CS launches 6 more services under Auto-appeal, asks for full integration of all the 105 services notified under PSGA

JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta today launched the PSGA auto-appeal feature for 06 more online services offered by the Housing& Urban Development Department. The feature is going to auto escalate the appeals in case the services are not provided to the applicant within the time limit set under the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA).

Dr Mehta complimented the IT Department for integrating the feature in the vital digital services offered by the  Housing Department to the citizens. He directed for integrating this Auto-appeal feature for all the designated 43 online services by next month. He also advised them to work for activating this feature for all the 105 services specified under the Public Services Guarantee Act (PSGA) at the earliest.

Economic Survey 2022-23 of the UT released - J&K's economic growth Vibrant: CS

JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta today released the Economic Survey 2022-23 of the UT, a document presenting the elaborate picture of the economy of J&K for the closing financial year prepared by Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Planning Development & Monitoring Department. On the occasion the Chief Secretary observed that the document is vital in gauging the progress made by the UT. He also called the document a true account of what we have achieved during the financial year.

He complimented the Department for coming up with this Survey at an opportune time. He said that the survey presents a fine picture of our economic trajectory which is encouraging for all of us. He remarked that the yearly economic growth of the UT is a notch higher than National average which shows that approach we have adopted during last few years is working well for the economy.

NIT Sgr becomes Kashmir's first certified ERC in engineering category

• Hygienic food our priority, no compromise on it: Director

SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare on Friday declared National Institute Technology (NIT) Srinagar as first certified Eat Right Campus (ERC) in engineering category in  Kashmir valley. In a communique, State Nodal Officer, Food and Drugs Administration (FDA) J&K Firdous Ahmad informed that NIT Srinagar has become 1st certified Eat Right Campus (ERC) in Engineering Category in Kashmir for the period of 2 years and has achieved all compliance of rules as set by Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).

The audit is done through a checklist based on five parameters. On the basis of the final audit score, the institute is certified as 'Eat Right Campus' with a five-star rating. The parameters include Compliance to food safety and hygiene healthy diets, Food waste management, Promotion of local and seasonal foods on campus, and awareness of food safety and healthy diets in and around campus.

Lt Governor chairs the meeting of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha chaired the 44th meeting of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB) at Raj Bhawan, today. Hon’ble members of the Shrine Board - Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj, Shri D. C. Raina, Smt. Kailash Mehra Sadhu, Shri K. N. Rai, Shri K.N. Shrivastava, Shri Pitambar Lal Gupta, Dr. Shailesh Raina, Prof Vishwamurti Shastri and Smt Manju Garg shared their valuable inputs and suggestions for improving the facilities for the pilgrims.

Jal Prahari Samman Samaroh-2023: SMVD Shrine Board felicitated for water conservation and management

KATRA- Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board was felicitated at the Jal Prahari Samman Samaroh – 2023 held on March 29 at New Maharashtra Sadan, KG Marg, New Delhi. The felicitation ceremony was organized under the aegis of Ministry of Jal Shakti, Government of India, in recognition of the significant strides made by the Shrine Board to promote water conservation, water harvesting and re-use of treated water.

Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board received the Award on behalf of the Board from Union Jal Shakti Minister, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. He thanked the Union Ministry of Jal Shakti for recognising the work done by the Shrine Board under the chairmanship of Sh. Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Lt Governor, JK-UT (Chairman, SMVDSB) for water conservation and management adding that this honour will encourage the Board’s team to work more zealously for water management and its conservation as part of Yatra management initiatives.

Amrit Kaal Budget: Agriculture, allied sectors get Rs 3156 cr in 2023-24 budget

• HADP will create 2,87,910 jobs in agriculture, allied sectors, create 18,861 new business enterprises

JAMMU: To create enabling environment for transforming J&K agriculture and allied sectors in order to increase farmer income, ensure food security and accelerate UT's economic growth, Rs 3156 crore have been allocated for these vital sectors in the budget for 2023-24. A Holistic Agriculture Development Plan has been rolled out with 29 proposed projects worth an outlay of Rs 5012 crore to be implemented over a period of next 5 years.

An official said that the novel initiative will create additional job opportunities for 2,87,910 people in agriculture, horticulture and allied sectors besides 18,861 new business enterprises will be created over the period of next five years. Under the ambitious project, the government will create  67000 Metric Ton CA Storage Capacity enabling the farmers store their produce for better returns.

Shaleen Kabra inaugurates 2 MG Water Service Reservoir at Nishat Srinagar

SRINAGAR: Principal Secretary, Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra, inaugurated newly constructed two Million Gallon (MG) Water Service Reservoir at Nishat here today. The reservoir has been constructed with a cost of Rs 611 Lakh which will feed areas like Nishat, Dal, Rainawari, Jogi Lanker and most parts of downtown which are currently fed by old 1.7 MG reservoir which was constructed in 1895 and was leaking profusely.

Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary highlighted that the reservoir has been equipped with state-of-the-art technology to ensure that water quality is maintained. He added that the reservoir will ensure that the water reaches every household. Kabra further said that construction of water reservoir is yet another step in their efforts to ensure access to ensure clean water for every citizen.

Dulloo reviews promotion campaign for Holistic Agriculture Development Programme

JAMMU: Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department (APD), Atal Dulloo, today chaired a meeting to review promotion campaign to be launched for raising awareness on Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) in the Union Territory here at Civil Secretariat. The meeting was attended by Director General Sericulture,  Director General, Sheep Husbandry, Kashmir, Director Finance, APD, Director Animal Husbandry, Jammu and Kashmir, Director Horticulture Jammu and Kashmir, Director Horticulture, Planning and Marketing, Managing Director JKHPMC, Mission Director, HADP and other concerned officials in person and through online mode.

₹23900 lakh spent on Dal Lake in five years: MoS Home

JAMMU: Govt of India during the last five years has spent funds to the tune of ₹23900 lakh on Dal Lake and an area of 6.5 sq kilometers has been cleared. In reply to a question by Bharatiya Janata Party MP Er. Gulam Ali on funds sanctioned for preservation of lakes in Jammu & Kashmir during past five years, Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said that during past five years Rs. 23,900 have been utilized/spent on Dal lake.

The outcome of the funds spent resulted in improved water quality, effluent parameters within permissible limits, development of jetties/viewing decks/floating jetties/parks etc., improving the  livelihoods of  Dal    dwellers  &  other locals, mechanical de-weeding / skimming lily/floating garden extraction, aerators for circulation of water along shore line of lake, collection of solid waste(9-10 MTapprox.) from hamlets within the lake and the houseboats and surface Of the lake waters and its disposal, sewerage network of 863 houseboats Inside Dal-Nigeen Lake, proper supervision and monitoring of conservation works and construction activities etc.

JKPaySys to remain operational on 31st March for generation, submission of bills to treasuries

JAMMU:  The JKPaySys shall remain operational on 31st March 2023 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM for generation and submission of bills to treasuries. According to a circular issued here today by the Finance Department in this regard, the DDOs shall generate/submit bills after observing all prescribed codal formalities and any lapse on part of rejection made at treasuries for want of codal formalities/miscalculation will be sole responsibility of DDO concerned. The circular read that the DDOs shall submit the hard copies of the bills to concerned treasuries by or before 12:00 O'clock. The Bills/ Claims so presented are liable to special audit, wherever required.

Vice Chancellor JU felicitates Dr Jatinder Manhas for his outstanding contribution in Computer Science

• Dr Manhas Visited Lulea University of Technology Sweden to attend advance training to study brain Signal (EEG) 

JAMMU: Vice Chancellor University of Jammu Prof. Umesh Rai today felicitated Dr Jatinder Manhas Head Computer science Bhaderwah Campus for his outstanding contribution in Computer Science.  The Vice Chancellor encouraged Dr Jatinder Manhas to carry on world class research in the domain of AI.

 

Prof. Rahul Gupta, Dean Mathematical Sciences & Rector Bhaderwah Campus and Prof. Pawnesh Abrol, Head MCA was present on the occasion. Dr. Jatinder Manhas, Head Computer science Bhaderwah Camp recently  visited Lulea University of Technology Sweden to attend advance training to study brain Signal (EEG) in the field of Human Emotion Intelligence using Artificial Intelligence based techniques. 

 

Shat Chandi Maha Yagya concludes with Purna Ahuti at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine

KATRA:  The 9-day long Shat Chandi Maha Yagya organised by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board at the Holy Shrine of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Ji during Chaitra Navratras for universal peace, harmony, prosperity and health of humanity, concluded today with Purna Ahuti on the auspicious occasion of Ramanavami.

Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Navneet Singh, Addl. Chief Executive Officer,Sudhir Bali, SDM Bhawan, other officers and staff of the Shrine Board, besides pilgrims participated in Purna Ahuti and other religious ceremonies performed amidst vedic mantras on the occasion. The Shat Chandi Maha Yagya also telecasted live from 11.30 a.m. to 12.30 p.m. daily during these Navratras. 

CS applauds J&K Admin for completing appointment of around 10000 Lumberdars/ Chowkidars

JAMMU: In one of the largest reformative measures started few months back, J&K Administration has nearly completed appointing about 10000 educated and young persons belonging to different villages of the UT on the significant grassroots level posts of Lumbedars and Village Guards (Chowkidars). The information was revealed in a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta and attended by DG, CID; Commissioner Secretary GAD; Commissioner Secretary IT & Information; Divisional Commissioners; Secretary PD&MD; Secretary, Revenue and all Deputy Commissioners of the UT either physically or virtually.

Dr Mehta applauded both the Divisional and District Administration for achieving this feat in a record time. He impressed upon the authorities to ensure that a training schedule is framed for these youngsters in order to sensitize them about their vital role as the grassroots level, frontline workers who have to work for the welfare and well-being of their villages.

Youth of today will define India @2047 when India will be celebrating its freedom centenary: Dr. Jitendra Singh

• Dr. Jitendra Singh attends youth convention on India’s G20 presidency organised by Nehru Yuva Kendra Kathua
• Under PM Narendra Modi, 1st December 2022, a watershed moment for the youth of this country when it assumes the presidency of the G20 forum: Dr. Jitendra Singh 
• Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, the best youth icon ever produced in India: Dr. Jitendra Singh 
• The youth of India today have the privilege and opportunity to contribute to the making of ‘New India’ as envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi: Dr. Jitendra Singh 
• Hundreds of opportunities created for the youth for their skill development; Youth should take advantage of these opportunities and become active partners of India’s journey towards becoming a ‘Vishwa Guru’: Dr. Jitendra Singh  

KATHUA: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Minister of State (Independent Charge) Earth Sciences; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh today said, the youth of India today will define India @2047 when India will celebrate its freedom centenary as they have the privilege and opportunity to contribute to the making of ‘New India’ as envisaged by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. 

Dr. Jitendra Singh was addressing a Youth convention here organized by Nehru Yuva Kendra, Kathua on the theme ‘Role of Youth vis-à-vis India’s G20 Presidency’. Dr. Jitendra Singh said, the youth of this country must feel lucky that they are living in an era when India has assumed G20 Presidency under PM Narendra Modi, the youth can thus play a key role to showcase India’s rich cultural diversity and heritage and solution to the global problems while being the President of G20 forum.

JKTPO Participated in 23rd Edition of IndiaSoft at Pragati Maidan

JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO), under the guidance of Principal Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Prashant Goyal and supervision of Managing Director JKTPO, Khalid Jahangir, participated in 23rd Edition of IndiaSoft organized by Electronics & Computer Software Export Promotion Council (ESC) at Pragati Maidan, New Delhi.

Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry, Anupriya Patel, inaugurated the IndiaSoft. Ms Grisel Eulalia Reyes Leon, Deputy Minister of communication, Cuba and Mr. Rivas Stepke Luciano Alejandro, Regional Governor, Araucania, Chile also attended the inaugural along with their delegations. The event showcased many innovative businesses  to support the Indian electronics and IT industry's global reach, offering a rare chance for multinational corporations searching for cutting-edge solutions like Fintech, cyber security, smart solutions, electronic hardware, cleantech, machine learning, Artificial intelligence, Augmented reality.

J&K poised to achieve the historic milestone of completing 2 lakh works under MGNREGA

• Nearly 6 fold increase since 2018-19
• Generates more than 2.8 Cr person days of Employment

JAMMU: In a historic achievement J&K is well on target to complete around 2 lakh works under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) this financial year. This information was given out in a meeting chaired by Chief Secretary, DrArun Kumar Mehta to review the performance of Rural Development Department & Panchayati Raj schemes implemented in the UT of J&K.

Besides the Administrative Secretary, RD&PR the meeting was attended by the Administrative Secretaries of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Department; Jal Shakti; Forest; PWD; Labour& Employment; IT & Information; Revenue; Health; YS&S; Secretary in RDD; HoDs of Agriculture and Rural Development Departments.

No housing colonies, commercial sites developed by HUDD for 20 yrs in J&K: MoS Home

• BJP MP raises issue of development of Housing infra

NEW DELHI: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has reported that no housing colonies and commercial sites have been developed by the agencies of the Housing and Urban Development during the past more than two decades for any category prior to 2019. This was disclosed by Minister of State for Home Affairs Nityanand Rai in response to a question by Bharatiya Janata Party  MP Rajya Sabha Er. Gulam Ali on development of Housing Infrastructure in J&K.

PM Gulam Ali raised the questions how many Housing colonies have been established by Housing Department, JK Housing Board, Srinagar Development Authority, Jammu Development Authority for SCs, STs, OBCs, EWS, poor in J&K during last five years; how many commercial sites have been developed for SCs, STs, OBCs, EWS, tribals and poor in J&K and allotted to them; whether there is any proposal for setting up and allotting affordable housing units to tribals, SCs, STs, OBCs, EWS, poor in J&K; and which were the housing colonies set up by J&K Government, year-wise, during last five years and how many housing units were allotted to Tribals, SC, ST, OBC, EWS, poor?

NIT Sgr gets 8th rank in DataQuest rankings among govt. run T-Schools in India

• Director, Registrar NIT Srinagar extend greetings

SRINAGAR: The National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar has secured 8th rank in DataQuest Ranking of Top T-Schools among government run technological institutions in India for the year 2023. The rankings were released by DataQuest (a leading IT magazine) in 18th edition DQ-CMR Survey top-technological-schools 2023. It focuses on T-Schools and their contribution to key skills in the technology industry and ranks them through a comprehensive evaluation process.

As per the top rankings released by DataQuest in March 2023 edition, NIT Srinagar has secured 8th rank among technological institutions in government run category in India. Apart from that NIT Srinagar has also secured 28th rank among top 100 technological colleges both in private and government category run institutions in the country.Similarly, NIT Srinagar has also secured 9th rank in north Indian engineering government colleges.

Highlights of Lt Governor’s Press Conference on J&K Budget 2023-24

• Last year J&K has witnessed economic growth of 14.64% and tax revenue has shown growth of 31%.
• The law and order situation has improved appreciably in J&K and this year highest number of 88 crore tourists visited J&K.
• The Jammu and Kashmir has been among top performers in the country for implementation of schemes like Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Amrit Sarovar, SVAMITVA Scheme, Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Nasha Mukt Abhiyan and Renewable Energy Development. Most of the social security schemes have been saturated in J&K.
• Under “My Youth My Pride, Har Din Khel Har Ek Kay Liye Khel” nearly 50 lakh youth have participated in different sports activities this year.
• Under Digital J&K initiative, 445 online services are being provided through
  e-UNNAT portal.225 e-services have been integrated with Rapid Assessment System for real time feedback on quality of service delivery. All the online services have been linked with Public Service Guarantee Act in J&K.
• J&K is the first among States/Union Territories to have District Good Governance Index for assessing the public service delivery at district level.Aspirational Panchayat Development Programme, Aspirational Block Development Programme and Aspirational Town Development Programme are the three new initiatives being implemented in J&K.
• Highest ever investment of Rs 1547.87 crore received during the last 10 months of this year.500 start ups have come up during last 3 years.
• Unemployment rate is marginally reduced; 33426 Posts have been referred to recruiting agencies.25450 selections have been made including 2436 selections of J&K Bank Around 2, 02,749 youth have been covered under various self-employment schemes and target is to cover 2, 37,000 by end of current year. Next year around 3 lakh will be covered under all the self-employment schemes.
• In 2018-19, 9228 works have been completed;
• in 2019-20, 12637 works have been completed,
• in 2020-21, 21943 have been completed,
• In 2021-22, 50627 works have been completed and this year we expect 70,000 works to be completed. This is the paradigm shift in the pace of development in J&K over the last three to four years.
• Road construction nearly doubled to 3200 kilometres against 1500-1600 Km in 2018.

Srinagar Admin launches major crackdown on illegal profiteering in different markets of the city

• Fine over Rs 3.53 lakh imposed on erring shopkeepers, one Restaurant and 02 shops sealed
• DC Srinagar forms special squads to conduct regular market checking, penalizing illegal profiteers and taking strict action against violators

SRINAGAR: On the directions of the Deputy Commissioner (DC), Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad the District, the  special Market Checking teams of District Administration Srinagar Wednesday launched an intensified market checking in all markets of Srinagar City to crackdown on illegal profiteering and black marketing to control prices of food items and ensure all essential commodities are sold at Government approved rates as per the quality standards.

The checking squads headed by SDMs with Tehsildars of Srinagar South, Eidgah, Shalteng, Panthachowk, Srinagar North, Chanapora and Khanyar Tehsils conducted intensive market checking in Sonwar, Dalgate, Drugjan, Lal Chowk, Rawalpora, Sanat Nagar, Channapora, Hyderpora, Eidgah, Panthachowk, Zewan, Bemina, Nishat, Harwan, Khanyar and other adjoining markets of the City and took action against dozens erring shopkeepers.

Director Employment J&K inaugurates Job Fair at Govt. Polytechnic College, Gogji Bagh

• 22 Companies participated; 24 youth provided on-spot offer letters, 337 candidates shortlisted for next rounds

SRINAGAR: In an endeavour to provide a convenient platform to the educated unemployed youth and to facilitate their interaction with the Private Companies and Employers for Training, Skilling and placement, District Employment & Counseling Centre (DE&CC) Srinagar today organised a one day Job Fair at Kashmir Govt. Polytechnic Gogji Bagh, Srinagar here.

 The Job fair was inaugurated by Director Employment J&K Nisar Ahmad Wani, in presence of  Deputy Director Employment, DE&CC Srinagar Dr. Sheeba Inayat. Around 22 Private Companies and Skill Development Organisations operating in varied sectors and fields including M/S Zaydaan Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd, M/S Dominos Pizza, M/S Wishfin Pvt. Ltd,M/S Continental Heating and Air conditioning system,  M/S R.S Profiling Pvt. Ltd, M/S ALBA Power Pvt. Ltd, M/S Hotel Four Points by Sheraton, M/S Janta Joinery, M/S DG Power Systems, LIC, Himalayan Motors,Mahindra Shuhul,Amco Automobiles, M/S Rooman Technologies etc. participated in the event.

Div Com signs MoU with JSW Foundation for development of facilities at Shiv Khori Shrine

JAMMU: Divisional Commissioner Jammu and Chairman of Shri Shiv Khori Shrine Board, Ramesh Kumar signed an MoU with JSW Foundation for the development and restoration of facilities at Shiv Khori Shrine.

Major works to be undertaken include refurbishment of food kiosks and resting shelters, installation of a sound system along pathways, provision of rain shelter branches and dustbins along pass ways, refurbishment of existing Ghats, beautification, development of four meditation centres, construction of a reception centre with refreshment facilities, installation of signages, IT intervention (online registration, WiFi zones) and other required development works.

J&K gets maiden twin Centre of Excellence in Handicrafts, Carpet Sector

SRINAGAR: Craft Development Institute (CDI) and Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), Baghi-Ali-Mardan, Nowshera, Srinagar have been declared as J&K’s maiden “Centre of Excellence” (CoE) in Handicrafts and Carpet Sector. The Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir (DHHK) had submitted two proposals in the month of February 2022 to Handicrafts and Carpet Sector Skill Council of India for recognizing CDI and IICT as Centre of Excellence in Traditional and Heritage Crafts.

The twin Centre of Excellence in skilling ecosystem have been envisioned to be one stop resource centres for raising training standards, boost productivity, address emerging skill-gaps and align training & research with the current industry needs with the intent to overcome skill demand-supply mismatch and to have continuous supply of skilled workforce and disseminate best practices. The key objectives of the Centre of Excellence CDI/IICT include conducting high quality training in Handicrafts and Carpet sector with special focus on reviving the languishing crafts and new/future crafts with emerging technologies.

Div Com visits Shrines, Mosques; Reviews facilities; Pays obeisance at Dastgeer Sahib, Zadibal Imambarah

SRINAGAR: In view of the Holy Month of Ramadan and forthcoming Shab-i-Qadir and Eid ul Fitr, the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri conducted an extensive visit of Shrines and Mosques in Srinagar. He was accompanied by Addl Commissioner Kashmir, Qazi Sarwar, Commissioner SMC & CEO Smart City, Athar Amir; officers of line departments including Power, PHE, R&B, Sanitation, SMC, Waqf Board etc

While reviewing the availability of electric and drinking water facility, Div Com directed concerned to ensure uninterrupted supply of services to facilitate devotees visiting these Shrines and Mosques. He instructed illumination of Dargah Hazratbal, Dastgeer Sahib Shrine and Imambarah to reflect an environment of festivity. He also  instructed Dargah Hazratbal Management Committee & SMC to make currently  defunct water fountain in the frontier lawn of Shrine functional at the earliest.

Process initiated for establishment of “Skill Development and Rehabilitation Centre” for affected Youth: DC Srinagar

• DC Srinagar visits Psychiatric diseases Hospital, SMHS De-Addiction Center; inspects treatment/Counseling facilities for victims of Drug Abuse

SRINAGAR: The Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad here on Wednesday undertook a visit to Govt Psychiatric Diseases Hospital, Kathi Darwaza and Drug De-Addiction Centre at SMHS Hospital to oversee the facilities being provided to the victims of Drug Abuse.

During the visit, the DC was accompanied by Chief Planning Officer, Mohammad Yaseen Lone, Principal ITI, Bagh-i-Dilawar Khan, Anisa Parvez Principal ITI, Bemina, Dr Shafaqat Principal Govt. Polytechnic College, Imiyaz Ahmad, Gogji Bagh, Project Manager, JKPCC, Sajad Ahmad, Incharge Drug De-Addiction Centre, GMC Srinagar, Dr Yasir Rather , Medical Superintendent, Govt Psychiatric Hospital, Dr Aijaz, Nodal Officer, Dr Arshid and other concerned.

Atal Dulloo asks for priority movement of fertilizers, fruit laden trucks in, out of Kashmir

JAMMU:  Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department (APD), Atal Dulloo, today asked the officers for prioritizing movement of fertilizers and fruit laden trucks in and outside the Kashmir valley during a meeting held here at Civil Secretariat.

The meeting was attended by Secretary in Agriculture Production Department, Inspector General of Police Traffic J&K, Special Secretary APD, Directors of Horticulture Jammu/Kashmir, Directors of Agriculture Jammu/Kashmir, Director of Horticulture P&M, SSP Traffic Rural Kashmir/Jammu, SSP National Highway, Chairman of Kashmir Valley Fruit Growers Union, President of Fruit Mandi Sopore, President of CA Stores, President of Fruit Association Anantnag, and representatives of fertilizer companies including CCFCL, IFFCO, IPL and NFL while Kashmir based officers and participants participated online.

Topper among 57 students from NIT Srinagar qualify GATE exam 2023

• Director NIT Srinagar, Registrar extended greetings to GATE qualifiers

SRINAGAR: A topper from Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (MME) department among 57 students of National Institute Technology (NIT) Srinagar have qualified GATE exam 2023 (Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering) of which results were declared on Thursday, March 16. Ashutosh Kumar Yadav, a B.Tech student from the Metallurgical and Materials Engineering (MME) Department has secured 85.67 percentile and bagged AIR-1 in Metallurgical Engineering.

Similarly Aditya Nath from Mechanical Engineering Department has also secured AIR-47 in Mechanical Engineering. The figures include16 students of Civil Engineering, 13 in Mechanical Engineering, 7 in Metallurgical and Materials Engineering Department, 6 in Electrical Engineering, 6 in Chemical Engineering Department, 5 from Electronics & Communication Engineering and 2 from Computer Science & Engineering respectively.

5462 accidents & 774 fatalities in 2021; MP Gulam Ali raises issue of accidents & preventive measures in J&K

NEW DELHI: Minister of Roads, Transport and Highways Nitin Jairam Gadkari while replying to an unstarred question of Bharatiya Janata Pary MP Rajya Sabha Er. Gulam Ali regarding accidents and preventive measures taken in hilly areas of J&K stated that total number of road accidents and fatalities in Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir during the year 2021 were 5452 and 774 respectively.

Er. Gulam Ali sought the reply to his questions including whether there is any law for limiting the number of driving hours a for commercial drivers, if so, whether any technology is used so that commercial vehicle doesn't move after specified hours; number of accidents occurred in the hilly districts of Kishtwar, Doda, Ramban, Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and number lives lost; the preventive measures taken for avoiding such accidents; length of roads in U.T. of J&K provided with protective fencing/barriers especially in hilly districts; and the number of length of roads which has no protective barrier?

IIIM-Technology Business Incubator organises awareness session for students at GDC Kathua

KATHUA: IIIM- Technology Business Incubator (BioNEST Incubator), CSIR-IIIM, Jammu organised an awareness session for students of Government Degree College Kathua on science and technology-based entrepreneurship and manpower training programmes today. The programme aimed to provide an overview of starting and running a technology-based enterprise and acquiring advanced industrial or technical skills. It was organised in collaboration with the Career Counselling and Placement Cell of the college, Institutional Innovation and Incubation Centre and Department of Biotechnology, GDC Kathua.

The programme was inaugurated by the Principal GDC Kathua, Prof Seema Mir. The guests included Er. Ankush Verma from Jammu and Dr Payal Gandotra from IIIM, Jammu.  In his welcome address, Convener of the Career Counselling and Placement Cell, Prof Rakesh Singh emphasised the need to identify one’s strengths and weaknesses and pursue a career that aligns with their interests and abilities. Prof Singh also spoke about the role of technology business incubators in promoting entrepreneurship and job creation.

Progressing JK: J&K govt gives big push to promotion of 'NADRU' of Dal Lake

• Extends value addition, marketing, handholding services to farmers, facilitates lotus stem export to int'l markets

JAMMU: The farmers, inhabiting in the world famous 'Dal Lake', associated with Lotus Stem (Nadru) got a new lease of life with the Jammu and Kashmir government extending them value addition and handholding services in selling their produce in the international market.  The newly formed and promoted Farmer Producer Organization (FPO), comprising 250 farmers from Dal interiors, has recently exported two consignments to UAE thus making their presence felt in the international market.

The initiative of forming this FPO is in line with government's commitment towards empowering the farmers to sell and promote their produce in potential national and international markets. This significant program of the J&K government has recently been mentioned in Prime Minister, Narendra Modi's, monthly radio address to nation ‘Mann Ki Baat’.

Advisor Bhatnagar chairs 52nd, 53rd AGMs, 68th BoDs meet of JKAIDCL

JAMMU: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, today chaired the 52nd and 53rd Annual General Meetings (AGMs) as well as 68th Board of Directors (BoDs) meeting of J&K Agro Industries Development Corporation Limited (JKAIDCL) at Civil Secretariat here. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production Department Atal Dulloo; Secretary Planning, Development and Monitoring department, DG Codes, Director Agriculture Jammu/Kashmir, Director Horticulture Jammu/Kashmir, Director Animal Husbandry Jammu/Kashmir and other concerned officers both in person and through video conferencing.

During the AGMs, the Directors of Board led by Chairman Advisor Bhatnagar reviewed various critical matters concerning the organization’s operations, including the annual reports and financial statements. They also held robust discussion on the corporation’s business activities and strategies and also discussed the future plan for the Corporation to make it profit centric.

Five Day Farmers Centric Training Programme commenced at Poonch Campus

• University of Jammu to setup silk industry at Poonch : Director Poonch Campus  

POONCH: In order to provide information,/Training about the latest techniques in Sericulture, a "Five Day Farmers Centric Training Programme" commenced at Village Dingla Poonch w.e.f. March 28th to April 01st, 2023. The five day training programme is part of Annual Academic Calendar 2023-2024, the programme is being organised in collaboration with SKC-GDC Poonch is organizing “Five Day Farmers Centric Training Programme. 

 

J&K Bank installs mobile charging stations at three hospitals under CSR

• For convenience of patients and their attendants

SRINAGAR: Under its Corporate Social Responsibility, J&K Bank has dedicated 45 Mobile Charging Stations for public utility at three hospitals in Srinagar. These charging terminals have been set-up for the convenience of patients and their attendants visiting these hospitals.

The Bank’s Zonal Head Srinagar, Shabir Ahmad and Medical Superintendent SMHS Hospital Dr Muzaffar Ahmad Zargar today dedicated these device charging stations to public formally at SMHS Hospital in presence of officials from Bank and the hospital.  Pertinently, under the initiative, the Bank has also installed these charging stations at Children’s Hospital Bemina and Lal Ded Maternity Hospital, the other two associated hospitals of GMC, Srinagar.

Govt. Hospital Gandhi Nagar, Community Health Centre Katra among 175 facilities of J&K to bag Kayakalp Awards 2022-23

JAMMU: Under “Kayakalp Awards to Public Health Facilities” 2022-23, a total of 175 facilities have qualified for Awards under NHM, J&K. Among the top winners, Govt. Hospital Gandhi Nagar has bagged winner award among the District Hospitals and CHC Katra has bagged winner award among the Community Health Centres.

Pertinent to mention that under the Swachh Bharat Mission for promoting Cleanliness Hygiene and Infection Control in the public Health Facilities (District Hospitals/ Community Health Centres/Primary Health Centres/ Urban Public Health Centres), Government of India givesawards to those public health facilities that demonstrate high levels of cleanliness, hygiene and infection control after being qualified the three tier Assessment process as per the guidelines, named as Kayakalp Awards.

Lt Governor chairs review meeting of the Department of Industries & Commerce

• LG exhorts officials to strive to maintain the momentum of growth recorded in the previous year and build a stronger ecosystem for nurturing start-up culture that would further drive economic growth

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha chaired a review meeting of the Department of Industries & Commerce, at Civil Secretariat today. The Lt Governor exhorted officials to strive to maintain the momentum of growth recorded in the previous year and build a stronger ecosystem for nurturing start-up culture that would further drive our economic growth.

“Sustained efforts are required to give a fillip to start-up ecosystem that will further support entrepreneurship, and enable large-scale employment opportunities,” the Lt Governor said. During the meeting, the Lt Governor was informed about the progress made and the milestones achieved towards developing a robust industrial ecosystem in Jammu Kashmir.

Revitalisation of Youth Clubs: Sports activities, counselling sessions mark Day 1 of ‘Festival of Youth’ in Kathua

KATHUA: The Sports Stadium in Kathua witnessed a wave of enthusiastic participation from youth, as the "Festival of Youth" commenced its activities today. The event was inaugurated by the Additional District Development Commissioner, Ankur Mahajan who also addressed the youth, encouraging them to make the most of the various opportunities presented to them.

While addressing the gathering of youth, the ADDC Kathua said the ‘Festival of Youth’ brought together the youth from various parts of Kathua, to partake in multifarious activities that aimed to promote their physical, emotional, and social well-being. Some of the major highlights of the event included sports activities, a plantation drive, and counselling sessions on Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan

Progressing JK: J&K Govt endeavors to boost silk production by arming farmers with training, technology

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government is working under a multi pronged strategy towards revival and holistic development of Sericulture sector in the Union Territory. “Cocoon growers are being facilitated with requisite skill development training, latest technological interventions and related infrastructural support for transforming the sericulture industry in J&K”, maintained an official while elaborating on initiatives of the government in this regard.

The futuristic roadmap for holistic growth of agriculture and allied sectors will help in ensuring product quality and quantity besides raising global demand, added the official. He said that the J&K government was working on area expansion under mulberry plantations to increase leaf availability for rearers and enrich green wealth. The Forest and Sericulture Departments are jointly working towards achieving J&K’s Green Mission besides creating ensuring marketing support to the cocoon growers in selling their produce in their vicinity.

Lt Governor chairs high-level meeting to review power scenario in J&K

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha chaired a high-level meeting to review the power scenario in Jammu Kashmir, today at Civil Secretariat. The Lt Governor appraised the multi-pronged strategies to meet the high electricity demand in the summer season and directed for integrating reforms for making the Power sector robust and resilient.

The Lt Governor directed for effective enforcement through a dedicated enforcement wing for the detection of theft of electricity, wrong metering, enquiring into public complaints, unauthorized extensions in load and surprise checking. The Lt Governor also directed for immediate steps to ensure functioning of all the meters on 11 kV, and repair of the damaged meters within one month.

State Investigation Units Jammu Zone produces challan

JAMMU: SIU Jammu Zone produces Challan in one case and initiates the Letter Rogatory (LR) in another case. In order to investigate the cases related to Militancy and other unlawful activities, Government has setup separate State Investigation Units (SIU) in UT of J&K and all the cases falling in the category “A” have been entrusted to chief investigating officers (CIOs) not below the rank of Dy.SP to investigate the cases in time bound and in professional manner.

SCERT Concludes Science Workshop Series on Pedagogy, Content Enrichment

SRINAGAR: The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) recently organized a series of workshops for lecturers, with the aim of improving the quality of science education at the secondary level. The workshops for the subjects namely Zoology, Botany, Physics, Chemistry and Environmental Science were conducted between December 2022 and March 2023 focused on enhancing pedagogical approaches and content enrichment.

The programs were designed to be interactive and engaging, with a focus on providing practical insights into the latest teaching methods and techniques. The programs included workshops, discussions, and hands-on activities that helped the lecturers to gain a deeper understanding of science teaching and learning.