We need to have a fine balance between Technology and Arts: LG Sinha

Science and Technology has provided new facilities and redefined the way human society works and lives. But the modern instruments are incomplete without rich and vibrant tradition of Art and Culture: LG

Society’s economic development is powered by Art and Culture: LG Sinha

Art is the essential element for building an enlightened society and helping growth of citizens with value system and creativity: LG

Art and Culture is as important for a prosperous and peaceful world as science and technology: LG Sinha

For sustainable development we need more creative leaders: LG

The role of new inventions of Science and Technology in making our civilization alive is incomparable. Therefore, I believe that society needs artists and spiritualists along with scientists: LG

LG lauds Hari Tara Charitable Trust for organizing the unique festival, and bringing together experts and practitioners from different fields to share and highlight new ideas in art, literature and history

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the 3rd edition of Tawi Festival organised by Hari Tara Charitable Trust (HTCT), at Amar Mahal Palace, Jammu.
The event also marked the beginning of Golden Jubilee celebration commemorating 50 years of Amar Mahal Museum and Library.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended his felicitations to Dr. Karan Singh and everyone associated with the Hari Tara Charitable Trust for organizing the unique festival, and bringing together experts and practitioners from different fields to share and highlight new ideas in art, literature and history.

The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the valuable contribution of artists and litterateurs in inspiring change in the society and enriching the global knowledge platforms.

The Lieutenant Governor said, “Art is the essential element for building an enlightened society and helping the growth of citizens with value system and creativity. Art and Culture is as important for a prosperous and peaceful world as science and technology.

Science and Technology has provided new facilities and redefined the way human society works and lives. But the modern instruments are incomplete without rich and vibrant tradition of art and culture.

We need to have a fine balance between Technology and Arts. The role of new inventions of science and technology in making our civilization alive is incomparable. Therefore, I believe that society needs artists and spiritualists along with scientists”.

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated the commitment of the government, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to work with the resolve of ‘Vikas Bhi Virasat Bhi’.

He further emphasized the important role of artists and intelligentsia in promoting education based on local culture, moral values and traditional knowledge.

“Society’s economic development is powered by art and culture. For sustainable development we need more creative leaders. Our efforts to connect the young generation with our culture and values should be further deepened,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also shared the dedicated measures taken by the government to promote rich diversity and uniqueness of artistic, cultural and linguistic heritage of Jammu Kashmir.

Dr. Karan Singh, former Union Minister and Chairman, Hari Tara Charitable Trust; Trustees and members of the Trust and various dignitaries including Sh Vikramaditya Singh, Sh Ajatshatru Singh, Dr Jyotsna Singh, Ms Ritu Singh, Sh Martand Singh; senior officials of Police and Civil administration and renowned artists were present.

Jammu: Acting tough against drug peddlers and to eradicate the menace of drugs from the society, Jammu Police booked the wanted notorious drug peddler from the jurisdiction of Police Station Bishnah ,Sub Division R.S.Pura under PIT-NDPS Act and lodged him in District Jail Bhaderwah.

The notorious drug
peddler namely Parveen Kumar @Pinna S/o Dev Raj R/o Kothey Chorli Bishnah has been booked under PIT NDPS Act after obtaining formal detention orders from the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu. The booked drug smuggler has been subsequently lodged in District Jail Bhaderwah .

It is pertinent to mention here that multiple FIR’s under NDPS are already registered against the above mentioned drug peddler,who was involved in promoting drug trade by supplying drugs to local youths of the area.

Despite his arrest in NDPS cases,he did not mend his activities and was again involved in promoting drug abuse trade by supplying drugs to local youth, in order to achieve monetary gains by illegal, wrongful methods.

The above said notorious drug peddler, criminal has remained successful every time in securing the bails from the Hon’ble Courts and in order to refrain the subject from indulging in criminal activities, a dossier under stringent PIT NDPS Act was recommended against the subject, upon which, the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, after getting satisfied issued a PIT NDPS warrant against him.

The arrest was made by a team of Police Station Bishnah headed by SHO Police Station Bishnah under the close supervision of SDPO R.S. Pura & SP Headquarters Jammu.

The locals of the area have highly appreciated the efforts of the Jammu Police in curbing drug menace.

This action reflects the commitment of District Police Jammu to eliminate the drug menace from the region. Drug trafficking poses a grave threat to society, particularly to the youth, and Jammu Police remains dedicated to safeguarding the community from such unlawful activities.

J&K Police remains committed in combating drug trafficking and urges citizens to come forward with any information that may help in eradicating this social evil. Together we can build a safer and drug-free society.

The general public is urged to support law enforcement in this fight against drugs by providing information about any suspicious activities. Informants’ identities will be kept strictly confidential.

Addressing J&K Legislative Assembly, CM touches on key political issues, government ‘s plans for next five years

CM also spoke on Article 370, PSA misuse, condemns derogatory remarks against 13 July Martyrs

JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today promised to fulfill the manifesto that his party has committed to the people of Jammu and Kashmir during his five-year tenure.

“I would like to say something about our manifesto. Why did we come to the manifesto? We prepared the manifesto with lot of thought. It is our promise to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. When we presented this manifesto to the people, we said, we are asking for a five-year term. During this five-year term, we will do all these things and present ourselves to you. Today, I would like to tell the people of Jammu and Kashmir that whatever we have said in our manifesto, in the coming five years, we will do all these things,” the Chief Minister stated.

Omar Abdullah was replying to the motion of thanks on the Lieutenant Governor’s Address in the J&K Legislative Assembly.

Starting his speech, the Chief Minister, who is also Leader of the House, emphasized that the LG’s address sought to highlight the Government’s intentions and priorities.

“Many of the members have come to a conclusion about what was missing in LG’s address. The Government does not work only from one address to another. The Government continues for five years. Four months ago, in front of this very House, LG presented his address. It is not necessary to repeat what was said four months ago. This address is in continuation to that and in addition to that. This address does not replace the one from four months ago but it adds to it. So, the members who are trying to create the impression that we are suddenly silent about some things, or that we did not mention some things are trying to find faults, he said.

He further added, “The intention was to start from there. In this, we added more. Next year, I hope, we will be with the Governor at that time. When the Governor will be with us, we will add more. And we will continue to do this for five years. We made the address concise this time and kept the rest for the later. So, there is no such thing that we are pulling out of our agenda or want to remain silent on something.”

The Chief Minister also responded to questions raised by various members in the House, saying, “Many people from this side (treasury benches) and from the opposition benches, have raised some questions. Some things have been responded and the discussion would continue with the budget speech tomorrow. “After that, we will start the discussion on the budget. And in the coming days, we will give our answers to all the issues that the honourable members have touched upon.”

Speaking on the Public Safety Act (PSA), Abdullah emphasized that preventive detention should not be used as a substitute to legal prosecution. “Now, I would like to talk about the PSA. I do not want to get into politics here. Otherwise, a lot can be said about the PSA. In 2016, PSA was slapped, and then amnesty was announced for such cases but not carried forward. We all know how the termination process started in the previous regime. But it should stop and we will rectify it. We have promised to do it,” he said.

“If PSA is your weapon, then your case is weak. If you keep these people in jail for years and do not prosecute them, it means you do not have a case against them. You just want to keep them in jail. If you say that they are stone throwers, they are OGWs, then why do you need preventive detention? Preventive detention is needed where you cannot make any other case. You filed a PSA against me because you did not have anything else to detain me.”

Speaking on his own detention during the revocation of Article 370 in 2019, the Chief Minister said, “You kept me in confinement for six months on preventive detention. When that time passed, you did not have anything else, so you filed a PSA and detained me for more months. If what you say is true, then instead of PSA, you should file a case and prosecute them.

On the revocation of Article 370 and its consequences and developmental claims of opposition during the discussion, he remarked, “I will not talk much about Article 370, as much was said about it in this august house. I said that we spent time discussing Article 370, but maybe more than that, the opposition side discussed it more.”

CM said that opposition was in awe about what has been done by the Central government in terms of development as if they are speaking on the President’s Address and not the LG Administration He said, “I am only asking you one question—tell me, which of these projects were not possible without removing Article 370?”

The Chief Minister challenged the BJP led opposition’s position further, asking, “Tell me, which of these development projects were not possible before 2019 and were not possible without removing Article 370?”

On the opposition’s remarks, CM said “Where have we disrespected Maharaja ?”  On the renaming of places, Omar Abdullah questioned, “Pratap Singh Park, is it still Pratap Singh Park? SMGS Hospital, is it still SMGS Hospital? SMHS Hospital, is it still SMHS Hospital? Is there any name changed in the streets when we were in power? Not at all. I don’t know not in our tenure. Not in other tenures of PDP and Congress.

But tell me, when we talk about the legacy of Maharaja Hari Singh, what is the biggest thing? One was Jammu and Kashmir State. That State is gone now. Where is the State? What have you done to that State? Tell me. This is something to be said.”

Referring to state subject laws, Abdullah highlighted their importance in protecting the rights of the people. “What did the Maharaja leave for us apart from the geography of this region? State subject laws—our land was ours, our jobs were ours. Where are those laws now? What right do you have over your land today? Anyone can take it from you at any time. What right do we have over our jobs?”

Drawing a comparison with Himachal Pradesh, he said, “In Himachal, if there is a factory, legally 70% of the employees are from Himachal. If there is a hotel, then 70% of the employees are from Himachal. What kind of law is now prevailing here?”

Commenting about the Foreign Minister’s remarks on taking back Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, the chief minister asked, “One portion is with Pakistan, but another portion is with China—why doesn’t anyone talk about that? Who has stopped you from taking it back?

Further addressing the issue of Ladakh’s separation, he said, “Why did you separate Ladakh? And you are saying that the people of Ladakh wanted this. Did you ever ask them? Did you ever consult them? From the first day, the people there were not with this decision.”

Responding to criticism and usage of derogatory comments against the 1931 martyrs, he said, “Those 22 people who sacrificed their lives on July 13, 1931—what for? To get a voice, to get some rights. If it was wrong for them to do that, why did Maharaja Saheb take that step after their sacrifice? Why was Glancy Commission formed why was the Justice Dalal Commission set up? Why were elections held afterwards, Prajya Sabha was formed which later became Constituent Assembly, leading to the formation of this Assembly? CM regretted that opposition didn’t have a word of acknowledgement for the sacrifices of martyrs of 13th July. Their only fault was that they were Muslims. Accept this fact.”

Regarding the removal of December 5 as a state holiday, he said, “Whether you keep the 13th of July holiday or not, whether you keep the 5th of December holiday or not, the sacrifices of those people cannot be erased from the hearts of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.”

He also stressed that removing the 5th of December holiday would not alleviate Kashmir’s problems, adding, “What they, the 13th July Martyrs and Sher-e-Kashmir Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah did for Kashmir, no one can erase that.”

Concluding his address, Abdullah reaffirmed his party’s commitment to restoring Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood and said, “One of the members asked why we did not bring the restoration of statehood to the Assembly. Because we had no doubt that there is no party here, or no person, who does not want statehood. But there is a doubt that some people here are not in favor of it. Bring the resolution, and I am telling you today, we will talk about this and pass the resolution.”

JAMMU: Nassem Javaid Chowdhary today assumed charge as the new Director of School Education, Jammu.

Mr. Chowdhary, who previously served as Managing Director of J&K Horticulture Produce, Marketing, and Processing Corporation, is known for his leadership in revitalising the horticulture sector through sustainable growth and marketing strategies.

He succeeds Ashok Sharma, who has been transferred as Special Secretary in the Labour & Employment Department.

As the new Director, Mr. Chowdhary is expected to focus on expanding quality education, introducing innovative teaching methodologies, and ensuring the holistic development of students.

His appointment has been welcomed by educators and stakeholders, who anticipate positive reforms in the education system under his leadership.

JAMMU: Transport Commissioner J&K, Vishesh Paul Mahajan has issued a notice directing all school authorities to ensure the installation of CCTV cameras in school buses for enhanced student safety by March 31, 2025.

Enforcement agencies have also been instructed to launch special drives from April 1, 2025, to verify compliance. Schools found violating the directive will face action under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 and the rules framed thereunder.

Deptt in process of developing one stop app for all stakeholders

JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a meeting of Tourism Department attended by the MD J&K Bank and other concerned officers to take appraisal of measures being taken by the Department for identifying the gaps, policy updates and scope for improvements to strengthen the homestays for overall promotion of tourism sector in J&K.

The Chief Secretary impressed upon the department to come-up with a comprehensive policy for development of Homestays across districts of the UT. He called upon them to prepare the document in next one month after having consultations with all the stakeholders.

He underscored the need for developing a new loan product by the financial institutions which would encompass every activity that could be done to promote the homestays in the region. He advised for exploring option for increasing the number of rooms that could be converted into homestay besides the quantum of finance that could be secured for the construction and upgradation of homestays.

Dulloo emphasized that the ambit of this scheme should be widened to accommodate the concerns of the people associated with this tourism practice.

The Chief Secretary also urged the Department to make provision for convergence with other schemes like PMEGP, PM Surya Ghar Yojana or other such schemes in the policy for accrual of multiple benefits to the people at grassroots level.

MD and CEO J&K Bank, Amitava Chatterjee, while speaking in the meeting, agreed that there is still scope for refining this loan product to make it more inclusive and attractive for the aspiring population. He also observed that an additional attraction of 1% rebate on the loan could be extended to the customers on prompt repayment of the credit amount.

On the occasion, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, reaffirmed that the policy is in its final phase of constitution. She gave out that many of the concerns of the stakeholders had been addressed after consulting them at both Jammu and Srinagar.

She further said that collaboration with SIDBI, IITM, and other agencies for capacity building of the homestay owners would be carried out under the new policy. It also envisages training on social media branding, digital marketing and geo-tagging besides listing on google maps and travel portals like booling.com, airbnb, NIDHI etc.

It was also given out that the policy envisions lessening the compliance burden on the people interested in taking advantage of homestay scheme. The policy would further promote this scheme provisioning registration of secondary properties under a structured Bed and Breakfast model with many other novel benefits for the effective implementation of this homestay policy across the UT.

Later, the Chief Secretary reviewed the progress on development of an extensive app for better user interface, wholesome information and extension of all facilities at one-stop.

He asked for making it a single stop solution for availing different benefits and bringing various services related to both tourists and service providers under one umbrella app. He further advised to make this app more comprehensive and less confusing arranging services related to different stakeholders separately with timely updation of contents reflecting the changes on ground.

Regarding its development through BISAG-N, Yasha Mudgal demonstrated the phases of its development and the progress achieved so far with the help of several slides. She apprised the meeting that this app would be one of the novel ways to promote J&K tourism for it would be more user-friendly and beneficial for both the tourists and tourism players as well.

MD, JKTDC, Fazlul Haseeb, while throwing light on different features of this application made out that the main objectives to be achieved through its launch would be easy content management, accessibility across all platforms, handy information and better user experience.

This web portal in addition to providing the wholesome information on all the tourist destinations and availability of amenities would also inform the users about the upcoming events. It would also ask about the experiences of visitors too about their specific feedback related to different seasons, festivals, cuisines, customs and colourful events here.

The gallery would offer photos, videos and e-brochures giving the tourists panoramic idea about the air and aura of each destination. The app would host a burger tab assisting the tourists to customize their trip as per available time and interests. The app is also going to be a boon in giving insights to tourists based upon their interests in  trekking, hiking, angling, wildlife and other adventure and leisure activities. It would host the accurate information about nearby shopping places, medical facilities, transportation and tourist service providers so that tourists do not have to look elsewhere to avail different services.

JAMMU: A Full Court reference was held today in the Courtroom of Chief Justice at Jammu Wing of the High Court to condole the demise of Subash Dutt, S. Karanbir Singh, Hafeez Ur Rehman, Sonam Dorjey, Chand Mohan Gupta, S. Jaspinder Singh, Bachan Lal Kalgotra, Ashok Parihar, Devki Nandan and R.K. Bhatia, Advocates of the High Court, who have passed away here during the past few years.

On the occasion, the Senior Additional Advocate General and the President, J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu in their condolence addresses remembered the contributions of late Advocates.

The Senior Additional Advocate General, on behalf of Government Advocates, offered condolences on the demise of these Advocates and prayed for their eternal peace and strength to the bereaved families.

The President, J&K High Court Bar Association also offered condolences on his behalf and on behalf of the Bar executives and other Bar members and prayed for eternal peace to the departed souls.

Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Tashi Rabstan, in his condolence address, remembered the contribution of all the deceased Advocates and said that their firm commitment towards law, hard-working nature and dedication to justice has left a mark on the judicial community and their demise is a huge loss to the legal fraternity.

The Chief Justice on his behalf and on behalf of other Judges of the High Court prayed to the Almighty to rest their souls in peace and bestow immense strength to the bereaved members of the families to bear this irreparable loss.

Meanwhile, Judges from Srinagar Bench joined the Full Court Reference proceedings virtually.

The Full Court proceedings ended with observance of minute of silence as a mark of respect for the departed souls and the Court work was suspended for rest of the day.

JAMMU: The Anti-Corruption Foundation of India has recognised the remarkable efforts of Yasha Mudgal, Commissioner Secretary, Tourism Department, Jammu & Kashmir, by presenting her with the prestigious “Duty Officer Award.”

The honour was given in recognition of her exceptional leadership and dedication towards growth and promotion of tourism in the Union Territory.

Mudgal’s efforts have been instrumental in shaping policies and initiating innovative programs that have greatly impacted the tourism landscape in Jammu & Kashmir. The Anti-Corruption Foundation of India commended her visionary leadership and role in seamless execution of these initiatives, which have played a key role in bolstering the tourism sector.

Under her leadership, Jammu & Kashmir has witnessed a surge in high-profile tourism events that have positioned the Union Territory as a premier destination for adventure, sports, and cultural tourism. Landmark events such as the F4 Mega Car Show in Srinagar, Sunburn in Jammu, J&K Tourism Development Conclave in Srinagar, Maiden Kashmir Marathon and 4th PGTI J&K Golf Open 2024 in Jammu have significantly boosted tourism, attracting national and international visitors. These initiatives have not only enhanced the tourism experience but have also contributed towards economic growth of the region.

Further strengthening J&K’s position as a preferred tourism and business destination, the J&K Tourism Department recently organized MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) reach-out event in Mumbai, led by the Chief Minister of J&K. This initiative  promoted J&K as a key hub for business tourism and corporate events.

Additionally, the department actively participated in SATTE (South Asia’s Travel and Tourism Exchange) 2024 in New Delhi, one of the largest travel trade shows in the region. The event served as a platform to showcase J&K’s tourism potential, attract investors and forge strategic partnerships with the global stakeholders in the travel and hospitality industry.

The award appreciates Mudgal’s achievements under the guidance of higher authorities of the Government of Jammu and Kashmir and reflects the Government of Jammu & Kashmir’s ongoing commitment towards promoting tourism, transparency and efficiency in governance. The recognition is a testament to the Government’s dedication towards making Jammu & Kashmir a prime destination for global tourists.

The award was presented by Nazakat Choudhary, Director, Anti-Corruption Foundation of India and Brand Ambassador for the Swachh Bharat Mission in J&K.

Stresses awareness drives to educate youth against ill effects of drugs

JAMMU,: “Society and the district administration need to make coordinated efforts to curb the drug menace. Vigilance by all stakeholders and members of society is vital in this mission against drugs and for a healthy future”, remarked District Magistrate Sachin Kumar Vaishya, while chairing a meeting of the Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD).

The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Joginder Singh, Additional District Magistrate Ansuya Jamwal, Sub-Divisional Magistrates, Tehsildars and other district officers. SP Headquarters Irshad Hussain Rather and SDPOs also attended the meeting.

Emphasising the need for preventive measures, the District Magistrate underscored the importance of raising awareness among school and college students about the dangers of drug abuse. He reviewed the outcome programmes conducted so far and stressed that their impact should be visible and substantial. He called for active participation from SDMs, SDPOs, Tehsildars and SHOs in educating the youth.

The District Magistrate highlighted the necessity of inter-departmental collaboration, stating that coordinated efforts involving the departments for Drug Control, Police and Education besides others are crucial for achieving tangible results. He also directed Assistant Drug Controllers and other concerned officers to conduct regular surprise inspections of chemist shops. SDMs were instructed to oversee these inspections to ensure strict compliance.

To enhance surveillance and prevent misuse of pharmaceutical drugs, the meeting reiterated the enforcement of a recent order mandating the installation of CCTV cameras at key establishments across Jammu.

The meeting also focused on identifying and neutralising drug hotspots and dismantling the supply chain. The role of drug de-addiction centres and their adherence to established regulations was reviewed. Additionally, the strict implementation of the Cigarettes and other Tobacco Products Act (COTPA) in the district was highlighted as a priority.