JAMMU,: A delegation of District Development Council Chairpersons called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, today and discussed various development issues of their respective Districts.
The delegation was comprised of Col. Mahan Singh (Retd.) Chairman, DDC Kathua; Shri Keshav Dutt Sharma, Chairman, DDC, Samba; Shri Bharat Bhushan, Chairman, DDC, Jammu; Shri Lal Chand, Chairman, DDC Udhampur; Shri Dhananter Singh Kotwal, Chairman, DDC, Doda and Shri Suraj Singh, Vice Chairman DDC Jammu.
District Development Council Chairpersons calls On LG Sinha
Shakti Udghosh Foundation Delegation Calls on LG Manoj Sinha
JAMMU,: A delegation of Shakti Udghosh Foundation led by its Convenor Ms Preeti Choudhary called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, today.
The delegation briefed the Lieutenant Governor on the Women Bike Expedition for “Nasha Mukt Seemayein” in J&K, organised by the Shakti Udghosh Foundation, ahead of the International Women’s Day.
The Lieutenant Governor congratulated and lauded the female bikers and everyone associated with the Foundation for their courageous efforts dedicated to accelerating action against drug abuse.
Eighteen female bikers from different parts of the country travelled along the zero-border line area. The ride covered areas across the Ditch-cum-Bandh (DCB), International Border (IB), and Line of Control (LoC), spanning from Kathua to Poonch.
Director School Education Kashmir launches Mega Enrollment Drive in Zone Vailoo, Anantnag
ANANTNAG: To boost the student enrollment in government schools, Director School Education Kashmir (DSEK), Dr. G. N. Itoo, today kick-started the Mega Enrollment Drive Campaign from Cluster Gadole, Zone Vailoo, District Anantnag.
The campaign witnessed an overwhelming response, with more than 300 students and new entrants securing admission in various government schools across Zone Vailoo, Anantnag.
The enrollment drive aims to ensure quality education for all and enhance public trust in government schools by showcasing improved infrastructure, dedicated teaching staff, and student-friendly learning environments.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Itoo emphasized the government’s commitment to providing equitable and inclusive education and urged parents to take advantage of the facilities available in government schools.
The event was attended by Chief Education Officer Anantnag, District Education Planning Officer, senior education officials, local dignitaries, and community members, who appreciated the department’s efforts to promote education and increase student participation.
The campaign will continue across various zones, reinforcing the mission of ‘Education for All.’
DC Ganderbal reviews physical, financial progress under District Capex
GANDERBAL: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore today convened a meeting, here to take stock of the physical and financial achievements made under District Capex 2024-25.
At the outset, the Chief Planning Officer provided a detailed briefing on the developmental works and financial utilization. It was informed that out of 1,697 works, 1,009 have been completed, with an expenditure achievement of 57.6 percent against the available funds as of date.
The DDC conducted a comprehensive review of progress across key departments, including Rural Development, Health, Education, Roads & Buildings (R&B), Power Development (PDD), Jal Shakti, Agriculture & allied sectors.
While assessing the block-wise status of work allotment and completion, the DDC directed the concerned executing agencies to expedite implementation and ensure timely completion of projects. He stressed the importance of maximizing fund utilization under various schemes to prevent any lapses or surrender of allocated funds.
Kishore also emphasized the prompt submission of bills in the district treasury for completed works and instructed the District Treasury Officer to ensure timely processing to avoid the financial year-end rush.
Urging all executing agencies to accelerate the pace of ongoing projects, the DDC reiterated the need for achieving both physical and financial targets within the stipulated timelines.
The meeting was attended by the Chief Planning Officer, Assistant Commissioner Development, ACP, Executing Engineers from R&B, REW, Jal Shakti, I&FC, Block Development Officers, and other district and sectoral officers.
DC Srinagar chairs meeting of District Level Advisory Committee on Food Safety
Directs intensifying market inspections to curb sale of unhygienic/ misbranded food items in City
Asks FSD to strengthen food testing labs to ensure products meet set standard norms for public health
SRINAGAR, MARCH 07: A meeting of District Level Advisory Committee (DLAC) on Food Safety and Healthy Diets was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat at Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex here to review the measures in place to ensure quality food to people in the District.
At the outset, DC took a comprehensive review of the functioning and achievements of the Food Safety Department with regard to public health.
The meeting held a detailed deliberation on the crucial issues related to food safety standards and hygiene being followed by the Food Business Operators in the District.
On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner, who is also the Chairman of DLAC was apprised about the current status of food safety measures in place in Srinagar District and various proactive measures undertaken by the Food Safety Department to ensure the provision of safe and healthy food for the public.
Underlining the importance of maintaining high standards of food safety for the well-being of the public, the DC issued instructions to Officers to ensure availability of quality and hygienic food in the market. He emphasized the need for inspection squads to monitor and curb the sale of unhealthy and expired food products, especially those targeted at children, besides to give focused attention towards curbing sale of misbranded food items.
The DC exhorted upon the Srinagar Food Safety Team to strengthen and upgrade the laboratories for conducting tests of food items. He assured all possible support from District Administration for the purpose to ensure quality and hygienic food items to the people.
Dr Bilal stressed on intensifying market checking across the District and laid emphasis on increasing the volume of lifting the food samples by adopting scientific procedures for study and sharing the findings with the Administration for the safety of human lives. He instructed for taking strict action under law against the FBOs involved in violation of the Food Safety Act.
The DC also stressed further strengthening the Complaint Redressal Mechanism in Srinagar District to encourage the genuine complaints of the consumers and taking timely action against the violators to control the most vital and concerned area related to the public health.
In addition, the DC directed the Officers to conduct awareness programs involving all stakeholders to educate the public on the importance of safe food and maintaining a healthy diet. He asked them to ensure effective implementation of the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006, Rules and Regulations framed there under by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India.
The DC also stressed on conducting special drives for enforcement of bakery items, milk, edible oil, spices, meat, poultry products and other daily consumables in the City markets.
With regard to FOSTAC, the DC asked for building a culture of self-compliance through systematic training and capacity building of food businesses under the food safety and certification system.
The meeting also discussed the Eat Right Challenge a flagship program of FSSAI and other schemes under this flagship programme like RUCO, Surveillance & Enforcement drives, Licensing & Registration drives, FOSCORIS inspections, Special Camps for consumer Awareness, FosTac Trainings, Hygiene Rating, Hub Certification, Eat Right School & Campuses. While implementation of COTPA was also deliberated.
Earlier, Assistant Commissioner Food Safety Srinagar Yamin ul Nabi, who is also the Member Secretary of the Committee, gave a detailed presentation about the functioning and achievements of the Department.
The meeting was informed that for the purpose of implementation of Food Regulatory Laws, about 1400 inspections were conducted, while 1967 legal as well surveillance samples were lifted during the same period. In addition, various cases have been filed before the competent courts and an amount of Rs 177000/-has been imposed as fine on violators.
The meeting was informed that a dedicated toll free number 104 is working for registering complaints of the consumers to address the same in a time bound manner.
The meeting was attended Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Syed Ahmad Kataria; General Manager DIC, Assistant Commissioner Food Safety, Chief Education Officer, Chief Agriculture Officer, AD FCS&CA, other concerned Officers and representatives of Bakers Association, Spice Association, Hoteliers, Industrial estate Khonmoh.
Samba Administration celebrates Int’l Women’s Day with great enthusiasm
SAMBA: The District Administration Samba, in collaboration with the Social Welfare Department, hosted a vibrant celebration to commemorate International Women’s Day. The event featured an impressive lineup of activities highlighting women’s achievements and entrepreneurship in the region.
Chairperson of JK SSB Indu Kanwal Chib, graced the occasion as the chief guest. Deputy Commissioner Samba, Rajesh Sharma, led the administration in putting together this meaningful celebration.
The program included a special performance by musician Sonali Dogra and captivating cultural performances by college students that showcased the rich heritage of the region.
A highlight of the event was an interactive session with special invitees including the Chief Guest Indu Kanwal Chib, Principal GDC Ramgarh Dr. Geetanjali Andotra, Munsif Samba Himani Parihar, S.I Deepika Jalotra and Entrepreneur Preeti Kashyap. The event also featured a diverse exhibit featuring stalls set up by women entrepreneurs, displaying their crafts, products and business ventures.
“This celebration reflects our commitment to women’s empowerment and recognition of their invaluable contributions to our society and economy,” said DC Rajesh Sharma during the event.
The International Women’s Day celebration served as a platform to recognize women’s achievements and promote gender equality in the district.
The celebrations were attended by ADDC Samba Ms. Champa Devi Thakur, SSP Virender Singh Manhas, ADC Samba Jagdish Singh and the entire district administration.
Fix timelines for each project under SBM (U) Action Plan: CS Atal Dulloo
Lauds Deptt for framing an applicable action plan for all towns
JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, while reviewing the action plan framed under Swachh Bharat Mission-Urban (SBM-U) here today, impressed upon the concerned officers to fix timeline for each of the projects proposed under this plan.
The meeting besides Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD was attended by Chairman, JK Pollution Control Committee; DG, Rural Sanitation and MD, SBM- Urban along with other concerned officers.
The Chief Secretary had component wise review of the actions proposed for management of waste anticipated to be generated till 2035. He said that the action plan thus framed is worth applicable so demands further thought process to delineate the timelines for its successful implementation.
He took note of the quantum of waste generated in each of the ULBs along with that of the capital cities. He called for having an end to end solution for effective treatment and management of each kind of the waste generated here.
Dulloo maintained that funds for such a crucial activity would never act as a stumbling block. He observed that the proposed costs are well within the range to be arranged over next few years. He advised the Department to enhance their capacity simultaneously for fructifying these projects within the set deadlines.
He said that besides the facilities for treatment of legacy waste, solid waste, grey water, used water, plastic waste and Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste the department should take into account inclusion of integrated sewerage network to take such waste to the sites of their treatment and processing.
In addition, the Chief Secretary asked them to explore the option of taking up projects under AMRUT 2.0 wherever feasible as per its guidelines. He also suggested to include projects under Capex where there is no other scheme to support the activity.
Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD, Mandeep Kaur, while speaking in the meeting, said this action plan is in consonance with the NGT directions besides a roadmap for scientific disposal of urban waste for the next 10 years.
She made out that the action plan had been framed after taking into account the decadal growth rate of the population and the waste expected to be generated by this population on daily basis. The remediation of legacy waste besides other aspects of processing, treatment and disposal had been considered while framing this updated plan, she added.
MD, SBM (U), Devansh Yadav, informed the meeting that it is expected that the population of the urban areas of the UT would reach to about 51.50 lakh till 2035 generating 2481 TPD. He also mentioned about segregation of each ULB and Cantonment Board as per the quantum of waste to be generated and facilities required for its management till 2035. He presented details of the existing facilities in Municipal Corporations, ULBs of Jammu/Kashmir and that of Cantonment Boards in both Jammu and Srinagar.
The meeting was also apprised of the facilities required for door to door collection and transportation of waste. Its processing in different municipalities of the UT and those proposed under clusters of towns together was divulged along with costs for operation and maintenance of assets for all these years.
About the legacy waste, it was said that a total of 26,11,102 MT of waste has been reported by the municipal bodies. Out of the same, 3,91,604 MT had already been treated and rest of the 22,19,498 MT needs to be treated under this plan for which works stand awarded or tenders floated at most of the locations.
Different models for management of solid, liquid, ISWM, plastic and legacy waste were discussed in the meeting. It was added that tender has been floated for hiring of PDMC for preparation of detailed estimates for all the 75 ULBs and 4 responsive bids have been received for this purpose, as was informed in the meeting.
ARTO Pulwama conducts enforcement drive
PULWAMA,: Enforcement Squad of ARTO office Pulwama conducted a rigorous enforcement drive at Litter-Pulwama route specially focusing on overloading of passengers and over charging by passenger vehicles.
Strict instructions were issued to the sumo stand presidents to ensure adherence to the prescribed passenger limits and reasonable fare regulations.
In addition, more than 80 vehicles were checked for various offences like overloading of vehicles, vehicle fitness and other violations under MV Act and Rules framed thereunder. About 22 Vehicles were e-challaned for different violations and Rs. 50,500 is expected to be recovered from them.
Officials reiterated that such drives will continue, sending a strong message to traffic violators that non-compliance will not be tolerated.
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presents his maiden budget, unveils key welfare initiatives
* 200 units of free electricity for AAY households announced
* 10 kg additional ration per person for AAY beneficiaries from April 2025
* Pensions enhanced for over 10 lakh vulnerable persons in J&K
* Marriage Assistance for EWS girls increased from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000
* Free ridership for women in J&K on Government owned transport including e-buses from April 2025
* Stamp Duty exemption for property transfer within blood relations
JAMMU, March 07: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today presented his first Budget for Jammu and Kashmir, outlining a series of pro-people initiatives and governance reforms.
Beginning his speech, the Chief Minister stated, “With great humility and a profound sense of duty, I stand before you today to present my first budget as Finance Minister—marking the first Budget of an elected government in seven years. While it is an honour, I am acutely aware of the weight of responsibility that comes with being the custodian of Jammu and Kashmir’s finances at this crucial juncture. This budget is more than just a financial statement—it is a roadmap for a new and prosperous Jammu and Kashmir, reflecting the aspirations of our people and laying a strong foundation for economic growth, social progress and sustainable development.”
The budget focuses on social welfare, infrastructure development and financial stability. In his budget speech, CM stated that J&K’s economy is projected to grow at 9.5% in 2025-26, with major investments in infrastructure, tourism, agriculture, and industry. On governance and fiscal reforms, CM outlined the priorities of the government to bring in fiscal discipline and reforms to reduce reliance on central grants, improve revenue collection, and ensure financial stability. He said J&K is leading in digital governance with 1,166 online government services on the e-Unnat portal and having a real-time grievance redressal mechanism through JK SAMADHAN&RAABITA platforms.
Free Electricity for AAY Households
Fulfilling a major poll promise, the Chief Minister announced 200 units of free electricity per month for all Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households in Jammu and Kashmir. Integrated with the PM SuryagharBijli Yojana, this initiative will facilitate the installation of grid-connected solar systems, ensuring energy security for the most vulnerable sections of society while eliminating electricity bills.
“With an investment of ₹750 crore over five years, this step will reduce AT&C losses and promote sustainable energy. I urge this august House to support this transformative move towards a greener, more inclusive, and self-reliant Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.
Additionally, the chief minister stated, the government will construct dedicated Linemen huts and provide essential facilities for thousands of power sector workers who operate in extreme conditions. A Training Institute will also be established to enhance skills and train the technical support staff of power development department to ensure they are fully equipped with the technical skills.
For 2025-26, the Power Sector has been allocated ₹2,021.37 crore under capital expenditure, marking an increase of ₹762.80 crore from the revised allocation of 2024-25, he informed the House.
10 kg Free Ration for AAY Households
As an additional measure of social security, the Chief Minister announced that all AAY beneficiaries will receive 10 kg of free ration per person per month starting April 1, 2025. This initiative will ensure enhanced nutritional support for vulnerable families.
“Our government is committed to strengthening food security through a robust and efficient Public Distribution System (PDS). Smart PDS will be implemented in 2025-26 to enhance service delivery, prevent leakages, and ensure fair and transparent distribution of essential commodities across Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.
Free bus rides for women in J&K
Marking International Women’s Day, the Chief Minister announced that women across Jammu and Kashmir will enjoy free ridership on government-owned public transport, including e-Buses, starting April 2025.
Marriage Assistance enhanced
In a significant relief for economically weaker sections, the Marriage Assistance under the Scheme for EWS category girls has been enhanced from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000.
Pension Enhancements for vulnerable sections
Fulfilling another commitment, the Chief Minister increased pensions for 10,07,324 individuals across J&K under the Integrated Social Assistance Scheme (ISSS) and the National Social Assistance Programme (NSAP). The revised pension structure is ₹1,250 per month for individuals below 60 years; ₹1,500 per month for those aged between 60 and below 80 years and ₹2,000 per month for those aged 80 years and above.
Stamp duty exemption for property transfers within blood relations
The Chief Minister announced a complete exemption of stamp duty on property transfers through gifts within blood relations. The move will promote ease of transactions, reduce inheritance disputes and encourage legal documentation of property transfers.
Sectoral Allocations and Development Initiatives
• Agriculture & Allied Sectors: ₹2,221.58 crore allocated, an increase of ₹332.72 crore from the revised 2024-25 allocation.
• Rural Development: ₹3,773.93 crore allocated, an increase of ₹990.04 crore from the revised 2024-25 allocation.
• Tourism: ₹390.20 crore allocated, an increase of ₹121.77 crore.
• Industries: ₹602.85 crore allocated, an increase of ₹291.44 crore.
• Health & Medical Sector: ₹1,750.50 crore allocated, an increase of ₹643.71 crore. The SEHAT App will soon be launched to improve healthcare accessibility.
• Education Sector: ₹1,388.97 crore allocated, an increase of ₹242.75 crore.
• Sports Sector: ₹152.69 crore allocated, an increase of ₹36.91 crore.
• Roads & Bridges: ₹4,062.93 crore allocated, an increase of ₹439.28 crore.
• Irrigation & Water Supply: ₹2,662.71 crore allocated, an increase of ₹817.87 crore.
• Housing & Urban Development: ₹2,761.74 crore allocated, an increase of ₹823.53 crore.
Giving details of budgetary proposals in various sectors, CM said that in power sector, J&K shall aim to achieve self sufficiency in power & energy by 2027-28 with 7,500 MW new hydro projects & smart grid investments to ensure 24/7 power supply.
To further improve power efficiency, the Chief Minister’s Awards will be instituted to recognize outstanding efforts in reducing Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses and conducting energy audits.
Highlighting that major highways and tunnels were under execution, and rail connectivity via USBRL project was progressing rapidly, CM said that the budget has proposed 4,000 km of roads to be blacktopped in 2025-26 to improve connectivity across J&K.
CM said that Agriculture and allied sectors are crucial for the livelihoods of most of our population and Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) has an outlay of Rs 5013 crore until 2027-28 which is reshaping subsistence farming into commercial agri-economy.
On Industrial Development, CM said that J&K currently has 64 Industrial Estates and 46 more are under development and Government is committed to ensure infrastructure development in these estates. He said that Government is streamlining SGST reimbursement and turnover incentives. He said to strengthen industry collaboration, Government would constitute an Advisory Committee on Industries, ensuring regular engagement with businesses. CM proposed Rs 50 crore this year to support financial aid, mentorship and incubation for emerging entrepreneurs, He said that Government will bring a new policy to provide price preference to local MSMEs in public procurement
In tourism sector, CM said new master plans shall be prepared for major tourist destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam and Sonamarg. J&K’s first National Water Sports Centre at Dal Lake & Basohli shall be established. A water park at Dwara village near Sidra Golf Course under PPP model shall be developed in Jammu.The budget proposes to constitute a multi-stakeholder Advisory committee in Tourism & Hospitality sector.
CM said that Mission YUVA would be launched in next financial year aiming to create 1,37,000 enterprises and to create 4.25 lakh jobs over five years through startups, MSMEs & skilling programs. The budget has proposed establishment of Jammu & Kashmir Skill & Entrepreneurship University (J&K SEU) to provide cutting-edge training in technology, healthcare, tourism, renewable energy & traditional crafts. To support structured skill development, one lakh youth shall be trained over 5 years under PMKVY 4.0, PM Vishwakarma and other schemes besides reviving the Udaan Scheme. Special focus shall be given on first-generation entrepreneurs, women & youth from remote areas through credit support & market linkage
CM said that his Government was committed to construct state-of the-art Legislative complex in Jammu and an allocation of Rs 50 crore has been proposed in this budget for FY 2025-26. He said that provision of Rs 50 crore has been proposed in this budget to establish a National Law University in J&K and that Rs 125 crore has been apportioned for state-of the art judicial infrastructure across J&K.
Under the disaster management, CM stated that Rs. 39 crore Disaster Mitigation Fund has been proposed in the budget for flood & landslide protection, and GLOF monitoring systems for climate resilience.
Concluding his Budget speech, the chief minister commended the Budget for the financial year 2025-26 of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to Legislative Assembly for consideration.
Later, the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also presented the Supplementary Statement of Expenditure for the year 2024-2025 before the House.
Special healthcare services coming up for elderly persons at DH Kishtwar
KISHTWAR, : Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rajesh Kumar Shavan today visited the District Hospital (DH) Kishtwar to evaluate the efforts being made to improve healthcare services for the elderly persons.
The DC reviewed the progress of the renovation of the Facility with advanced care and support for the elderly. The DC directed for the fast-tracking of the renovation of the designated building. The DC also assessed the overall functioning of the District Hospital and got a briefing from the Medical Superintendent.
The DC directed EO Municipality to enhance sanitation in and around the District Hospital premises, as well as around the welfare facility for the elderly.
He also instructed ExEn PHE to address the issue of the leaking of pipes and ensure they are properly maintained underground for safety and operational efficiency.
ACD Phulail Singh, DSWO Zubair Ahmed, EO Municipality Mirza Mumtaz Iqbal, ExEn PWD, CMO Dr. Rajinder Kumar, MS DH Dr. Yudhvir Singh Kotwal, and other senior officers and officials were present during the visit.