JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today unveiled the biographical film ‘Sarvavyapak Bhagawaan Gopinathji’ at Abhinav Theatre, here today.

The film, based on the biography written by Shankar Nath Fotedar and produced by the Bhagawaan Gopinathji Trust, portrays the life, teachings and spiritual journey of the revered saint, Bhagawaan Gopinathji.

The event was attended by several dignitaries including Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, PK Pole, Commissioner Secretary Culture, K Ramesh Kumar; Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah and Commissioner, Relief (Migrants), Dr Arvind Karwani.

Former Chief Secretary, Vijay Bakaya and Justices (Retired) BL Bhat and Sunil Hali were also present.

Padma Shri, Pran Kishore Kaul, a veteran filmmaker and writer, was the Guest of Honour on the occasion. Notably, Kaul also served as the writer and co-director of the biopic, sharing directorial responsibilities with Arun Mavnoor.

Pran Kishore Kaul, shared insights into the creative journey behind the biopic, emphasising the extensive research and artistic dedication required to portray Bhagawaan Gopinathji’s legacy.

The event also featured KK Raina, a distinguished actor known for his work in theatre and cinema.

Jai Kishori Patwari, a founding trustee of the Bhagawaan Gopinathji Trust, presided over the function. She elaborated on the extensive research, dedication and vision that culminated in creation of the biopic.

President of the trust, Ashok Kumar Razdan, welcomed the Chief Guest and other dignitaries, expressing gratitude for their support.

Secretary of the trust, Sohan Krishen Khordi, outlined the organisation’s philanthropic and spiritual initiatives across India including social welfare programs, medical services and support for orphans and the elderly.

The event concluded with felicitation of the artists and contributors involved in the film, acknowledging their invaluable efforts in bringing this spiritual narrative to life.

Assesses disaster management preparedness of J&K admin

JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today held an intensive meeting with the Department of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction (DMRR&R) to assess the relief and rehabilitation measures being extended to different migrant categories of J&K besides the status of disaster management preparedness across different districts of the region.

Present in the meeting were Principal Secretary, Home and DMRR&R Departments; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir/Jammu; Secretary, PWD; CEO, SHA; Relief Commissioner; Chief Engineers of PWD and other concerned officers and officials of the department.

Dulloo enquired about the present status of relief and rehabilitation measures being extended to different migrant categories in the UT. He said that the set timelines for each of these measures should be met without any fail.

He took note of the location wise status of 6000 transit accommodations being constructed for Kashmiri Pandit (PM Package) employees. He asked about the details of flats constructed, under-construction and those allotted and occupied by these employees.

He said that the flats completed in all respects should be allotted forthwith and the allied works like construction of boundary walls, internal roads, approach roads should also be taken up for actual utilisation of these structures.

Regarding inclusion of these migrant families under NFSA, the Chief Secretary emphasised on extending allied benefits like old age and widow pensions, marriage assistance, scholarships, Ayushman Bharat Gold Cards to them to clear any doubt in their mind besides enhancing its uptake among others.

The Chief Secretary also asked for updating the ‘Kashmiri Migrant Grievance’ portal to make its functioning more satisfactory for its users. He called for appointment of Nodal Officer for different regions by the office of Relief Commissioner who would ensure satisfactory resolution of grievances registered by personally taking up the issues with the concerned Deputy Commissioners.

He further directed for digitization of all the migrant records to enhance the overall efficiency of these relief measures. He called for updating the website of Relief Organization through NIC to make it more user-friendly and informative simultaneously.

The meeting took note of the progress on outreach campaigns launched to cover PoJK and other West Pakistani Refugees (WPRs) under the Rehabilitation Package meant for them. It also discussed the status of different infrastructural projects including establishment of ‘PoJK Bhawan’ at Suketar, Community Hall at Jagti and other demands of these displaced people.

Dulloo impressed upon the Department to further gear up for enhancing the capacity of the Department to deal with different disasters the UT is vulnerable to. He urged them to make the Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) functional by optimal utilization of its capacity. He observed that it has added role at the time of disasters while ensuring relief to the affected population.

He emphasised upon utilising the data collected after carrying out expeditions to different mountainous lakes to prevent disasters of Glacial Lake Outburst Floods (GLOF).He called for training the students and other volunteers for enhancing their ability to work during relief activities.

Principal Secretary, DMRR&R, Chandraker Bharti, informed the meeting about different activities and achievements including strengthening of UT, Divisional and District level disaster management systems by deploying necessary manpower there.

He apprised the meeting of the relief and disaster management activities being carried out by the department and the functioning of State Disaster Response Fund(SDRF). Additionally, he made out that DDMPs for the year 2024-25 of all the 20 districts had been updated and UT specific disaster notification stands issued for relief of the affected population.

Furthermore, he apprised the meeting of J&K’s implementation of PM’s ‘Ten Point Agenda on DRR’. He also threw light on the status of other hazards specific plans like Heat Wave Action Plan, Flood Management Action Plan prepared, Cold wave Action Plan had been prepared along with 22 Landslide studies conducted by GSI.

It was added that an EOC coming up at Ompura, Budgam would be made functional by the end of this month. Further, the Department has also launched Emergency Response Support System (ERSS) with a toll free number of 112 for receiving the disaster response calls.

Other initiatives and activities of the Department that were discussed included IDIN for mapping of resources, Common Alert Protocol (CAP) by integrating alert generating agencies IMD, CWC, INCOIS, DGRE, FSI) and disseminating these alerts about disasters through TSPs, TV, Radio, Cable TV, Social media, Indian Railways, Coastal Sirens etc.

Earlier, Relief Commissioner, Arvind Karwani, gave detailed presentation about the status of transit accommodations and jobs being provided to Kashmiri Migrants in different districts of the valley.

He detailed out that, out of 6000 jobs, 5868 appointments had been made till date and only the posts facing certain issues or sub-judice are currently in limbo.

Regarding the transit accommodations, he informed the meeting that 5632 flats had been taken up for construction with 3152 completed till date.

About relief to both the Kashmir and Jammu migrants, it was given out that 9 kg of Rice, 2 kg Aata and 1 kg of sugar is being given to each soul in the family. In addition, a cash assistance of up to Rs 13,000/family is being provided to 20,564 and 908 families from Kashmir and Jammu respectively.

Nari Shakti’s impact on shaping the future of humanity is immense: LG Sinha

She has been endowed with a special gift from existence to nurture creativity and drive social change: LG

Women artists and artisans are architects of sustainable development. To be an outstanding creator, one needs to be full of love, kindness and compassion and this is what makes woman artists unique: LG Sinha

Greater participation of Women artists and artisans in the contemporary Art and Craft arena has enriched this sector and strengthened the fabric of our cultural ethos: LG

Many artisans in J&K and the country have achieved new milestones and others are crafting their way to a brighter tomorrow: LG Sinha

JAMMU: The Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir today celebrated the International Women’s Day. The Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha joined the ‘Sashakt Nari Samman’ event organized by Buddha Art & Painting, in collaboration with Padma Shri Padma Sachdev Government College for Women, Gandhi Nagar.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended his heartiest greetings and felicitations to Nari Shakti on International Women’s Day.

“Nari Shakti’s impact on shaping the future of humanity is immense. She has been endowed with a special gift from existence to nurture creativity and drive social change,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor lauded the remarkable achievements of women artists and artisans of J&K and expressed gratitude for their contribution to the Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir and nation-building.

The Lieutenant Governor said, “Women artists and artisans are architects of sustainable development. To be an outstanding creator, one needs to be full of love, kindness and compassion and this is what makes woman artists unique.

Greater participation of Women artists and artisans in the contemporary Art and Craft arena has enriched this sector and strengthened the fabric of our cultural ethos. Many artisans in J&K and the country have achieved new milestones and others are crafting their way to a brighter tomorrow”.

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated his commitment to socio-economic empowerment of women and providing them a conducive environment to realise their true potential.

He said, under the guidance of the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, women empowerment has now become a mass movement.

“A new era of Women-Led Development has begun in the UT of J&K. Today, our Nari Shakti are scripting their own success stories and have become the active partner in the development journey of Jammu Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He called upon the artists, artisans, NGOs, teachers, entrepreneurs and various stakeholders to work collectively for women empowerment and to ensure that the benefits of government schemes dedicated to Nari Shakti percolate to grassroots.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated the women achievers and students. He also visited the stalls put up by the women artists and artisans.

Organizations and individuals were also felicitated for their contribution to the empowerment of women.

Ms Priya Sethi, former Minister of State; Ms Sanjogita Dogra, Founder, Buddha Art & Painting; senior officers from Police and Civil Administration; heads of various educational institutions, women achievers, artists, artisans, teachers and students were present.

JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today emphasized the government’s commitment to empower youth in border areas such as Karnah, Keran, Machhil and Gurez by equipping them with vocational skills to promote tourism-driven economic growth.

 He stated that unskilled youth from these regions would be provided training enabling them to acquire skills in trades relevant to the tourism sector.

 The Chief Minister, who also holds Tourism Department, stated this while replying to a supplementary question from MLA Karnah, Javid Ahmad Mirchal, regarding the promotion of tourism in border areas like Karnah. The Chief Minister remarked that Karnah has immense tourism potential and stressed the need to explore it further.

 “We believe that there is potential for tourism. We need to explore that potential. Recently, festivals were organized in Karnah—the Border Festival and Yoga Festival. The purpose is to let people outside Jammu and Kashmir know about Karnah’s tourism potential and its culture. Because of such initiatives, we have started to see a gradual increase in tourism. For this reason, local people should benefit from tourism,” Chief Minister Omar Abdullah told Legislative Assembly.

 The Chief Minister said that the tourism department has started registration of paying guest houses and homestays in the area.

“For now, in Karnah, we have registered six homestays, and five in Teetwal. Now, I request the MLA to help us in this. There is no point in bringing tourists if there is no place to host them,” he said, adding, “We do not want to build massive hotels there. If big hotels are built, local people will not benefit from them.”

 “At present we need to focus more on homestays. For this, MLAs should help us and involve local people in this.

 In response to another supplementary question from member Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, the Chief Minister informed the House that the government would identify unskilled youth in border areas like Karnah, Keran, Machhil, and Gurez so that they can be trained in ITIs and the Institute of Hotel Management, Srinagar, to develop skills and trades relevant to tourism.

“In my Budget speech yesterday, I stated that our focus is on skills and entrepreneurship so that youth are equipped with skills and provided handholding to build their future in Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.

 Member Saifullah Mir suggested the establishment of a Tourism Development Authority to boost local tourism in these destinations.

 Earlier, replying to the starred question, the Chief Minister stated that Karnah region is known for its breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage and strategic location near the Line of Control (LoC), he said.

 He further said that Teetwal, Karanoo in Nawagabra, and Budnambal villages possess natural beauty and tourism potential.

“These areas offer breathtaking landscapes, lush meadows and have cultural significance, making them attractive destinations for tourism. These areas have the potential for nature tourism, adventure tourism, and cross-border heritage tourism,” he said. He stated that the Department of Tourism has taken several initiatives to bring these villages onto the tourist map.

 “In order to promote pilgrim tourism in Karnah Constituency, the J&K Tourism Department has projected the construction of ‘Yatri Niwas’ at Sharda Temple at Teetwal, Kupwara, along with a cafeteria,” he said.

CM Omar Abdullah said that the Construction of Yatri Niwas at Sharda Temple at Teetwal, Kupwara, along with a cafeteria is currently in progress, with the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) underway. The project cost is estimated at Ra 150 Lakh.

 He informed that House that the Border Tourism Festival was organized by the Tourism Department in border areas to promote tourism. “The festival was held at Teetwal in September 2022 and featured cultural and musical events, an ATV rally from Kupwara to Teetwal, nature photography sessions, trekking, camping, and horse riding,” the CM said.

 He added that Yoga Festival was organized by the Tourism Department in collaboration with other departments in the Teetwal area of the Karnah constituency on June 21, 2024, to promote tourism in the area.

JAMMU,: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today discussed the budget 2025 presented by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, on Friday.

Initiating the budget discussion, Javed Hussain Baig presented a holistic view of the budget saying that it speaks of the futuristic approach of the present dispensation. He said that it is a balanced budget taking care of all sections of the society. He added that the people have huge expectations from the government and all the promises made with them will be fulfilled.

Tariq Hameed Karra, while speaking on the proposed budgetary provisions, said that there is longer positivity in the budget touching all the social sectors. However, he said that the issue of daily wagers, anganwadi workers, filling up of vacant posts, rehabilitation of Kashmiri pandits should have found due prominence in the budget.

He also talked in detail about other social aspects and economic aspects, sustainable tourism and mineral exploitation among other things. He said that we carry a profound responsibility on our shoulders towards the welfare of the people who have voted for us for the good of the community and we are duty bound to respect the mandate of the people.

Arjun Singh Raju extended his whole support to the budget presented by Omar Abdullah saying that it is a vision, roadmap and commitment to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the budget stands as a beacon of hope ensuring that no section of the society is left behind in terms of growth and development.

Tanvir Sadiq, while participating in the discussion, said that it is a historic moment that such a budget has been presented in Jammu and Kashmir despite the UT being heavily deficit.

“It is the first budget of our government and it is a good beginning despite facing a very difficult situation. All the promises made with the people will be fulfilled in a phased manner,” he maintained.

Sunil Bharadwaj said that the budget does not reflect the aspirations of the people completely.

Nazir Gurezi, while speaking on the occasion, said that it is an extremely balanced budget that has taken care of most of the downtrodden people.

“It is the first budget of our government and the people will witness our progress and performance in the next five years. We will address all issues in due course of time,” he said.

Balwant Singh Mankotia hailed the support being provided to the UT of Jammu and Kashmir by the Union Government.

Farooq Shah said that it is a remarkable budget as it has taken care of every section of the society, particularly its focus on women empowerment, tourism, 200 units of free electricity and marriage assistance among other things. He said that Jammu and Kashmir can come up as Switzerland of Asia if we fully explore the tourism potential of the Union territory.

JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today informed the House that in a decisive move against illegal mineral extraction, the District Mineral Officer (DMO) Budgam has taken strict action against M/s NKC Projects Private Limited for unauthorized mining at Shaliganaga Nalla in Lanilab Basant Wooder, Budgam.

The issue was highlighted in the Legislative Assembly today by MLA Khan Sahab, Safiud-Din-Bhat, bringing it to the immediate attention of the House. The action follows the circulation of a video on social media on March 2, 2025, exposing the illegal activity.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that on receiving the report from the Directorate of Geology and Mining, the DMO Budgam swiftly deputed a team to the site to verify the claims.

Upon investigation, it was confirmed that the company had engaged men and machinery for unauthorized extraction of approximately 300 MT of Nallah Mukh without obtaining the required permits. In response, a formal notice (No. DMO/Bud/DGM/F-106/4558-67, dated March 3, 2025) was issued to the Project Manager of M/s NKC Projects Private Limited, Basecamp Gudsathoo, Budgam, directing an immediate cessation of all illegal mining activities and demanding relevant documentation, he added.

JAMMU, MARCH 08: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today stated that the beautification of Arnia and Bishnah will be undertaken under District Capex works, while sanitation efforts are already being carried out through municipalities.

The Chief Minister provided this information while replying to a supplementary question from Member Rajiv Kumar Bhagat in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

Earlier, in his starred question, the member had inquired about a special package for the beautification of Arnia and Bishnah towns in the Bishnah constituency.

JAMMU,: Minister for Social Welfare, Sakina Itoo, today informed the House that there is no proposal under consideration for granting Tehsil status to Achabal.

The Minister was replying on behalf of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, to a question raised by MLA Abdul Majid Larmi in the Legislative Assembly here today.

The Minister apprised that the government sanctioned creation of 09 new Sub Divisions, 50 new Tehsils and 99 new Niabats and Achabal was created as a Sub Division vide Government order number Rev (S) 242 of 2014 dated 21.10.2014.

However, as per the government order number 42 Rev (S) of 2018 dated 20.02.2018, government order number Rev (S) 242 of 2014 dated 21.10.2014 was kept in abeyance till further orders, except for the Tehsils created at Villgam and Qalamabad in Kupwara district, Tehsils Singhpora and Narwav in Baramulla district, Tehsil Bhella in Doda district and Tehsil Ramsu in Ramban district.

Afterwards, government order number 42 Rev (S) of 2018 dated 20.02.2018) was eventually withdrawn ab-initio vide State Administrative Council Decision number 191/19/2019 dated 30.07.2019.

Govt allots 5 marla land for housing to 498 beneficiaries in JK, 442 under consideration: RDD Minister

Minister for Rural Development Department, Javed Ahmad Dar, today said that about 498 beneficiaries have been allotted 5 marla land each for Housing under Awaas Plus category of PMAY-G, while 442 cases are under consideration of the Revenue authorities in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister was replying to a question raised by M. Y. Tarigami in the Legislative Assembly.

He said that, similarly, eight beneficiaries have been allotted five marla land for construction of houses under the scheme.

 He informed that the families having no land of its own are being provided 05 Marla of land for construction of residential houses under PMAY. The land is being provided subject to verification by the Revenue Department.

The Minister apprised that the extended families of the landless background are likely to be considered for allotment of land subject to eligibility and guidelines of the scheme being issued from time to time. He said that the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, is under implementation in J&K and the compensation is determined as per the provisions contained in section 27 and sub section (2) of section 30 of the said Act.

He said that the compensation provided to land provider in urban areas is double than the market rate while it is four fold in rural areas.

Legislators; G. A Mir, Shakti Raj Parihar, Balwant Singh Mankotia, Rajiv Jasrotia, Chowdhary Mohammad Akram and Mehraj Malik raised supplementaries.

1298.28 kanal land identified for establishment of 9 townships in J&K: Sakeena Itoo

Details of beneficiaries to be divulged after DPR formulation

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today said that 1298.28 Kanal of land has been identified for establishment of 09 townships in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister was replying on behalf of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, to a question raised by Waheed Ur Rehman Parra in the Legislative Assembly.

She said that establishment of these townships is to check unplanned urban expansion and meet housing needs of people of J&K.

While sharing the details, the Minister informed the House that nine housing colonies are being established at Padgampura Pulwama, Watapora Bandipora, Bhalwal Jammu, Changran Kathua, Chatterhama Srinagar, Bakoora Ganderbal, Chakbhalwal Jammu, Chowadhi Jammu and Kanuyian in Poonch district.

She said that details of the beneficiaries shall be determined after DPR formulation.

The Minister said that Srinagar Development Authority has identified State land along National Highway Bypasss Bemina Srinagar (Rakhi Gund Aksha) and Jammu Development Authority identified land at Sidhra, Jammu for catering to housing needs of people of J&K.

The Minister, while responding to a supplementary, said that all Ecological issues shall be taken into consideration while undertaking any construction.

Govt to shift District Hospital Rajouri to suitable place: Sakeena Itoo

Vacant teaching faculty posts of GMC Rajouri referred to JKPSC

Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today informed the House that the District Hospital Rajouri will be shifted to some suitable place for the public convenience.

The Minister was replying to a question raised by Javeed Iqbal Choudhary in the Legislative Assembly.

She said that the District Hospital Rajouri is congested and sans sufficient space to cater to the increasing patient inflow. She said that it (hospital) shall be shifted to some suitable place for the public convenience.

The Minister assured that the government is committed to provide better patient care to the general public and ensure up gradation of all health infrastructure. She said that the efforts are on to ensure timely filling up of vacancies in all the health institutions.

Sharing details regarding the manpower in Government Medical College Rajouri, the Minister said that the sanctioned strength of teaching faculty, CMOS, LMOS at GMC Rajouri is 119 and staff in position is 55 while there are 64 vacant posts. She also informed the house that sanctioned strength of non-gazetted staff is 415, of these, 293 is in position and 122 posts are vacant.

  The Minister said that all vacant teaching faculty posts stand referred to J&KPSC for advertisement and selection of suitable candidates.

The Minister said that the vacant posts are regularly being filled up on academic arrangement basis in order to meet the shortfall of faculty in each discipline in terms of SO 364 of 2020 dated 27.11.2020.

Regarding filling up of Non-Gazetted vacancies, the Minister informed that the matter is under active consideration of the Government.

Legislators; Er. Khurshid Ahmad, Arvand Gupta, Dr. Shafi Ahmad Wani, Pawan Kumar Gupta, Ajaz Jan, Iftikhar Ahmad, Muzaffar Iqbal Khan and Shabir Ahmad Kullay raised supplementaries.