - special allocation under the Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana is suggested. The highly labour intensive livestock sector with its capacity to cater to the poor and absorb large number of skilled and unskilled workers is important to the J&K economy. With productivity increase, this activity has the potential to augment agricultural incomes. Increased public investment in the poultry sector, 5 emphasis on tackling disease and infertility in dairy, improvised agronomic practices for quality fodder production are specific areas which will increase the
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
DOCUMENTS JOB PANEL REPORT
growth potential of the sector and attract private investments. Horticulture sector in J&K accounts only for 13 per cent of the net sown area but contributes 45 per cent of the state's agricultural GDP. It has been growing in importance contributing to nutritional security, land productivity, employment, exports and farm incomes. The horticulture sector in J&K faces three challenges namely physical factors leading to low production and productivity, poor post- harvest technology and processing capacity and marketing challenges.Two important central government schemes in this sector are currently operating in the state. The first, Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH) has liberal outlays for research, farm inputs, mechanization and processing. Run in mission mode the scheme is focussed and provides the state government enough flexibility to chalk out a strategy for growth. The second is the 'Economic Revival of J&K Saffron Sector' with an outlay of Rs 370 crores. Besides these, the sector requires investments in rejuvenation/replanting of orchards, innovative use of biotechnology, public investment in post-harvest infrastructure1 including food processing and creation of a network of state of art mandis or modern marketplaces. The tourism sector with its potential for employing people across the skill spectrum and positive externalities for other sectors like handicrafts, handlooms and transport occupies an important place in the development and employment strategy of J&K. While tourist arrivals in the Valley have been adversely impacted by the security situation, both Jammu and Ladakh have witnessed a steady rise. The main challenges for this sector are the security situation, poor connectivity, lack of transport infrastructure and inadequate accommodation. This sector will require significant private investment which is currently constrained by negative perception regarding the security situation and the lack of clarity on the land policy. To start with the state must immediately put in place a PPP policy, that will address land- related concerns in a practical manner for the tourism sector especially in creating hotels and resorts. The other initiatives are regular flights connecting different regions in the state, developing tourist circuits, comprehensive review of security restrictions in Ladakh, training youth in the hospitality and adventure tourism sector and creating an integrated online tourism portal in PPP mode. The handicraft sector in J&K occupies an important place with a fine tradition of craftsmanship,
www.epilogue.in
58
employing 4-5 lakh artisans, 179 major craft clusters and revenue generation of Rs 1000 crore plus. Highly labour intensive, the sector contributes significantly to employment generation but has underperformed due to lack of a Kashmir brand, poor quality control, obsolete designs, exploitative cooling units, cold chain, electronic grading and packing and refrigerated vans for transportation of fruit from production centre to cold stores/markets middlemen and competition from machine-made fabrics. Both the central and state governments have taken number of initiatives to address these growth bottlenecks like establishing a carpet cluster in Srinagar area, obtaining a Geographical Indication for Sozni embroidery, Pashmina and Kani shawl and starting a skill development scheme for craftsmen. While expanding the scope of the current schemes some other actions to boost the growth in this sector are to have smaller carpet production centres, develop a cluster for embroidery and crafts, build a tangible "Kashmir" brand image and design and enforce traceability norms. Moreover encouraging craft tourism will enable artisans to find ready markets outside the state. The role of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) in socio-economic development and employment generation is well established. The sector has not done well in the state due to a number of reasons including inadequate local demand, poor credit flows and distance from markets.Sharp focus on improving access to finance by reviving the J&K State Financial Corporation (JKSFC), increasing the scope of Prime Minister's Employment Guarantee Programme (PMEGP) and purchase preferences in government procurement will help the revival of this sector in J&K. As peace returns to the state, private investments and large industry will also come back bringing sustainable growth and jobs. The IT&ITES/BPO sector has showcased India's talent emerging as an important foreign exchange earner, but in J&K it is still in the process of spreading its wings. The sector has attracted a number of young entrepreneurs but the growth in the sector has been constrained by lack of connectivity, reluctance of talent from the rest of the country to work in the state and poor network of educational institutions in IT. The long term strategy for success in the sector would require peace, connectivity, vibrant hospitality sector and skilled manpower. An immediate 'quick-win' strategy would be to connect all the districts on a priority basis, develop an operational SWAN network,
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
59
DOCUMENTS JOB PANEL REPORT
simplify procedures to encourage private investments and create infrastructure in terms of IT/ITES & BPO Parks
GIST OF RECOMMENDATIONS Agriculture & Animal Husbandry o Draw up a long term strategy for productivity increase in agriculture Large network of water harvesting tanks, lift irrigation and construction of area specific new canal network for assured irrigation Upgrade soil testing facilities Rehbar-e-Zirat, scheme of state government to be continued for next 2-3 years and also used for monitoring the implementation of the various rural development programmes Production of Basmati Rice of Jammu to be enhanced with infrastructure upgradation, provision of inputs and marketing support Flexibility under the RKVY Scheme to be utilized by the state to direct expenditure into priority areas Expand the centrally sponsored Rural Backyard Poultry Scheme Start monthly treatment camps in a phased manner to tackle the problem of infertility and diseases in the bovine population Enhance the private Paravet Scheme of the state government to train educated unemployed youth from rural areas and engage them for artificial insemination and veterinary first aid to animals Revival and modernization of the government sheep breeding farms
2. Horticulture Effective utilization of funds under 'Horticulture Mission for North East and Himalayan States (HMNEH)' The scheme on 'Economic Revival of J&K Saffron Sector' to be expanded to reclaim the areas which had gone out of saffron cultivation due to poor returns To improve productivity, rejuvenate / replant orchards and in the case of apples use biotechnology, molecular and nuclear techniques, propagation using DNA identification and mapping systems Encourage Private and Public investment in technologies for post-harvest handling of horticultural produce and upgrade the existing facilities and capacities in the public sector food processing
www.epilogue.in
enterprises Department of Agriculture to consider simplifying procedures under MM-IV of the Technology Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture. Encourage use of e-portal, decentralize the procedure for appraisal and grant of financial assistance and monitoring through banks and financial institutions Identify mandis in the state and convert them into model market places having support facilities, post-harvest management facilities and chilling facilities
3. Tourism Put in place a PPP policy, which will address the land related concerns in a practical manner for the tourism sector especially in creating hotels and resorts Identify certain areas, where tourism development initiatives by the private sector would be eligible for incentives ranging from capital investment subsidy, interest subsidy to exemption of service tax for the hotel industry To encourage the pilgrims to stay longer, Jammu to develop potential alternative religious circuits Improve the condition of the roads, regular state transport buses, helicopter services and budget hotels Develop Buddhist Circuit in Ladakh Develop mosques and dargahs located at places of historical significance Capacity building of the youth to act as khadims/shrine guides Set up a working group with members from Ministries of Home, Defence, External Affairs and Indian Mountaineering Federation to undertake a comprehensive review of the restrictions (including those on the use of satellite phones) and subject to security concerns make relaxations wherever possible Work towards building capacities of the local youth and potential entrepreneurs in tourism sector o Encourage border tourism by developing the Suchetgarh border on the lines of the Wagah border To attract the religious tourists, create recreational activities within Jammu, operate a luxury Volvo bus service to Srinagar and introduce a JammuLadakh flight at least 2-3 times a week to begin with Establish an integrated online tourism portal
Vol. 5 Issus 04
Epilogue, April 2011
DOCUMENTS
60
JOB PANEL REPORT
in PPP mode Undertake promotion and publicity campaigns in the print and visual media o Promote convention tourism
4. Handicraft o Implement the Carpet Mega Cluster in the Srinagar area in PPP mode Set up smaller carpet production centres with basic facilities in areas where there are 40-50 artisans Develop a mega cluster of the Gabba, Namda and Crewel crafts in Anantnag district and an embroidery crafts cluster in the state Establish a model production zone, create public awareness, organize national and international business events related to fashion and handicrafts and set-up dedicated web domains for specific crafts Strict legal action to protect the Geographical Indication Launch a campaign to build a Kashmir brand Develop a craft circuit where the tourists could be taken around the artisan's work place 'Integrated Skill Development Scheme For The Textiles And Apparel Sector Including Jute And Handicrafts' may be leveraged to train 500 craftsmen per annum for the next two years
5. Medium Scale and Micro Enterprises and IT & ITES Sector Revive J&K State Financial Corporation (JKSFC) by providing a one-time grant from the PM's Reconstruction Package Allocate extra fund to J&K for skill development to build capacities of the rural artisans in the Prime Minister's Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) Accord marketing preference to SSI units
6. Information Technology and IT Enabled Services Co-ordinate with DoT, BSNL, VSNL and the security agencies to connect all districts of the state through networking system Preference may be given to local companies for implementing the public e-governance/IT projects Support IT and ITES entrepreneurs by simpli-
www.epilogue.in
Vol. 5 Issus 04
fying procedures and create infrastructure in terms of IT/ITES/BPO parks in PPP mode Cable termination station/internet exchange link to be extended up to Srinagar and government to consider giving bandwidth subsidy Encourage private sector to become ISP's Introduce IT education in schools and colleges
7. Skill Development and Placement Scheme Launch a special skill development and placement scheme for J&K in PPP mode. This Skill, Empowerment and Employment Scheme will provide placement linked, market driven skill training to 50,000-1,00,000 youth in 3-5 years Undertake a special industry initiative in PPP mode for J&K for enhancing the skills and employability of 40,000 youth in five years. The companies that have expressed interest are Infosys Technologies, Tata Consultancy Services, Godrej & Boyce, BILT, Crompton Greaves, Avantha Group, Bajaj Auto, WWFI, JCB India, Tata Motors, Tata Global Beverages and Apollo Hospitals. Special scheme by Infosys Technologies for creating a special training program (STP) in collaboration with IIIT Bangalore
8. Increasing Access to Education
Launch a Special Scholarship Scheme for Jammu and Kashmir to benefit 25,000 students over a period of 5 years. The scholarships will be for general, engineering and medical studies. They will cover full tuition fee, hostel fee, cost of books and other incidentals o The state government should tie up with some large corporates for FEP for their technical institutions Organize regular capacity building training programmes for the principals, senior faculty members and state directorate officers Persuade private schools and educational institutions to accommodate children from J&K. Delhi Public School to set aside seats for children from J&K IGNOU to launch two Regional Placement Centres (RPC) one each in Srinagar and Jammu to provide an interactive job portal. The RPC to also provide career specific counselling, competency mapping and train job aspirants to plug skill gaps Conduct Ayurvedic Therapy Programme in collaboration with IGNOU
Epilogue, April 2011