Category: KASHMIR

Mohsin Altaf 

Bandipora, Jan 14: The Idara Falah Aam Waqf, (IFAW) Alamgari Bazar, Srinagar, continued its blanket donation drive on Tuesday, aiming to support underprivileged families in Kashmir during the ongoing chilly days.

As part of the donation drive, Idara Falah Aam Waqf continued its campaign by distributing high-quality warm blankets to underprivileged families across the Valley, it said in a statement.

The drive took place in Gamood, located in the Bandipora district, where blankets were provided to about 50 underprivileged families from nearby hamlets, including Najan, Khanpeth, Nowgam, Zalpora, Inderkote, Sultanpora, Shelwat, Dangperpora, and others.

Representatives of Idara Falah Aam Waqf made significant efforts to reach as many underprivileged families as possible in the district.

So far, 500 needy families in different parts of the Valley have received the blankets from the Waqf.

The recipients expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the organization for their support, according to the statement.

The distribution team consisted of the General Secretary, Joint Secretary, Financial Secretary, Associate Members, and Area Representative of Idara Falah Aam Waqf, Alamgari Bazar, Srinagar.

Ganderbal, January 06: In light of the prevailing inclement weather, Police in Ganderbal have swiftly mobilized teams to ensure the safety and well-being of the public, particularly tourists and passengers stranded in snow-affected areas.

The Ganderbal Police have constituted dedicated teams that have been deployed throughout the district, including popular tourist destinations and remote areas prone to heavy snowfall. These teams are actively providing assistance to stranded tourists, passengers, and vehicles stuck in snow, especially in critical locations such as Sonamarg, Gund and Kangan.

The public is urged to exercise caution and follow safety protocols while traveling during these weather conditions. The police are working round the clock to provide help and ensure that no one is left in distress.

In case of any emergency or assistance, the public can contact the District Police Ganderbal through the following numbers, available 24/7:

Police Control Room (PCR) Ganderbal: 9906668731, 9419371774, 9541786731 or
Dail 112
J&K Police urges the general public to remain alert and stay informed of weather conditions.

Sets January 2025 deadline for operationalizing additional block at Bone & Joint Hospital, Barzulla

SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 25: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today conducted surprise inspections of premier Health Institutions in Srinagar to gain firsthand knowledge of the facilities and services being provided to patients and their attendants.

Chief Minister visited the Bone & Joint Hospital, Barzulla, one of the region’s top Orthopaedic healthcare facilities.

During his inspection, he toured various sections and wards, interacting with patients and attendants to understand their concerns.

Accompanied by Minister of Health, Sakeena Itoo, Senior Faculty Members and Doctors, the Chief Minister engaged with hospital staff to assess the winter arrangements, treatment facilities and the availability of medical professionals and paramedics.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also inspected the state-of-the-art additional block of the hospital, constructed under the Jhelum Tawi Flood Recovery Project (JTFRP) with funding from the World Bank.

Designed with earthquake-resilient technology, the block will add 160 beds, increasing the hospital’s total capacity from 150 to 310 beds.

During his visit, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to expedite the completion of the new block, which is critical for addressing the space crunch caused by a fire incident in 2022 that reduced the hospital’s original capacity of 200 beds.

He directed the executing agencies to ensure its swift operationalization by January 2025 to enhance patient care and to dedicate the facility to public service.

Chief Minister also inspected the 500-bedded Children’s Hospital in Bemina, where he interacted with patients, attendants, and hospital staff.

During his visit, attendants from far-flung areas raised concerns about the lack of a Sarai (inn) for their stay.

The Chief Minister immediately directed the concerned authorities to construct a Sarai to accommodate attendants and alleviate their difficulties.

The hospital staff highlighted the challenges of expanding super-specialty facilities due to express space constraints.

The Chief Minister assured them that the issue would be addressed on priority.

He also promised to resolve the shortage of medical staff, including doctors and paramedics, not only at this hospital but across healthcare facilities in Jammu and Kashmir.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister instructed hospital authorities to ensure the timely availability of medicines and other essential facilities for patients.

During the inspections, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah reiterated his government’s commitment to improving healthcare infrastructure ensuring better facilities for the public and addressing manpower shortages in health institutions across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Minister was accompanied during his visits by Minister of Health Sakeena Itoo, Medical Superintendent of the Children’s Hospital, senior faculty members and other concerned officials.

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 10: A meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo was held to draw a plan for making Legislative Assembly complexes at both Srinagar and Jammu ready for holding its sessions after holding of elections here in the UT.

Those present includes Principal Secretary, Estates; Principal Secretary, Finance; Commissioner Secretary, IT; JK Resident Commissioner, Delhi; Secretary, R&B; Secretary, Transport; Secretary, Law; Secretary, Legislative Assembly; Director, Estates, Kashmir and other concerned officers.

During this meeting the Chief Secretary impressed upon the concerned to taking immediate steps for renovation/refurbishing of these Assembly complexes at both Srinagar and Jammu in a time-bound manner.

He reiterated that the facilities like functionality of Sound System, Internet Connectivity, fire Safety, functionality of lifts, giving facelift to the buildings and provisioning of allied amenities should also be taken in hand and completed at an earliest.

He asked for looking into the steps to renovate the Chambers of Speaker, Dy Speaker, Leader of Opposition as well besides making provisions for their official vehicles and residential accommodations.

Dulloo also called upon the concerned to carry out repairing works of the MLA Hostels in both the cities. He made out that all the amenities required should be installed within the available time window till culmination of assembly elections, as and when announced by the Election Commission of India.

He observed that pre-emptive steps should be initiated on part of administration to make preparations ahead of the elections so that there are no hindrances in smooth functioning of this pillar of democracy once it gets formed after conduct of elections here in J&K.

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 8: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today held a joint meeting of Labour & Employment Department; and Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs regarding providing Ration Cards to all E-Shram registrants.

Besides the Commissioner Secretary, FCS&CA; Secretary, Labour and Employment, the meeting was attended by Secretary, Law; Deputy Commissioners; Labour Commissioner; Director, FCS&CA, Kashmir/ Jammu and other concerned officers.

During this meeting the Chief Secretary stressed upon the direction passed by Supreme Court of India vide Order dated 20.04.2023 in Misc. Application No. 94/2022 in SMW (C) No. 6/2020 wherein the State/UT Governments are directed to issue Ration Cards to the left out registrants of the e-Shram Portal.

Dulloo while recapturing this direction from the Hon’ble Apex Court impressed upon the concerned to undertake the exercise to issue ration cards to the left out registrants on e-Shram portal by giving wide publicity and to approach e-Shram registrants through the offices of concerned DCs.

The Chief Secretary also advised the Deputy Commissioners to personally supervise and ensure coordination of the officers and officials of Labour Department and Department of Food Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs in their respective districts to achieve the desired results within the shortest possible time.

Moreover, it was also enjoined upon the concerned Administrative heads to monitor the progress of the issuance of ration cards in favour of left out e-Shram registrants on daily basis so that the SC directions are complied with, in letter and spirit in the UT.

LG emphasises on ‘Whole of Government Approach’ in J&K’s transformation

Highlights the role of an efficient, effective and accountable administration which has transformed the way the government works for the people

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 06: The Lieutenant Governor, Shri Manoj Sinha, today addressed the officers of Army, Navy and Airforce undergoing Higher Command Course at Army War College, Mhow. The officers and faculty members are on a visit to the Northern Front.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor emphasised on ‘Whole of Government Approach’ in J&K’s transformation and role of an efficient, effective and accountable administration which has transformed the way the government works for the people.
He said the improved security situation has propelled J&K UT towards an era of peace, stability and prosperity and is a testament to the resilience and determination of the people.
“It is my firm belief that peace is a prerequisite for progress and prosperity. We have been successful in dismantling the terror ecosystem and measures have been taken to sustain peace and stability. It will ensure that the benefits of growth reach all sections of society,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the economic revitalization with fast paced implementation of various initiatives and development projects has ensured a boost in the economy, creating more job opportunities and enhancing infrastructure.
“Social equality and equal access to opportunity is our commitment. The transformative change has been marked by all-encompassing initiatives taken for youth empowerment and skill development with the aim to create avenues for gainful employment,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Maj Gen Gaurav Gautam; faculty members of Army War College, and senior officers of the Security Forces were present on the occasion at Raj Bhawan.

Srinagar, August 06: Inspector General of Police Kashmir Zone Shri V.K. Birdi, along with Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, held a review meeting today with the senior officers from both the Police and civil administration at Police Control Room Kashmir. The meeting focused on finalizing the arrangements for the upcoming events like Independence Day celebrations, the Tiranga Rally and the inauguration of the Balidan Stambh.
The meeting was attended by IGP Traffic J&K, DIG Armed Kashmir, DIG CKR Srinagar, DC Srinagar, Director SSF J&K, SSP Srinagar, CO’s of IRP 6th Bn, JKAP 13th BN, IRP 21st BN & JKAP 9th Bn, SSP Traffic City Srinagar, SSP APCR Kashmir, SSP Security Kashmir, SP East City Srinagar, SP South City Srinagar, SDPO Shaheed Gunj Srinagar & other officers.
At the outset of the meeting, the chairing officers were briefed by concerned officers about the preparations made to ensure the safe and peaceful conduct of the events.
IGP Kashmir Shri V.K. Birdi and Div Com Kashmir Vijay Kumar Bidhuri emphasized the need for a high level synergy between the police and civil administration on the ground. They outlined the key areas of focus, including the full-dress rehearsal arrangements, the precise timing of events, the management of entry passes and the traffic movements of VVIPs during these celebrations. They directed the participating officers to maintain close coordination with their counterparts in police as well as civil administration. They stressed the importance of preparedness to address any exigencies that might arise in their respective areas of responsibility.
The meeting underscored the commitment of the police and civil administration to ensure safe and smooth conduct of these events of national importance, reflecting the region’s dedication in maintaining peace and order.

SRINAGAR, AUGUST 05: In a statement today, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha said that enduring peace is gradually returning to Jammu and Kashmir and this achievement belongs to all citizens.

Following is the draft of Lieutenant Governor’s statement:
“In the past 5 years democracy has taken deep roots in the Union Territory of J&K. Enthusiastic participation and record voter turnout in the recently held Lok Sabha election is a testimony to people’s faith in the constitution and internalisation of the spirit of democracy.
Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, we have kept the flame of inclusive development and social equality burning ever-bright illuminating J&K’s journey in the past 5 years. Economically deprived section of the society has been empowered.
Overall economy of J&K has been growing at an impressive pace. Rapid growth and transformation in sectors like health, education, public works, urban and rural development and power over the past 5 years is unprecedented in UT’s history.
The period after 5th August 2019 bears sufficient proof that women, youth, farmers and entrepreneurs have excelled themselves and they are wholeheartedly contributing to the sacred duty of nation building.
Today J&K is witnessing an era of peace, progress and prosperity. Schools, colleges, universities, hospitals and other public institutions are functioning without any disturbances. Earlier practice of daily hartals, strikes, stone pelting and bandhs are things of the past now.
J&K is certainly on the march. The UT has made sufficient progress especially in the areas of infrastructure development, tourism, industrialization, social security, employment generation, livelihood creation, public outreach, transparency and providing basic facilities.
The G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting opened new avenues for global partnership that helped in tapping the tourism potential of Jammu and Kashmir. J&K has recorded 2.11 Crore tourist visits during 2023 which is the highest ever.
Our tourism initiatives have not only showcased the mesmerizing beauty of J&K but have also spotlighted our culture and heritage. Owing to the G20 Tourism Working Group meeting held in Srinagar, J&K witnessed 2.5 times increase in foreign tourist arrivals.
To boost the industrial sector in J&K, effective policy and enabling environment has been created. Investment proposals worth Rs.1,26,582 Crore with expected employment potential of 4.74 lakhs persons have also been received for setting up of industrial units in the UT”.

26,746 disconnected in January alone; SDOs directed to bring down losses, improve billing, collection efficiency

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 17: Managing Director, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Mussarat Islam, today chaired a meeting with all Sub Divisional Officers of KPDCL to review the feeder-wise AT&C (Aggregate Technical and Commercial) losses in Kashmir Division.
The meeting was attended by Chief Engineer, Distribution, Kashmir, Er. Sandeep Seth, SEs of all O&M Circles and Executive Engineers of all Electric Divisions.
During the review meeting, MD KPDCL issued standing directions to all SDOs to bring down AT&C losses and show visible improvement in smart metering saturation as well enhancing billing and collection efficiency.
Directions were also issued to snap the power connections of those consumers who fail to pay their pending electricity dues.
In order to ensure charging of already-installed LT-AB cable and shifting of smart meters from bare conductor, the MD issued express directions to SDOs to liaise with the Project Executing Agencies for conversion so that power pilferage, especially hooking, is completely plugged. He also tasked Executive Engineers to facilitate the charging of already installed LT-AB cable in their respective Electric Divisions.
MD was informed in the meeting that 26,746 consumers were disconnected in the month of January 2024 for non-payment of electricity dues. He was also informed that funds to the tune of Rs.7.50 crore were collected on account of penalties imposed on those consumers who were stealing power by unauthorised means.
KPDCL has further intensified its disconnection drives against consumers for non-payment of electricity dues across all Divisions.
The Chief Engineer (Distribution) emphasised upon the SDOs that there shall be zero tolerance on power theft and Revenue default. He also directed SDOs to further intensify their disconnection drives against those consumers who have huge outstanding dues pending.
He further advised SEs of all 06 Circles to analyse the performance of SDOs and take necessary corrective measures to improve AT&C index.

GANDHINAGAR, GUJARAT, JANUARY 12: Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha met the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Gujarat, Shri Bhupendra Patel today.
The Lt Governor discussed with the Gujarat Chief Minister the collaboration between J&K UT and Gujarat in various sectors and initiatives for strengthening the trade relations, exploring opportunities for mutual growth, exchanges of knowledge and capacity building.

The Lt Governor tweeted:
“Glad to have met Hon’ble CM of Gujarat, Sh Bhupendra Patel Ji. We discussed collaboration between J&K UT and Gujarat in various sectors and initiatives for strengthening the trade relations, exploring opportunities for mutual growth, exchanges of knowledge & capacity building.
Industrial delegations involving industry associations and trade bodies from both the regions to identify potential areas for investment and industrial partnerships, to establish a platform for networking and to share best practices in various sectors.
We also discussed about reciprocal visits of official delegations from Jammu Kashmir to Gujarat and vice versa, capacity building of emerging entrepreneurs and start ups and collaborations with leading IT companies in Gujarat and sectoral partnership”.