Rajouri, March 26: Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Aijaz Bashir, Director Colleges, Jammu and Kashmir UT, has expressed heartfelt condolences over the tragic road accident that occurred in the Kallar area of Rajouri district on Wednesday.
The accident claimed the life of Prof. Dr. Tabassum Naz of the Zoology Department, Degree College Poonch. He also prayed for the speedy recovery of her husband, Mohd. Hameed, who was critically injured in the incident.
A condolence meeting was held under the leadership of the Director Colleges at his office in the Jammu Division, where participants expressed deep sympathy with the bereaved family during this difficult time.
Reports said that the Poonch-bound car lost control and veered off the road, resulting in the accident. Local residents rushed to the spot and carried out a rescue operation, immediately shifting the injured to a nearby health facility.
Prof. Tabassum Naz succumbed to her injuries during treatment, while her husband continues to remain in critical condition.
Srinagar, March 20: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has ordered the deputation of Prof. (Dr.) Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, currently serving as Director Colleges in the Higher Education Department, to the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Awantipora.
According to Government Order No. 74-JK(HE) of 2026 issued by the Higher Education Department at the Civil Secretariat, Prof. Bashir has been deputed as Professor in the Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering at IUST for a period of one year with immediate effect.
The order, issued under Article 52-C of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Service Regulations, 1956 (Volume-I), follows a formal communication from the university administration dated December 29, 2025.
In addition to his academic responsibilities at IUST, Prof. Bashir will continue to hold the charge of Director Colleges, J&K, for a transitional period of three months—until June 2026—or until a regular appointment is made, whichever occurs earlier.
The decision has been approved by the government and formally issued by Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner/Secretary to the Government, Higher Education Department.
The move is seen as part of administrative and academic coordination efforts aimed at strengthening higher education institutions in the Union Territory.
Throws open Asia’s largest Tulip Garden for visitors
SRINAGAR MARCH 16: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Monday inaugurated the annual Tulip Festival–2026 here at the iconic Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden situated at the foothills of the Zabarwan, marking the arrival of the spring season in the Kashmir Valley.
With the inauguration of the festival, Asia’s largest tulip garden was formally opened to visitors, presenting a spectacular floral display of nearly 1.8 million tulips representing more than 75 vibrant varieties, spread across the terraced landscape of the garden overlooking the scenic Dal Lake.
Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javid Ahmad Dar, Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani and Members of the Legislative Assembly including Tanvir Sadiq, Salman Sagar, Ahsan Ahmad Pardesi and Mushtaq Ahmad Guroo accompanied the Chief Minister during the inaugural ceremony.
Among others present on the occasion were Commissioner Secretary Floriculture Zubair Ahmad, Managing Director J&K Bank Amitabh Chaterjee, Vice Chancellor SKUAST-K Prof. Nazir Ahmad Ganai, Director SKIMS Prof. M. Ashraf Ganie, Director Information Nitish Rajora, Director Floriculture, Mathura Masoom, Director Handicrafts, Mussarat ul Islam senior officers of the Floriculture Department and a large number of visitors and tourists.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister expressed hope that the onset of spring would usher in renewed optimism, prosperity and growth for the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly for the tourism sector which serves as a major driver of the region’s economy.
He stated that the Tulip Festival has emerged as one of the most prominent tourism events in the Kashmir Valley and provides an excellent platform to showcase the breathtaking natural beauty, cultural richness and hospitality of Kashmir to visitors from across the country and around the globe.
Chief Minister complimented the Floriculture Department for making the Tulip Garden ready in time and said that officers and gardeners of Floriculture department deserve to be appreciated for their efforts in curating this garden. CM said that in time to come, the Floriculture Department shall be developing its own rootstock so that dependence on importing of bulbs is gradually reduced and this would also require support of SKUAST Kashmir.
Extending a warm welcome to tourists visiting Kashmir, the Chief Minister said that the mesmerizing beauty, vibrant colours and soothing fragrance of the blooming tulips would offer visitors a unique and unforgettable experience.
The Chief Minister appealed to tourists from across the country and around the world to visit Jammu & Kashmir during the spring season and experience its unmatched natural beauty.
He further remarked that Jammu and Kashmir is blessed with unparalleled natural splendor and scenic landscapes that continue to attract nature lovers and travellers from different parts of the world. He expressed hope that visitors to the Tulip Garden would not only cherish the beauty of the flowers but would also carry with them a message of peace, harmony and prosperity from the Valley.
The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, recognized as Asia’s largest Tulip garden, remains one of the most sought-after spring attractions in Kashmir and is expected to draw thousands of visitors during the ongoing Tulip Festival–2026.
This year, around 18 lakh tulips of over 70 varieties, along-with nearly one lakh other bulbous flowers including daffodils, hyacinths and narcissus, have been planted, adding vibrant colours to the valley’s spring landscape.
On the occasion, Chief Minister also released a tourism promotional song titled ‘wadi-e-sumbul’ produced by Department of Information and Public Relations.
During the event, the Chief Minister inaugurated souvenir point established by the Floriculture Department.
He also inaugurated exhibition of Handicrafts and Handloom department and inspected the stalls.
SRINAGAR, MARCH 14: ASMITA Pencak Silat State League 2025 (J&K) commenced today at the Indoor Sports Complex, Polo Ground Srinagar, bringing together around 550 girls from various districts of Jammu & Kashmir to compete and showcase their skills in the traditional martial art of Pencak Silat.
The opening ceremony was graced by Nusrat Ghazala, Divisional Sports Officer Kashmir (J&K Sports Council) as the Chief Guest, while Hilal Ahmad, Manager J&K Sports Council, Polo Ground, attended the ceremony as the Guest of Honour.
The dignitaries appreciated the initiative of organizing a large-scale women’s sporting event aimed at empowering young girls through sports.
While addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest emphasized the importance of sports in building confidence, discipline, and leadership among young women. She praised the growing participation of girls in sports across Jammu & Kashmir and highlighted that such platforms play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing emerging talent.
The ASMITA Pencak Silat State League is being organized as part of the Khelo India initiative, which focuses on strengthening women’s participation in sports across the country. The league provides an important competitive platform for female athletes and encourages them to pursue excellence in martial arts.
During the event, athletes displayed great enthusiasm and determination, reflecting the increasing popularity of Pencak Silat in the region. The competition features multiple age and weight categories, allowing young athletes to compete and gain valuable exposure at the state level.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to the Secretary J&K Sports Council for their continuous support and for providing excellent facilities at the Polo Ground Indoor Sports Complex for the successful conduct of the event.
The two-day league, scheduled from 14th to 15th March 2025, is expected to witness exciting bouts and outstanding performances by young female athletes from across the Union Territory, further strengthening the movement for women empowerment through sports in Jammu & Kashmir.
JAMMU, MARCH 13: The Jambu Zoo welcomes its new residents, a pair of hippopotamuses brought from Aringar Anna Zoological Park, Chennai, Tamil Nadu in exchange of a pair of Himalayan Black Bear, approved by the Central Zoo Authority.
The move of add Hippopotamuses in the family of the Jambu Zoo was the brainchild of Sarvesh Rai, PCCF/Head of Forest Force, J&K (the then Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K Govt.). The hippopotamus often referred as hippo, is a large semi-aquatic mammal native to sub-Saharan Africa. Its name comes from the Ancient Greek word for “river horse”.
After elephants and rhinoceroses, the hippopotamus is the next largest land mammal. Despite their physical resemblance to pigs and other terrestrial even-toed ungulates, the closest living relatives of the hippos are cetaceans (whales, dolphins, porpoises, etc.), from which they evolved about 55 million years ago.
The team of the officers deputed for transportation of the animals included Noor ul Amin (I/C Range Officer), Sudesh Kotwal (FPF Guard), Anwar and Mukhtiar (Animal keepers). The Team was assisted by Dr. Ranjit Katoch, Veterinary Assistant Surgeon.
The transportation of the animal from Chennai to Jammu through train was critical as the body temperature of the animal was to be maintained with the help of water sprinklers which were customized for the train journey. The animal arrived at Jambu Zoo on 13th of March 2026 and will be kept under quarantine period of 15 days, before it is open to public display.
Chaturbhuja Behera, Chief Wildlife Warden, J&K Govt. has welcomed the pair of Hippos, which is going to be a great attraction for the people of J&K. He has urged the students, tourists and locals to visit the Jambu Zoo to see Lions, Tigers, Crocodiles, Gharials, Snakes, Bears etc and the new addition i.e. Hippopotamus.
According to the Chief Wildlife Warden, Chaturbhuja Behera many other animal species will be added to the Jambu Zoo in the coming months and efforts are underway to enhance facilities for the visitors.
CM calls for depiction of cultural identity in the new infrastructure
NEW DELHI, MARCH 11: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reviewed plans to establish new JK Houses in Dwarka in the national capital and Mumbai and to revamp existing government properties across several states and Union Territories to strengthen Jammu and Kashmir’s presence nationwide.
The review meeting was attended by Resident Commissioner J&K Ramesh Kumar and senior officers of the Resident Commission and concerned departments.
They presented updates on the ongoing projects, budgetary requirements as well as future development plans aimed at strengthening the institutional infrastructure outside Jammu and Kashmir.
While reviewing the progress of multiple infrastructure projects being handled by the J&K Resident Commission, the Chief Minister stressed that all upcoming and renovated JK House properties must showcase the rich cultural heritage and distinctive identity of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Ensure that the new constructions and restructuring of existing properties carry a local touch of Jammu and Kashmir’s rich cultural legacy so that these government assets reflect a unique blend of heritage and modern functionality,” the Chief Minister said.
The meeting reviewed the status of J&K government properties in Dwarka and 5, Prithviraj Road in New Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar and Mumbai and also discussed proposals for expansion and modernisation of facilities meant for officials, students, patients and visitors from Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was informed that the government has initiated steps to establish a new JK House in Dwarka, New Delhi, to augment accommodation and administrative infrastructure for J&K officials and visitors. Similarly, the government is pursuing the development of a JK House at Kharghar in Navi Mumbai to enhance J&K’s presence in the country’s financial capital.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister emphasised that these government properties should serve as symbols of pride for Jammu and Kashmir and showcase its cultural richness and architectural identity.
“These institutions must make J&K proud of its properties and should stand as dignified representations in different regions of the country,” he said, directing the officers to ensure quality infrastructure and timely completion of projects.
While reviewing the proposed JK House in Amritsar, the Chief Minister asked the concerned authorities to take up the issue of land consolidation with the Punjab government. He said that the presently available land parcels are scattered and may not serve the intended purpose of building a functional government facility.
The Chief Minister instructed the officers to request the Punjab government to allot a single, consolidated plot so that a properly planned JK House can be developed in Amritsar.
Regarding the Navi Mumbai project, the officers informed the Chief Minister that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) worth Rs 29.56 crore has been submitted to the administrative department along with a capital expenditure proposal of about Rs 30 crore for construction of the facility.
The meeting also discussed the possibility of entrusting the execution of the project to government-owned agencies in Maharashtra to ensure smooth and hassle-free construction.
The Chief Minister advised the officers to study similar government properties established by other states and Union Territories across the country so that best practices in infrastructure development, architecture and service delivery can be incorporated into the upcoming J&K facilities. “Benchmark these projects with the best state guest houses and institutional facilities across the country so that Jammu and Kashmir develops world-class infrastructure for its residents visiting these cities,” he said.
The Chief Minister stressed that efforts should be made to complete these projects within the shortest possible timeframe so that new facilities for officers, students, patients and other visitors from J&K are made available at the earliest.
The meeting also deliberated on the allotment of construction and renovation works to agencies such as the National Buildings Construction Corporation (NBCC) and the Central Public Works Department (CPWD) for efficient execution of projects.
Earlier, Resident Commissioner Ramesh Kumar gave a comprehensive presentation to the Chief Minister on the status of various government properties managed by the Resident Commission, including offices, staff quarters, guest houses and VIP accommodation facilities.
He highlighted several development proposals including the upgradation of VIP rooms into suites at the Chanakyapuri JK House Complex, redevelopment of the Rajaji Marg property in New Delhi and extension of guest house facilities at 5, Prithviraj Road.
The meeting also reviewed the condition of other properties under the Resident Commission’s management in cities such as Chandigarh, Amritsar, Malabar Hill in Mumbai, and Sirsa in Haryana.
JAMMU, MARCH 10: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh today felicitated the Jammu & Kashmir Ranji Trophy team for historic achievement of winning their maiden Ranji Trophy title in the 2025–26 season, marking a landmark moment in the sporting history of the Union Territory.
The felicitation ceremony was held in presence of Chief Justice Arun Palli along with Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Justice Sanjay Dhar, Justice Mohd. Akram Chowdhary, Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Justice Rajesh Sekhri and Justice Sanjay Parihar besides Judges of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
The ceremony was also attended by Brigadier Anil Gupta, Member Administration JKCA, Registrar General, M. K. Sharma, other officers of the Registry of the High Court, members of Bar and other dignitaries.
Congratulating the team, the Chief Justice and Judges praised the players for their dedication, perseverance, discipline and teamwork, which culminated in this historic triumph. It was observed that the victory reflects the resilience and sporting excellence of the young players and serves as a source of inspiration for aspiring sportspersons across Jammu & Kashmir and the country.
During the event, commemorative T-shirts were presented to the members of the victorious team, including Captain Paras Dogra, as a token of appreciation for their extraordinary achievement. The Judges also presented a commemorative trophy to the team in recognition of their historic triumph.
Speakers on the occasion noted that Jammu & Kashmir’s maiden Ranji Trophy victory, since the team’s Ranji debut in 1959, represents a moment of profound pride and historic significance for the region. The achievement was described as a testament to the players’ unwavering determination and commitment to excellence.
The High Court also expressed pride in associating with this momentous achievement and celebrating the success of the young champions who have brought immense joy and recognition to Jammu & Kashmir.
JAMMU, MARCH 09: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today hosted a dinner in honour of the Jammu & Kashmir Ranji Trophy champion team, celebrating their remarkable achievement.
The team was warmly received by the Chief Minister in the presence of his Cabinet colleagues and senior officers. On the occasion, the players were also presented with an award money of ₹2 crore in recognition of their outstanding performance.
President of the Board of Control for Cricket in India, Mithun Manhas, was also present at the event.
Congratulating the players, the Chief Minister lauded their dedication and perseverance, saying their achievement has brought immense pride to Jammu & Kashmir. He wished them continued success and encouraged them to keep striving for excellence and making the region proud on the national stage. Among those present on the occasion were Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary; Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, Javid Ahmed Dar and Satish Sharma; Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo; Commissioner Secretary Youth Services & Sports Shahid Iqbal Choudhary; Director General Youth Services & Sports, JKCA administrators and members, Secretary Sports Council and other senior officers.
SRINAGAR, MARCH 09: The Union Ministry of Textiles has invited applications from registered artisans and craftsmen for National Handicrafts Awards (Shilp Guru & National Award) for the Award Year 2025 and Pension Scheme 2025-26, under its premier National Handicrafts Development Programme (NHDP) and Handicrafts Artisans Comprehensive Welfare Scheme.
In a press statement issued here today, a spokesman of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, stated that the office of Development Commissioner (Handicrafts), Ministry of Textiles, has invited applications from registered artisans for Handicrafts Award 2025 under HSC for Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal districts, the last date of which has been fixed for March 31, 2026. “We urge the artisans to apply in online mode along with self-attested copies of documents including 02 recent passport size photographs, Adhaar, Artisan & PAN Cards, Award & Character Certificate, photograph of Award Entry, history of craft, his Brief Note along with videos and affidavit in a pen-drive,” he said, adding that the copies of the notification, along with enclosures, are available on the department’s official social media handles.
Similarly for Pension Scheme under the aegis of ‘Financial Support Scheme to Artisans in Indigent Circumstances’, the spokesman stated that the office of DC (Handicrafts), Government of India, has fixed April 02, 2026 as the last date of submission of forms in online mode from eligible artisans of Srinagar, Budgam and Ganderbal districts. “The documents to be affixed with online form include 02 recent passport size photographs, Adhaar, Artisan and PAN cards, Awards certificate, if any, Income Certificate, Caste and Disability Certificate, Age Certificate and affidavit along with Bank Mandate form,” he added.
The artisans have been further advised to submit their online applications complete in all respects at www.indian.handicrafts.gov.in
JAMMU, MARCH 06: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated a newly constructed block at the Civil Secretariat, Jammu, aimed at augmenting office infrastructure and improving the working facilities for employees. The new block is expected to significantly add to the available workspace, further strengthening administrative efficiency and overall functioning at the Secretariat.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Bani Rameshwar Singh, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary Estates Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Director Estates Jammu Ashwani Khajuria and other concerned officers were also present on the occasion.
