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CITY

Audit Diwas 2025 Observed at Government College of Education, Srinagar

SJ MOSVI

Srinagar, November 21: As part of the ongoing 11-day Audit Diwas celebrations, the Office of the Principal Accountant General (Audit), J&K, organised a comprehensive awareness programme titled “Leveraging e-Office, OIOS Toolkits, and Data Analytics for Efficiency” at the auditorium of the Government College of Education (IASE), M.A. Road, Srinagar.

The programme, which began at 10:30 AM, aimed to enhance coordination between Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs), Treasury officials, and Pension authorities. A special focus was laid on equipping employees—particularly those nearing superannuation—with the knowledge required for digital submission and processing of pension papers, ensuring transparency, accuracy, and ease of workflow.

The event was presided over by Prof. (Dr.) Seema Naaz, Principal of the institution, as the Chief Guest, and Shri Pawan Kumar Rathi, Deputy Accountant General, as the Special Guest.

In her address, Prof. (Dr.) Seema Naaz emphasized the importance of such initiatives in strengthening employee preparedness in an era of rapidly evolving digital governance systems. She stated that awareness programmes of this nature significantly contribute to enhancing institutional efficiency and employee welfare.

Shri Pawan Kumar Rathi, in his remarks, appreciated the initiative, highlighting its role in improving financial literacy, streamlining administrative processes, and promoting digitally empowered treasury and pension operations. He also expressed his gratitude to Prof. (Dr.) Seema Naaz for her support, which contributed significantly to the success of the event.

A large number of DDOs and prospective retirees attended the event, making the session highly interactive and informative.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Javid Maqbool Khanday, Treasury Officer, Saddar Treasury.

Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, Sr. Accounts Officer, served as In-charge Dice, presenting an overview of the vision and objectives of the programme.

A series of expert-led technical briefs followed, beginning with Nazir Ahmad Peerzada, Sr. Accounts Officer, delivered an in-depth session on Pension Procedures, emphasizing digital submission and verification mechanisms.

Vikas Bhagat, Sr. Accounts Officer, explained the latest practices in Accounts Reconciliation.

Kuldeep, Sr. Accounts Officer, presented a comprehensive brief on Digitization, highlighting the transition to e-office systems and paperless workflows.

The event was organised by a dedicated team including Sheikh Khursheed Ahmad, Nazir Ahmad Peerzada, Ajaz Ahmad Khan, Zahoor Ahmad Iqbal Attar, Kuldeep, Vinay Kumar, Vikas Bhagat (Sr. Accounts Officers); Shahid Raza, Uday Bhan, Mohd Amin Bhat (Asstt. Accounts Officers); Shafat Gul Khan (Supervisor); Ozair Ahmad Bhat, Mukhtar Ahmad Bhat (Sr. Accountants); Dawood, and other supporting staff members.

The programme concluded with a lively interactive session, providing participants with clarity on key financial, treasury, and pension-related digital processes, thereby contributing to a more efficient and digitally aligned administrative framework.

Categories
BUSINESS

J&K EDI Startups draw global attention at Bengaluru Tech Summit-2025

BENGALURU, NOVEMBER 21: Startups supported by the Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) participated in the prestigious Bengaluru Tech Summit (BTS) 2025, held in Bangalore from November 18 to 20, 2025.

This year’s edition was one of the largest ever, with organisers reporting participation from more than 10,000 startups representing 60 countries. The J&K startups began their showcase with a high-energy Day 1, marked by strong engagement with industry leaders, potential partners and sector experts.

The summit, featuring international exhibitors from Italy, Russia, Israel, Germany, Australia and Korea, offered unmatched exposure, learning and global networking opportunities for the participating entrepreneurs from J&K. The J&K pavilion attracted a huge crowd, drawing praise, curiosity and appreciation from the visitors and global participants.

Seven J&K startups supported by JKEDI participated in the 3-day long Tech Summit.

A key highlight was the visit of Ari Gargir, CEO and Founder of RED C Biotech, who interacted with the J&K startup founders and showed keen interest in their innovative solutions. Besides, interactions with the Industry Leaders was the spotlight of the event where Sheenmart E-Com, a JKEDI-sponsored startup, held promising discussions with AutoL Korea, a global leader in compact long-range LiDAR technology. The dialogue focused on exploring collaborative opportunities in advanced sensing and smart mobility solutions.

Entrepreneur Sheikh Yameen of Curv Electric (Heaventure Adventures Limited) engaged with Micheal Nenner, CEO of Charge, on technology integration aimed at improving the efficiency and performance of electric vehicles. SCANIMO Technologies, a promising startup from J&K established a technical connect with Jio Mart Retail Stores who evinced interest to integrate the former’s technology in their stores.

Throughout the summit, the startups from J&K attracted the visitors and potential partners, establishing meaningful connections and working to translate these engagements into tangible collaborations. Parallel meetings and networking sessions took place as the J&K delegation proactively explored opportunities for growth and strategic partnerships.

Officials from the Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Business Modelling (CIIBM) a program vertical of JKEDI including Faheem ul Din Malik, Associate Project Manager (APM), JKEDI and Sorab Mengi, Assistant Manager (F&A), JKEDI attended the summit, facilitating the interaction between startups and the industry leaders, under the overall supervision of the Secretary Industries and Commerce Department and Director, JKEDI, Khalid Jahangir. They also discussed the prospective knowledge sharing and collaborations with the counterparts like Startup Tamil Nadu in the future.

The startups, supported by Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) shared their experiences and key takeaways. They applauded the role of JKEDI for being the prospective enabler between the vast startup market place and the aspiring entrepreneurs of the UT of J&K.

The presence of JKEDI-supported startups at BTS 2025 reflects the growing innovation capability and entrepreneurial drive emerging from Jammu & Kashmir. The JKEDI remains committed towards empowering startups and helping them compete, collaborate and grow on national and global platforms.

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JAMMU

Speaker administers oath to newly elected MLAs

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 21: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather today administered the oath to two newly elected MLAs, Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi and Devyani Rana of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi has been elected from Budgam Assembly constituency while Devyani Rana has been elected from Nagrota constituency.

Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi took oath in Urdu and Devyani Rana had oath in Dogri.

MP Rajya Sabha, Sat Paul Sharma; Leader of Opposition, Sunil Kumar Sharma; MLAs Sham Lal Sharma, Vikram Randhawa, Waheed-Ur-Rehman Para and family members of newly elected members were also present on the occasion.

Categories
NEWS

CM Omar Abdullah meets Union Finance Minister; seeks stronger developmental support for J&K

NEW DELHI, NOVEMBER 20: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today called on Union Minister of Finance Nirmala Sitharaman and held an extensive discussion on a wide range of developmental matters concerning Jammu and Kashmir.

During the meeting, the two leaders deliberated on key developmental priorities of Jammu and Kashmir. The interaction focused on strengthening core infrastructure, enhancing investment opportunities, and ensuring continued financial support for welfare-centric initiatives aimed at improving public services and overall socio-economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.

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.

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