Administration Council okays 4 fast-track courts for UT

Tribune News Service

Jammu, March 20

The Administrative Council, which met under the chairmanship of Lieutenant Governor GC Murmu accorded sanction to the establishment of four fast-track special courts in Jammu and Kashmir for the effective implementation of Criminal Law Amendment Act, 2018, by ensuring targeted disposal of pending rape and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act cases.

Of the four courts, one each in Jammu and Srinagar will exclusively be meant for the trial of cases registered under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO). The two in Kulgam and Reasi shall deal with cases involving offences against women, including rape.

The Administrative Council also approved the establishment of the office of the special public prosecutors along with other staff for the two fast-track courts in Jammu and Srinagar.

Sectoral policies for power, tourism

In a significant decision to boost the sector-wise industrial growth in Jammu and Kashmir, the Administrative Council approved the adoption of the J&K Tourism Policy-2020, J&K Captive Power, Hydropower and Renewable Energy Policy-2020, and J&K AYUSH Care Investment Policy-2020.

The decision has come in the backdrop of the Global Investors Summit scheduled to be held later this year in J&K to attract investors so as to make gainful investments in these sectors.

Focusing on investors and current business organisations, Jammu and Kashmir has announced new policies for facilitating the ease of doing business in the region. Of the 14 identified focus sectors for the investors’ summit, 13 sector policies are being drafted with an addition of one Umbrella Policy-2020 for micro, small and medium enterprise, large and mega units.

Earlier, the Administrative Council, in a meeting, had approved the adoption of four sectoral policies for wool processing and handloom and handicrafts, pharmaceutical, education and poultry sectors for Jammu and Kashmir.

IT policy approved

In a significant decision to develop a modern and vibrant ecosystem of information technology in the Union Territory, the Administrative Council accorded approval to the adoption of Jammu and Kashmir IT/ITeS Policy-2020.

The policy provides for creation and upgrade of the IT infrastructure to meet the existing and future needs of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir in e-governance, increase digital literacy among youth, thereby enhancing employability, attracting investment in the sector, harnessing the potential of emerging technologies, promoting entrepreneurship, creation of employment opportunities and safer cyber space for all citizens.

Dairy cooperative scheme

The Administrative Council okayed the implementation of the Dairy Cooperative Scheme for dairy cooperative societies in the Union Territory of J&K with the support of the National Cooperative Development Corporation.

Under the scheme, the government will provide 50 per cent of the loan and 20 per cent of the share capital to the beneficiary cooperative societies. A subsidy of 25 per cent will also be provided by the government to the beneficiaries. The owners’ contribution in the scheme shall be only 5 per cent.