JAMMU, APRIL 30: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha released “Shri Amarnathji Yatra Guide book” published by Tourism Federation of Jammu, today. The Lt Governor appreciated the Tourism Federation of Jammu for selfless service to pilgrims. The Lt Governor also shared the key initiatives taken by the UT Government and Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board to facilitate the hassle-free & smooth pilgrimage of the devotees. He further highlighted the efforts to promote spiritual tourism in Jammu Kashmir. The representatives of Tourism Federation of Jammu expressed gratitude to the Lt Governor-led UT Administration and the Shrine Board for augmenting the facilities for pilgrims and service providers. The 62-day long Shri Amarnathji Yatra will commence on 1st July this year and it will culminate on 31st August 2023. Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; Sh Rajesh Gupta, Chairman, Tourism Federation of Jammu; Sh Kiran Wattal Chairman Shri Amarnathji Yatra Welfare Society; Sh Ajay Gupta President Association of Religious Tour Operators; Sh B.B Kotwal President Bhaderwah Travel Trade Association; Sh Kuldip Luthra President Jai Hind Manch and office-bearers of Tourism Federation were present. No: PR/DI/23/201/ Government of Jammu and Kashmir Department of Information Sunday, April 30, 2023 Email: [email protected] Mediation always existed in Indian culture as a dispute resolution: Justice Tashi Rabstan JAMMU, APRIL 30: An extensive forty hours Mandatory Mediation Training programme for the Advocates of various districts of Jammu province spreading over five days concluded today at J&K Judicial Academy, Jammu with the valedictory address delivered by Justice Tashi Rabstan Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Chairman, Mediation and Conciliation Committee. In his address, Justice Tashi said that considering the shortage of trained mediators the present training programme was devised for the Advocates of Jammu Province. Justice Tashi who has been heading the Mediation and Conciliation Committee from last about 8 years said that the Mediation rules framed by the High Court of J&K and Ladakh are exhaustive and referral judges are required to identify and refer the cases having potential of being settled through the process of mediation. He further said that now-a-days many big companies having enormous economic activities are witnessing upsurge in disputes which they want to be settled through the process of Mediation. Justice Tashi appreciated the participants in the training programme for showing keen interest besides actively participating and interacting with the trainers during the said programme. Justice Tashi impressed upon the trainees to work with dedication and ensure that the mediation becomes result oriented. Speaking on the occasion V.K. Bansal, Principal Judge, Family Court, Tis Hazari, Delhi and Senior Trainer said that this was his 5th or 6th programme as a trainer in Jammu and Kashmir and was more than happy to receive an invitation from MCPC, Supreme Court of India for being deputed as a trainer to Jammu and Kashmir. He further said that he was overwhelmed by the reception and hospitality extended to him and appreciated the enthusiasm with which the trainees participated in the programme. Dr. Aditi Choudhary, Director Delhi Judicial Academy also acknowledged that the participation of the trainees in the programme was beyond her expectation and queries raised by them during the programme gave a food for thought to the trainers. She hoped that the participants would prove to be an asset for carrying on the mission of mediation in UT of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. The Training Programme was spread over a total of 12 sessions and day one started with the inaugural session followed by technical sessions on various aspects of mediation that included Ground Rules, Principles of Learning and Training, Conflict Management and Resolution, Role Play, ADR with special reference to Section 89 of Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 and its types. On the second day of training various aspects including Role of Lawyers and the concept of Mediation and Conciliation Rules, were discussed. The focus was on meaning and process of communication, its effectiveness including its types and modes. Special emphasis was laid on various communication skills like active listening, body language, questions and empathy with neutrality. On 3rd and 4th day of the training, priority was given to the concepts of Bargaining, Negotiation, Impasse including its causes, stages, management and strategies, false and avoidance impasse. During these two days the participating advocates were practically involved in experiencing various techniques learnt during these sessions. At the end of day 04, various professional ethics including ethical principles for a mediator, role and responsibilities of a referral judge u/s 89 of Code of Civil Procedures 1908, were targeted. The concluding day, commenced with the concept of ethical principles for Judicial and Advocate mediators followed by an informative documentary. The highlight of all the days of training program was the Role Play on Mediation by the participants which also boosted their morale for mediation process. While concluding the training programme Amit Kumar Gupta, Coordinator, Mediation & Conciliation Committee, High Court of J&K and Ladakh thanked and expressed deep gratitude towards Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chairperson and Justice Sindhu Sharma and Justice Mohammad Akram Chowdhary, Members, Mediation and Conciliation Committee, High Court of J&K and Ladakh for conceiving this training programme. He also thanked Director, J&K Judicial Academy for extending logistics support. No: PR/DI/23/202/ Government of Jammu and Kashmir Department of Information Sunday, April 30, 2023 Email: [email protected] Director SCERT seeks SWOC Analysis from DIET Principals to Rebrand SCERT Saus ‘each penny counts when it comes to building a strong education system’ SRINAGAR, APRIL 30: Director State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Professor Parikhshat Singh Manhas, today had an exclusive maiden meeting with Principals of Kashmir Division’s District Institute of Education and Training (DIET). The meeting, which took place in the SCERT auditorium at Bemina, was attended by all 10 Principals from various DIETs. Seeking analysis report regarding Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, Challenges (SWOC) from the DIET Principals to revamp the SCERT brand, he asked for a fund utilization report of the previous financial year and took serious note of funds that had not been utilized. “Each penny counts when it comes to building a strong education system,” Professor Manhas said. “I urge the DIET Principals to provide a detailed report on fund utilization of the previous financial year so that we can identify the areas where we need to improve and avoid any wastage of resources in future, he added” “Let me be clear, we cannot afford to waste any funds that have been allocated to us,” Professor Manhas stated firmly. “The reason to hold this meeting in the month of April is to ensure fair and maximum utilization of funds in the new financial year, he asserted” Cautioning against deliberately lapsing funds, he emphasized the collective responsibility to ensure that allocated resources are put to their best use. To ensure proper utilization of funds, Professor Manhas asked the concerned to draw calendars for various activities in advance and send them for his perusal beforehand. “As educators, we must lead by example and shun the practice of doing things at the eleventh hour,” he said. “There is a need to adopt a hybrid approach, utilizing both online and offline modes, to ensure that our activities are efficient and effective.” Professor Manhas assured the provision of staff to the SCERT and DIETs purely on merit basis and pledged to remove the tag of SCERT and DIETs being considered “dump yards.” Asking them to gather manpower and orient them in such a way that productivity is increased and isolationist behaviour discouraged, he emphasized that his job was to facilitate the work, while the onus lies on each head of the DIET. Extremely emotional on the subject of “Toycathon”, Professor Manhas urged them to make the event a grand success by ensuring maximum participation of students including those from the private schools. “Sponsored by organisations like Comptroller and Auditor General of India, Microsoft, and Jammu and Kashmir Bank Limited, the event is scheduled to begin between 10th and 15th May and end on either 5th September or Kalam Day,” he informed. Pertinently, Toycathon is an innovation challenge, launched by the Ministry of Education, Government of India, to create toys and games based on Indian ethos and values. “It is a unique opportunity for students, teachers, and start-ups to showcase their creativity and design skills in developing toys and games that are not only entertaining but also promote learning and development,” he said. The first Toycathon was held in 2021, and it received an overwhelming response, with over 1.2 lakh participants from various parts of the country. The event aims to encourage the Indian toy industry and provide a platform to the country’s creative minds to come up with innovative ideas and designs for the development of the toy industry. Professor Manhas emphasized the importance of providing textbooks to private schools, and suggested that the government should offer discounts or delivery options. He also requested that private schools use only the textbooks recommended by JKBOSE (Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education) to prevent students from being overburdened. Stressing the need for a synergy between the SCERT and JKBOSE, he asked the DIET Principals to help build and maintain a collaborative approach at all costs. Professor Manhas asked them to ensure that the INSPIRE fellowship program is accessible to as many eligible students as possible. He further emphasized the importance of maintaining records of all individual students participating in the program, which can serve as useful data for future reference and evaluation of the program’s effectiveness. “The data can be used to determine the impact of the program and help identify areas where improvements can be made,” he said. “By ensuring maximum participation and effective record-keeping, the INSPIRE fellowship program can help students to realize their potential and achieve their academic goals.” He emphasized that it was important for all stakeholders to work together towards the common goal of improving the quality of education in the UT. “By staying connected and communicating effectively, we can ensure that everyone is on the same page and that our efforts are well coordinated and effective,” Professor Manhas said. No: PR/DI/23/203/
