Powered by

Unauthorised reproduction of pictures from this site is strictly prohibited. To buy pictures for publishing please contact Kashmir Newz.

Reservations! We can't pay?

Deep rooted corruption in Indian administered Kashmir is hindering the deprived sections of the society to benefit from the reservations meant for them in government jobs or education. Peerzada Arshad Hamid reports.

Srinagar
Nov 21, 2006:

Ali Mohammed Shakshaz weaving Kangris outside his house in Achabal

Ali Mohammed Shakshaz (48) carries on his traditional trade of weaving Kangris (fire pots) since his childhood. A resident of Achabal in the Anantnag district in Indian administered Kashmir Ali weaves Kangris on the roadside in front of his thatched house.

Ali manages to make two ends meet for his family by weaving the Kangris round the year. Earlier he used to venture in the nearby jungle to collect the wicks for weaving the Kangris.

Now the forest area has been brought under the control of wildlife department, restricting the free movement of people inside. Ali has to buy the wicks from the market now.

A Scheduled Caste(SC) Ali could have changed the fate of sons, but was unable to acquire an SC certificate despite being one for want of a graft.

"For getting the SC certificates we are asked to pay bribe of rupees three thousand in the concerned offices. Where from can I get the required money?"

One of his sons studied up to class 10th and another dropped out after 8th standard.

Two years ago when his son intended to submit application in the Indian Reserve Police, he felt the need of the SC certificate.

Ali says the clerks at the DC office Anantnag asked him to pay a bribe of INR 3000. To this he made an advance payment of INR 500.

Unable to pay the remaining amount he was not provided the certificate and just asked to visit some other day. Days passed, by and the closing date of applications was crossed.

"The advance payment of Rs 500 is still with the clerk," says a disappointed Ali . . .

continued . . .

Kashmir Newz Specials

More in Specials

Guns under fire Loosing to tanneries Honey in Peril The art of Khatamband Defying the threat Behind the names of houseboats The abode of pain Housing the dead

Author: Title: Keyword: Additional Features:: First Edition Signed Dust Jacket Any Binding Hard Cover Soft Cover