Categories
EDUCATION

Affiliation of 4 schools suspended, 8 imposed fine

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 20: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (J&K BOSE) has put affiliation of 4 schools under suspension following confirmation of reports about adoption of non- J&K BOSE prescribed textbooks in their institutions.

These schools are being issued show- cause notices as to why their affiliation cannot be cancelled for open defiance of terms and conditions of affiliation and violation of J&K BOSE Act.

In a press note issued here today, J&K BOSE while giving details revealed that affiliation of Radiant Public School, Anantnag, Solace International School, Pulwama, Holy Mission School, Narbal, Budgam and Pioneer Educational Institute, Hanjiwara, Pattan, Baramulla was put under suspension and their Board related facilities were withheld forthwith.

The schools which were imposed fine include Candid Higher Secondary School, Nowgam, Fayaz Educational Institute, Chanapora, Nowgam, Al- Fajr Institute, Chanapora, Nowgam, Al- Huda Public School, Pattan, Baramulla, Shamas Memorial School, Khansahib, Budgam, Hanfia High School, Frisal, Kulgam, Future Vision School, Bandipora and Linton Hall School, Rajbagh, Srinagar.

The institutions were directed to deposit the penalty amount within a week in default of which disaffiliation proceedings will be initiated.

Meanwhile, the Board has issued stern instructions to private schools to ensure adoption of prescribed curriculum including textbooks, which it said are aligned with NEP- 2020 involving age appropriate content of NCERT.

The textbooks, BOSE said are affordable and cost effective with focus on competency-based learning in sync with physical and mental development of children. Adoption of these books ensures academic growth without bringing mental pressure to the children in their formative stages of development, it added.

Categories
CRIME

Srinagar Police Arrests Notorious Woman & Two Associates Involved in Widespread Cheating and Stolen Gold Racket Across Kashmir

Srinagar, November 20: Police in Srinagar has achieved a major breakthrough by cracking a multi-district cheating and stolen-gold racket operating across the Kashmir Valley.

Police Station Lal Bazar arrested Asmat Jan @Taboo, a woman wanted in multiple cases of cheating and fraud registered in Lal Bazar, Safakadal, Chadoora, Sopore, and Khrew (Awantipora). The accused had been evading arrest for a long time, frequently shifting locations between West Bengal, Punjab, Maharashtra, and Jammu to avoid law enforcement.

Acting on specific intelligence, five dedicated teams of PS Lal Bazar—under the supervision of the SDPO and Zonal SP—tracked and apprehended her from Hotel White House, Jalandhar (Punjab) after sustained efforts.

The Gold Association of Kashmir Valley had earlier expressed serious concern over her repeated involvement in cheating gold shopkeepers across the region. In this regard, FIR No. 42/2025 stands registered at PS Lal Bazar under Sections 303(2) and 318(4) of the BNS.

During further investigation, credible evidence surfaced establishing the involvement of a goldsmith and his associate who were knowingly engaged in receiving, transporting, and disposing of stolen gold supplied by the main accused. The arrested associates identified as Shameem Ahmad Sheikh son of Sonaullah Sheikh resident of Iqbal Colony, Indra Nagar — a goldsmith at Bohri Kadal, arrested for knowingly purchasing stolen gold ornaments at undervalued rates and facilitating their concealment and circulation and Basir Ahmad Dar son of Abdul Aziz Dar resident of Nawakadal — arrested for his role in transporting and clandestinely disposing of stolen gold, thereby aiding the illegal trade.

All three accused have been taken into custody. Further investigation is underway, and more arrests and recoveries are expected as the case progresses.

 

Categories
CITY

DC Srinagar reviews status of Mandatory Biometric Updates for Aadhaar, implementation of CRS for seamless birth-death registration

Also reviews establishment of Centre of Excellence

SRINAGAR NOVEMBER 29: In order to review the status of Mandatory Biometric Updates(BMU), implementation Civil Registration System(CRS) and establishment of Centre of Excellence in district, a meeting of all stakeholder departments was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner(DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo at meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex, here today.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Aadil Fareed; Programme Officer ICDS, Bureeda Majeed; SDM East, Zubair Ahmad; SDM West, Irfan Bahadur; Chief Education Officer, Ghulam Mohidin; District Social Welfare Officer, District Statistics & Evaluation Officer, , Medical Superintendent Lal Ded Hospital, District health Officer, all Tehsildars, All BDOs, District Informatics Officer, State Project Manager, Srinagar from UIDAI, District Lead Bank Manager, Health Officer, SMC, District Coordinator CSC E-Governance and other concerned.

At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner conducted a detailed review of the progress on Mandatory Biometric Updates for Aadhaar and need for time-bound disposal of pendency in Aadhaar enrolment. He also reviewed the implementation status of the CRS focusing on the Birth Registration-Based Aadhaar Enrolment (BRBAE) initiative for new born to be enrolled for Aadhaar in hospitals, aligning with the goal of transforming the CRS for real-time digital registration of births and deaths.

Underlining the need for a targeted approach to achieve full Aadhaar saturation, particularly among children aged 0-5 years, the DC emphasised time bound disposal of Aadhaar enrolment pendency. He asked the Chief Education Officer to expedite the process of the Aadhaar based initiative by the end of November. He also directed Tehsildars to regularly monitor and clear Aadhaar-related cases in their respective jurisdictions.

The DC further stressed the importance of proper coordination between line departments and UIDAI to ensure seamless functioning of Aadhaar enrolment gadgets and their effective handling so that the process can be expedited.

Reviewing progress on the establishment of the Centre of Excellence (CSC), the Deputy Commissioner instructed the concerned departments to complete all requirements within the stipulated timeline to ensure that the centre becomes operational at the earliest.

Earlier, a detailed presentation was presented by the DSEO, Srinagar, (Additional District Registrar, Birth & Deaths)-Member Secretary of DLIDCC highlighting progress and major achievements in Mandatory Biometric Updates of Aadhaar and implementation of Civil Registration System.

Categories
EDUCATION

CUKashmir’s Rajbhasha cell holds workshop on ‘Standardization of Technical Hindi’

Ganderbal, Nov 20: Rajbhasha Cell, Central University of Kashmir (CUK) Thursday organised a one-day workshop on “Standardization of Technical Hindi” at Tulmulla Campus.

Addressing the participants, Registrar, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, said, workshops like this enable employees to use Hindi accurately in official work, documentation, correspondence, and other communications. “Today’s workshop is an important step in equipping the staff with the professional competence required for seamless official communication in Hindi,” Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir remarked. He further said that “Effective implementation of the Rajbhasha Policy is essential for ensuring efficient governance in the university.” CUKashmir Registrar, said the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath is keen to reinforce the institution’s commitment to linguistic development, administrative excellence, and national policy alignment and holding such capacity building programmes is one of the components.

Speaking on the occasion, Dean School of Languages (SoL), Prof. Sandhya Tiwari, said, “Language is the soul of cultural expression and administrative coherence. As a School dedicated to linguistic studies, SoL is committed to strengthening Hindi’s presence in academics and administration. This workshop reflects the University’s vision of enhancing technical linguistic skills of the employees,” she remarked.

In his address, former Head Department of Hindi, Guru Nanak Dev University, Prof. Vinod Kumar Taneja highlighted the challenges that arise from inconsistent usage of terminology and the importance of adopting nationally approved vocabulary in governance, academics, and documentation. “Standardization is the backbone of effective official communication. When terminology and expressions are used consistently, it brings clarity, coherence, and professionalism to institutional functioning,” Prof. Taneja remarked. Prof. Kumar later trained the participants on e-tools, Kantasth, Inscript keyboard and machine translation.

In his speech, Finance Officer, Dr. Arif Khan, said, “Hindi, as the Rajbhasha, is not merely a medium of communication but a vital administrative instrument for ensuring uniformity. “Standardization of terminology is essential for professional clarity and institutional coherence,” he said. He further spoke on the importance of linguistic proficiency, administrative terminology, and the cultural role of Hindi in national integration.

Addressing the gathering, Librarian, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Bhat, said, “Libraries are custodians of knowledge, and language plays a key role in organizing, disseminating, and accessing information. Initiatives like this strengthen our commitment to support staff with upgraded linguistic resources,” he noted.

Hindi Adhikari, Dr. Sakina Akhter, who conducted the programme, gave a detailed overview about the role and responsibilities of the Rajbhasha Cell in implementing the Official Language Policy of the Government of India. She said that several employees have already completed Prabodh, Praveen, Pragya, and Parangat, courses designed for central government employees who are not native Hindi speakers and need to gain proficiency in Hindi for official work.

 

Categories
BUSINESS

Div Com Kashmir Inaugurates 3-Day ‘Know Your Artisan’ Craft Carnival

Srinagar, November 20: Riding high on the resounding success of the first three ‘Know Your Artisan’ (KYA) events in October, which captivated crowds at iconic venues like Polo View Market, Jhelum Riverfront, and Ghanta Ghar with live demonstrations and direct artisan engagements; the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir (DOHHK) today unveiled the ‘Know Your Artisan’ Craft Carnival.

The 3-day extravaganza commenced at the picturesque Sher-e-Kashmir Park on Residency Road, under the aggressive branding campaign ‘Soulful Kashmir’.

The event was inaugurated by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, who lauded the department’s endeavors in spotlighting the Valley’s timeless crafts.

Speaking on the occasion, the Div Com highlighted the transformative potential of such exhibitions. He commended the Department of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir for organizing this carnival.

He said Initiatives like ‘Know Your Artisan’ are essential to bring our master artisans to the forefront, providing them a deserving platform to showcase Kashmir’s rich craft and heritage to both locals and global audiences. “These programs not only revive our traditions but also empower our artisans economically, ensuring their skills endure for generations”, he added.

He stated that exports of Handicrafts & Handlooms has doubled since last four years which has increased the income of artisans.

This carnival arrives in the triumphant aftermath of Srinagar’s dual global accolades including its designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art in 2021 and as the 63rd World Craft City under the World Crafts Council (WCC) network in 2024.

These honors underscore the city’s unparalleled heritage in handicrafts from intricate Pashmina weaving and hand-knotted carpets to papier-mache and walnut wood carvings, positioning Srinagar as a beacon for cultural preservation and innovation on the world stage.

The event witnessed a huge gathering of top-level officers, alongside key Department officials, all witnessing the unveiling of 36 meticulously curated stalls. These feature an exhaustive array of GI-registered crafts, such as authentic Pashmina, Kani shawls, and Kashmiri carpets, alongside products notified under the One District One Product (ODOP) scheme and the District Export Hub (DEH) initiative.

Complementing the displays are immersive live demonstration sections, where artisans unveil the labor-intensive secrets of their trades, and interactive ‘Try Your Hand’ zones inviting the public to engage hands-on with techniques like chain-stitch embroidery, Pashmina weaving and walnut wood carving.

Enthusiastic visitors, locals, tourists, families, and craft enthusiasts, flocked to the venue, infusing the autumnal canopy of Chinar trees with palpable energy.

The carnival aligns with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s visionary initiatives of Make in India and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, fostering self-reliance by promoting indigenous crafts as engines of economic growth, sustainable tourism, and global exports.

By bridging artisans directly with consumers through fair-priced stalls, it champions ‘Vocal for Local,’ creating viable market linkages and countering counterfeit threats while celebrating the human stories behind each creation.

Mussarat Islam, Director of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir on the occasion said, “This carnival is a pivotal chapter in our aggressive push to revive and commercialize Kashmir’s handicrafts, empowering over 3.80 lakh artisans through GI enforcement, skill training, and branding workshops. In the wake of Srinagar’s UNESCO and WCC recognitions, we are not just showcasing crafts but weaving a narrative of harmony, innovation, and cultural co-existence that resonates with the ‘Vocal for Local’ spirit.”

The Department urged the public to visit the venue over the next two days, immerse in the artistry, and make purchases that directly uplift our artisans.

As the event unfolds, it promises a soul-stirring display of diverse crafts, traditional Kashmiri folk music, storytelling sessions sharing generational lore, and workshops blending heritage with contemporary design.

Categories
EDUCATION

IGNOU Regional Centre Srinagar Celebrates 40th Foundation Day

Srinagar, November 19, 2025: The Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU) Regional Centre Srinagar today celebrated the 40th Foundation Day of the University at the Auditorium Hall of S.P. College Srinagar. The main Foundation Day function was held at IGNOU Headquarters, New Delhi.

The programme in Srinagar was attended by officials of the Regional Centre, principals and faculty members of leading colleges, coordinators and counsellors of IGNOU study centres, students, and former Regional Directors. Among the dignitaries present were Prof. Bashir Ahmad Sheikh, Principal S.P. College; Prof. Yasmeena Farooq, Principal Women’s College Srinagar; and Prof. Gulam Mohd, Vice Principal A.S. College Srinagar. Shri Saurab Bhagat, IAS, Commissioner Secretary to Government, was the Chief Guest.

In his welcome address Prof. John Mohd, Assistant Coordinator, Study Centre 1209 (S.P. College), highlighted the major achievements of IGNOU and its role in widening access to higher education, particularly in the far flung regions of Kashmir and Ladakh. Coordinators of Study Centres SC-1209 and SC-30039, Prof. Waheed Iqbal and Prof. Mustafa Majid Sheikh, shared their experiences and spoke about rising enrolment, improved support services, and IGNOU’s impact on community learning.

Shri Saurabh Bhagat appreciated the quality of IGNOU study materials and encouraged students especially competitive examination aspirants to rely on them. He lauded the Regional Centre Srinagar for consistently maintaining high enrolment numbers and strengthening distance education in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Regional Director Dr. A.H. Rizvi reiterated IGNOU’s mission of providing inclusive and accessible education. He acknowledged the contributions of coordinators, counsellors and staff in maintaining strong student support services and urged learners to study IGNOU materials thoroughly and contribute meaningfully to the progress of the nation. Dr. Rizvi thanked the Chief Guest, the principals of participating colleges, and the S.P. College administration for their support in organising the Foundation Day programme.

The celebration concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Dr. Abdullah, expressing gratitude to all dignitaries and participants.

Categories
KASHMIR

CM Omar Abdullah lays foundation for Automated Testing Station in Pampore

PAMPORE, NOVEMBER 19: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today laid the foundation stone for the Automated Testing Station at Pampore, marking a significant step toward enhancing road safety and strengthening the transport infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.

The ceremony was attended by Minister for Transport Satish Sharma, MLA Pampore Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi, Secretary Transport Department Avny Lavasa, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Dr Basharat Qayoom, Managing Director J&K Road Transport Corporation A.R. War, and other senior officers and officials concerned.

The establishment of the Automated Testing Station is aimed at ensuring scientific and reliable vehicle fitness assessment, reducing manual intervention, and promoting safer mobility across the region.

 

Categories
CRIME

J&K Police arrests 12 gamblers in Baramulla, Stake money & Vehicles seized

Baramulla, November 19: Continuing its drive against social crimes, J&K Police in Baramulla arrested 12 gamblers and seized stake money along with playing cards & Vehicles from their possession.

Acting on specific information regarding gambling activities in the orchards at Check Tappar, a police party of Police Station Kreeri headed by SDPO Kreeri raided the specific spot and apprehended the 12 gamblers. They have been identified as Khursheed Ahmad Dar son of Ab. Aziz Dar, Shabir Ahmad Wani son of Ab. Ahad Wani, Ab. Hamid Ahanger son of Khazir Mohammad and Waheed Ahmad Najar son of Gh. Mohammad Najar all residents of Hajin and Mehraj Deen Sofi son of Mohd. Yusuf Sofi resident of Narbal Sozeith Budgam, Mehraj Deen Para son of Mohd. Shafi Parra resident of Pattan, Bilal Ahmad Dar son of Ab. Ahad Dar resident of Sopore Sher Colony, Javeed Ahmad Changa son of Mohd. Altaf Changa resident of Sopore, Mohd. Yousuf Baba son of Ghulam Deen Baba resident of Baramulla, Manzoor Ahmad Dar son of Gh. Ahmad Dar resident of Kupwara, Manzoor Ahmad Sheikh son of Ab. Rehman Sheikh resident of Sadarkoot, Bandipora and Shabir Ahmad Wani son of Mohd. Akbar Wani resident of SK Bala, Bandipora.

Officers have seized stake money of ₹1,55,000/- and playing cards & 02 Alto cars, and 01 scooty from their possession. They have been arrested and a case FIR No. 87/ 2025, under relevant sections Gambling Act stands registered at Police Station Kreeri and further investigation taken up.

J&K Police remains committed to upholding law and order and will continue its crackdown on illegal activities in the area. Person found indulging in criminal activities shall be dealt as per the law.

Categories
BUSINESS

CM Omar Abdullah inaugurates two-day J&K Trade Fair in Kulgam

CM underscores entrepreneurship as the driving force of J&K’s future growth

KULGAM, NOVEMBER 19: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated a two-day J&K Business & Trade Fair organised by the District Administration Kulgam in collaboration with Mission YUVA.

The fair aims to promote entrepreneurship and provide a platform for business innovation and growth for businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs.

After formally inaugurating the event, the Chief Minister inspected various stalls established by entrepreneurs and business establishments. He interacted with the participants and lauded their contribution towards promoting business enterprises and generating livelihood opportunities in the district.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that while the government is working to create jobs, it is not possible to provide government employment to everyone. Therefore, it is essential to create self-employment avenues, and schemes like Mission YUVA have been devised to fulfil this objective. He emphasised that banks must ensure smooth disbursement of cases under various entrepreneurship schemes and assured budding entrepreneurs of all possible support from the government. He added that the aim of Mission Youth is to empower young people to explore innovative ideas, build sustainable businesses, contribute to the region’s economic progress, and evolve into job creators.

The Chief Minister noted that trade fairs play a crucial role in strengthening the economy by offering emerging entrepreneurs opportunities to showcase their talent, connect with wider markets, and expand their business networks.

During the event, the Chief Minister visited entrepreneur stalls, business units, and departmental exhibits and interacted with the participants. He also distributed sanction letters to beneficiaries under Mission YUVA scheme.

Speaking on the occasion, Minister for Education, Health & Medical Education and Social Welfare, Sakeena Itoo, said that youth are actively participating in entrepreneurship schemes. She informed that many beneficiaries have already been identified and numerous cases approved. She stressed the need for smooth processing of cases to maximise the benefits and urged youth to avail themselves of these opportunities.

MLA Kulgam, M.Y. Tarigami, encouraged young people to seize every opportunity to build prosperous and progressive lives.

The programme was attended by Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo; DDC Chairperson Kulgam, Mohammad Afzal Parrey; MLA Kulgam, M.Y. Tarigami; MLA Devsar, Peerzada Feroz Ahmad; Secretary Labour and Employment, Kumar Rajiv Ranjan; Secretary in Information Department, Muneer Ul Islam; DDC Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan; Mission Director, Mission YUVA, Shadab Aalam; other senior officers; representatives of business organisations; entrepreneurs; and aspiring entrepreneurs.

Capacity-building completion certificates were distributed, Mission YUVA sanction letters were handed over to beneficiaries, and MoUs were exchanged between Mission YUVA and ONDC.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Kulgam Athar Aamir Khan presented the welcome address and highlighted the aim of organising the two-day fair. Mission Director Shahzad Aalam presented the vote of thanks and highlighted achievements under Mission YUVA.

Categories
CITY

Div Com Kashmir Inaugurates World Heritage Week Exhibition, Flags off Heritage Walk in Srinagar

SRINAGAR, NOVEMBER 19: As part of the celebrations for World Heritage Week 2025, the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K today organized a Special Exhibition of Archival Records and Rare Manuscripts at the Art Gallery, Shergarhi Complex, Srinagar.

The exhibition was inaugurated by Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Anshul Garg, who also flagged off a Heritage Walk from the Shergarhi Complex to the SPS Museum at Lal Mandi.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from heritage lovers, scholars, and students from various educational institutions, all joining to promote the importance of preserving and conserving the region’s centuries-old cultural treasure.

Speaking on the occasion, the Divisional Commissioner highlighted the significance of World Heritage Week and the collective responsibility to safeguard cultural heritage for future generations. He noted that the exhibition showcases numerous invaluable treasures and urged students and scholars to visit the gallery to connect with the region’s heritage and cultural identity.

“Kashmir is home to centuries-old cultural and civilizational treasures and represents a confluence of Shaivism, Sufism, and Buddhism,” he said and added that “Our rich traditions of arts, crafts, and music have earned global recognition, and our archaeological sites continue to attract large numbers of tourists. This Heritage Week is dedicated to celebrating and honoring these sites.”

He also highlighted the ongoing initiatives of the Directorate to revive and preserve cultural and archaeological sites across Jammu & Kashmir. “The observance of World Heritage Week provides an opportunity to revisit our history and traditions, helping to build greater awareness about heritage conservation,” he added.

The Divisional Commissioner noted that in the past four years, substantial efforts have been made to preserve the unique local heritage developed over centuries by previous generations, ensuring its safe transmission to the future.

He emphasized the need to create awareness among students and the general public about Kashmir’s rich cultural heritage so they can better appreciate the importance of protecting and preserving the region’s glorious past.

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