JAMMU: “The work on all ongoing prestigious road projects in Jammu and Kashmir shall be expedited for timely completion”, assured Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, while replying to a supplementary raised in the Legislative Assembly here today.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the macadamization work on the road project along old Bringi Canal from Hiller to Wandevelgam, was successfully completed in March 2023 under the languishing scheme. However, two spots at Adigam (length l50m) and Nagam (length l40m) remained pending due to the presence of existing structures and trees obstructing the alignment.

The Dy CM was replying to a question raised by Zafar Ali Khatana in the Legislative Assembly. He also informed that the Hangalgund- Kharpora road project stands completed in the year 2022 under PMGSY.

In a written reply to a question, the Dy CM said that there is no proposal under consideration for up-gradation and widening of Hangalgund- Puro road as of now.

Regarding fund allocation under NABARD, the Dy CM maintained that the funds under the scheme are released every year for approved projects against the sanctioned cost and work done.

JJM completes 24 WSSs in Beerwah Constituency: Javed Rana

Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmad Rana, today informed the House that 38 Water Supply Schemes had been approved under Jal Jeevan Mission for Beerwah Constituency, of which, 24 have been completed, so far.

The Minister was replying to a question raised by MLA, Dr Shafi Ahmad Wani, in the Legislative Assembly.

The Minister said that work on the rest of the 14 schemes is in progress and will be completed within the stipulated time. The total estimated cost of the schemes was 113.19 crore, of which, 64.29 crore have been expended.

Javed Rana also provided physical and financial details of all the Water Supply Schemes that have been completed or are under execution in Beerwah constituency.

The Minister informed that Mazhama, Gondipora, Kandura and Zanigam villages have been proposed to be covered under Jal Jeevan Mission while Kawoosa and Check-Kawoosa villages have been proposed to be covered under NABARD scheme.

The schemes for Gondipora and Kandura villages have been completed, while the others are at different stages of completion. All these schemes are expected to be completed during the next financial year, subject to availability of funds, the Minister stated.

Regarding augmentation of water supply to towns in the constituency, the Minister informed that augmentation of water supply to Magam and Beerwah towns stand approved under AMRUT 2.0 and steps are afoot to complete the same as early as possible.

Javed Rana informed the House that Jammu and Kashmir has experienced rainfall deficit during the last year leading to drying up of various springs that led to delay in operationalisation of schemes in certain areas.

JAMMU,: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today stated that Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) is being implemented to curb losses and modernize power infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir.

Responding to a question from member Shakti Raj Parihar in the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister, who also holds the Power Development portfolio, said that J&K’s transmission and distribution losses are among the highest in India.

He noted that these losses are significantly higher compared to neighboring states like Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

“And until we are not able to control this situation, our current AT&C losses are around 50%. For every rupee worth of electricity we supply, we face a loss of around 50 paisa. We will have to gradually reduce this and bring it in line with the levels of neighboring states. For this, the RDSS scheme has been implemented,” he said. The Chief Minister was replying to a starred question about the total funds allocated and utilized under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) for the member’s constituency. He explained that under RDSS, in addition to smart metering works, funds have been sanctioned for various “Loss Reduction (LR)” works.

These include AB cabling, HVDS, reconductoring, feeder bifurcation, and segregation, depending on district-specific technical requirements.

The funds for LR works have been sanctioned at the district level rather than for individual constituencies, he added.

The Chief Minister informed the House that the sanctioned cost for LR works in Doda District is ₹86.28 crore, with the works awarded in September 2023.

“The funds for these works are being released by the Ministry of Power (MoP) in different tranches based on the progress of the projects. So far, ₹17 crore has been released in two tranches, both of which have been fully utilized. Funds for the next tranche are being sought as per the norms of the scheme,” he said.

Addressing concerns about the slow progress of RDSS projects, the Chief Minister explained that after the issuance of the sanction order, the package (including Doda district) was tendered for the first time on March 31, 2023.

“However, due to a poor response, the tendering process had to be extended three times. Finally, the bid was opened on August 4, 2023, and awarded on September 8, 2023,” he stated.

He further informed that 12.25% progress has been achieved so far, and the works are moving forward at full pace with no delays.

“Going by the current pace, it is expected that the works in Doda district will be completed well within the sunset date of RDSS, which is March 31, 2026,” he added.

The Chief Minister further stated that the RDSS Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) were formulated in two parts, one which includes Loss Reduction (LR) works and smart metering projects and part b which covers modernization works.

“The DPRs for both parts were submitted to the Ministry of Power (MoP). However, the sanction has been received only for Part A works,” he said. Regarding Part B, the Chief Minister mentioned that the DPRs are currently at the appraisal stage with the Nodal Agency of MoP.

“Once the Part B DPRs are sanctioned by MoP, the modernization works will be awarded as per the terms and conditions specified in the sanction order,” he concluded.

Gurez emerging as a tourist destination: CM Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today said that Gurez valley has recently gained significant recognition as a tourist destination and Tourism department would assess the need for establishing a Tourism Development Authority for Gurez.

Responding to a question by member Nazir Ahmad Khan Gurezi, the Chief Minister informed the House that Gurez Valley in Jammu and Kashmir has recently been in the spotlight as a tourist destination.

“In 2022, Gurez Valley received the ‘Best Offbeat Destination’ award, emphasizing its appeal as a unique and emerging tourist spot,” he said.

The Chief Minister, who also holds the portfolio of Tourism Minister, further stated that in September 2023, Dawar village in Gurez was honored with the ‘Best Tourism Village’ award in the Gold category by the Union Ministry of Tourism.

“This accolade highlights the village’s cultural richness and tourism potential,” he informed the Legislative Assembly.

To promote Gurez as a new tourist destination, he added, the Department of Tourism, Jammu and Kashmir, has taken several initiatives, and in 2024, commercial rafting was started in Gurez for the first time ever.

Besides, during the current financial year, the Department of Tourism, J&K, has projected the upgradation of Gurez as an offbeat destination under the current year Capex Budget (2024-25), the Chief Minister stated in his reply.

Fire victims’ assistance based on revised norms: CM Omar Abdullah

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today informed the Legislative Assembly that the assistance provided to victims of fire incidents is based on the revised norms under the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF).

In reply to the question of member Ali Mohammad Sagar during Question Hour of the ongoing Budget Session, the Chief Minister stated that the assistance scale for victims of fire incidents is as per the revised norms of assistance from the State Disaster Response Fund (SDRF) and National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF) issued by the Disaster Management Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India.

The Chief Minister, who is also Minister Incharge of Disaster Management, Relief, Rehabilitation & Reconstruction, further said that these norms are reviewed every five years.

NABARD estimates ₹43,297 cr credit potential for priority sector in 2025-26

JAMMU: Stressing the need for financial inclusion and targeted credit support to the farmers, entrepreneurs and rural businesses, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today called upon the banks to expand their outreach and ensure universal access to financial schemes.

The Chief Secretary was speaking at the UT Credit Seminar organised by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), where the bank unveiled an estimated ₹43,297.01 crore credit potential for Jammu and Kashmir’s priority sector for 2025-26.

The seminar, held in Jammu, was attended by Chandrashekhar Azad, Regional Director, Reserve Bank of India (RBI), Amitava Chatterjee, MD & CEO, J&K Bank and other senior officials from the government departments and the financial institutions.

Delivering the keynote address, the Chief Secretary lauded NABARD’s efforts in credit planning and timely release of the UT Focus Paper, which highlights funding priorities for agriculture, MSMEs and rural infrastructure.

“The government is committed towards expanding financial access across all Panchayats, ensuring that every eligible farmer benefits from the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) and Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY),” maintained the Chief Secretary. He urged the banks to encourage timely loan repayments and actively participate in government-backed initiatives such as YUVA, aimed at promoting entrepreneurship among youth.

Highlighting the challenges in agriculture financing, Dulloo emphasised the need for capital investment in modern farming techniques. He asked the banks to adopt innovative financial models to support small and marginal farmers in areas such as farm mechanisation and modern irrigation, horticulture expansion including apple, walnut and saffron cultivation and post-harvest processing and market linkages.

“Investment in agriculture processing has already shown promising results, with milk production increasing by 20 percent. The need of the hour is to integrate the technology and financial support to enhance productivity further,” asserted the Chief Secretary.

The Chief Secretary called for greater banking support to Self Help Groups (SHGs). “Empowering rural women through financial inclusion and micro-enterprise development will drive sustainable economic growth,” he remarked. He urged NABARD and banks to intensify training and capacity building efforts for women entrepreneurs in rural areas.

Beyond agriculture, the Chief Secretary highlighted tourism as a key growth driver for Jammu and Kashmir’s economy. “With over 2 crore tourists annually, we must invest in infrastructure, connectivity and sustainable tourism projects,” he said. He added that the government is working on master plans to develop new tourist destinations while strengthening transport and minor irrigation facilities to support rural livelihoods.

Acknowledging the progress in financial linkages, the Chief Secretary called for greater integration of digital banking and loan disbursement mechanisms to enhance transparency. “Common Service Centres (CSCs), online loan processing and financial ‘touch points’ will ensure that banking reaches the remotest areas efficiently,” he asserted.

Dulloo also underscored the importance of social security schemes, such as PM Jan Dhan Yojana, PM Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana and PM Suraksha Bima Yojana in providing financial stability to rural populations.

On the occasion, the Chief Secretary released a compendium titled “Transforming the Rural Landscape of J&K and Ladakh”, showcasing NABARD’s interventions in the region, along with a booklet on Indicative Unit Costs for Agriculture & Allied Activities (2025-26). These documents serve as crucial references for policymakers, financial institutions and rural entrepreneurs.

The event concluded with Vikas Mittal, General Manager, NABARD, extending vote of thanks. “With the continued support of the UT Government and banking stakeholders, NABARD will strive to achieve the targets highlighted by the chief guest,” he affirmed.

The UT Credit Seminar served as a vital platform for the government officials, bankers and industry experts to collaborate on strategies for strengthening rural credit access and economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir.

JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today listened to the issues and concerns of Ex-Servicemen highlighted by Lieutenant General, Navin Sachdeva, AVSM, SM, GOC 16 Corps based in Nagrota, in his office at Civil Secretariat,  Jammu.

Principal Secretary, Home Department, Chandraker Bharti; Brigadier Kapil Taneja, VSM, Brig A 16 Corps; Brigadier Gurmeet Singh Shan, Director Rajya Sainik Board and Colonel Tejas B Candade, SM, Colonel GS HR 16 Corps were also present on the occasion.

Some of the core demands raised with the Chief Secretary included compilation and complete digitization of the database of all the Ex-Servicemen of J&K for proper management of the cadre besides preservation and easy maintenance of records for the posterity.

They also asked for allowing them to apply for government jobs under ‘Ex-Servicemen’ quota in the last year of their services as the recruitment process takes some months in its completion thereby giving them opportunity to join at the end of their service period. One more demand was utilization of their services as NCC Trainers as these Ex-Servicemen are more suitable to play the role and give better training to the cadets enrolled here.

Some other demands included more welfare measures in terms of livelihood opportunities in favour of Veer Naris besides filling up of the posts of Zilla Sainik Welfare Officers in each district so that these servicemen do not have to travel to cities for disposal of their service related affairs.

The Chief Secretary, while responding to the issues and demands raised by them, outlined his commitment towards this section of the society who had spent their lives for preserving the honour and sovereignty of the nation. He assured them that the government will explore the options for giving them due opportunities of self employment under different government schemes and also resolve their issues faced in availing different government job opportunities.

In order to bring added efficiency in grievance resolution, the Chief Secretary advised them to utilize the ‘JK Samadhan’ portal for registration of their grievances. He maintained that this platform gives seamless access to the administration and ensures timely resolution of grievances with quality outcomes up to the optimum satisfaction of the aggrieved persons.

Dulloo also advised the Home Department to give sympathetic consideration to all these demands and take steps for early resolution of all of these. He maintained that the nation is indebted to these people for their yeoman’s services given during their service period.

He directed for taking a timely review of resolution of these issues besides assuring them that the administration is alive to the welfare concerns of these people. He made out that the government would take every possible step to ensure a pleasant post-retirement life in favour of all the ex-Servicemen of the UT of J&K.

Stresses block level implementation drives by BDOs

JAMMU: Deputy Commissioner, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, chaired a District Level Committee (DLC) meeting to review the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a flagship scheme of the Central Government aimed at promoting rooftop solar installations in residential households.

During the meeting, the DC emphasised the need for proactive awareness campaigns across all subdivisions, instructing SDMs, BDOs and Tehsildars to organise public outreach programs to educate citizens about the scheme’s benefits. He also directed BDOs to expedite approvals for rooftop solar installations and encourage government building owners to adopt solar power.

Stressing the importance of inter-departmental coordination, he asked officers to work closely with JPDCL to facilitate smooth implementation. The DC reiterated the administration’s commitment to promoting renewable energy and ensuring that the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana reaches maximum beneficiaries, contributing to the government’s vision of sustainable and self-reliant energy solutions.

As part of the initiative, villages have been identified and mobilised under the Model Solar Village Program, which aims to recognise villages demonstrating the highest adoption of distributed renewable energy. The selection process considers the total installed renewable energy capacity within a village’s revenue boundary. The district’s leading village will receive ₹1 crore in Central Financial Assistance (CFA), with additional funding drawn from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions, departmental budgets and district-level funds to enhance renewable energy deployment.

In Jammu district, five villages have been shortlisted for large-scale implementation under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana- Kheri Village in Bishnah Block, Bhalwal village in Bhalwal Block, Shamachak in Marh Block, Phinder in Miransahib Block and Badyal Brahmna in RS Pura Block. The winning village will be declared the Model Solar Village and will receive the ₹1 crore CFA grant.

The meeting was attended by Sher Singh, ADDC Jammu; Karm Chand, Superintendent Engineer (O&M Circle), JPDCL; Executive Engineers Ashok Chibber, Sanjeev Rohmetra, Avneet Gupta and Sanjay Gupta, along with other senior officials.

Efforts to boost Jammu’s economy through tourism, heritage & pilgrimage promotion

JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reaffirmed his government’s commitment to promoting Jammu’s religious tourism circuit to boost the region’s economy.

 Responding to a supplementary query by MLA Yudhvir Sethi in the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister, who also holds charge of the Tourism Department, stated that concerted efforts are being made to publicize every tourism asset in the region.

 “The department is actively working on developing the Jammu pilgrimage circuit. I have repeatedly emphasized this to more than one crore Mata Vaishno Devi pilgrims. If even ten to fifteen percent of them can be encouraged to visit other tourist destinations in Jammu, it will significantly benefit the region. However, we have not been able to achieve this so far,” he said.

 He acknowledged that a key challenge is the lack of comprehensive information about Jammu’s pilgrimage sites.

“We aim to develop structured itineraries for three-day, four-day, and seven-day pilgrimage tours and promote them effectively. We will ensure widespread distribution of promotional literature at trade and tourism fairs to attract visitors,” he added.

 Addressing concerns about the impact of direct train connectivity to Kashmir and the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway by passing Jammu, the Chief Minister acknowledged the apprehensions of the local tourism industry. “There is concern that with the railway now extending not just to Katra but also to Srinagar and Baramulla and with the expressway allowing travelers to bypass Jammu City, tourism in Jammu may be affected. However, developing tourism destinations alone is not enough. Sites like Jammu’s heritage landmarks, the upcoming Jammu lake, and the Jammu zoo are significant attractions, but they need better branding and visibility,” he said.

 “We must give these destinations a distinct identity and promote them effectively. It is true that there has not been adequate publicity so far, but we are committed to addressing this,” he asserted.

 Earlier, in response to a starred question of the Legislator, the Chief Minister highlighted the ongoing efforts of the Tourism Department in developing infrastructure to attract more tourists to Jammu City.

“Several projects have been implemented under the State Capex Budget and Swadesh Darshan Scheme,” he informed the House.

 Among the notable projects undertaken, the government has focused on enhancing major tourist attractions.

 A musical water fountain with a sound and light show has been installed at Bagh-e-Bahu to enrich visitor experiences.

Additionally, tourist facilities have been developed at Bhagwati Nagar and Sidhra Golf Course to accommodate and attract more travelers.

 Further, an amusement park has been constructed near the Sidhra Golf Course in Jammu to provide more recreational options. To improve connectivity, the much-anticipated ropeway project from Mohmaya to Bagh-e-Bahu has been implemented, offering tourists a scenic and efficient travel option.

 The Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) is also spearheading multiple initiatives to modernize Jammu’s infrastructure and enhance its appeal as a tourist destination.

 As part of its heritage conservation and beautification efforts, JSCL has undertaken the restoration and beautification of iconic landmarks such as Bahu Fort, Mubarak Mandi, Raghunath Bazaar, and various temples and ghats under the Smart City initiative.

 To improve urban mobility and accessibility, major road upgrades are underway, along with the development of pedestrian-friendly pathways. In a bid to promote sustainable transportation, the city has introduced electric buses under the eBus project, making public transport more eco-friendly.

 A key initiative under JSCL is the redevelopment of the Tawi Riverfront, transforming it into a vibrant recreational hub with promenades, cycling tracks, and leisure spaces for residents and tourists alike.

Furthermore, heritage sites such as Bahu Fort, the Army Headquarters at Mubarak Mandi, Maha Maya Temple, and Tawi bridges have been enhanced with façade lighting, adding to their visual appeal.

 To make historical and cultural experiences more engaging, the government has also introduced digital and immersive light and sound shows at Bahu Fort heritage sites.

 The Chief Minister emphasized that JSCL’s vision aligns with making Jammu a modern, tourist-friendly, and sustainable city while preserving its rich cultural and historical essence.

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today started the discussion on Motion of Thanks on Lieutenant Governor’s address, tabled by Speaker, Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather before the house.

The motion moved by Mubarak Gul was seconded by Ghulam Ahmad Mir.

Speaking during the Motion of Thanks, Mubarak Gul said that people gave overwhelming mandate to this government. He also called for restoration statehood. “Restoration of Statehood for Jammu and Kashmir is our right”, he said.

Ghulam Ahmad Mir, during the address, thanked people for showing faith in the electoral process and participating during Assembly elections in large numbers. He also called upon the legislators to make judicious use of the time of the house.

Sham Lal Sharma, while participating in the discussion said that our approach should be for making our institutions strong and work collectively in this regard.

 Sajad Ahmad Shaheen appreciated the Government for presenting a holistic roadmap for the development of Jammu and Kashmir. He called for development of healthcare facilities as well as Educational infrastructure in his constituency. He enjoined upon all legislators to work collectively for the restoration of the Statehood.

Farooq Ahmad Shah in his address said that we have to maintain the dignity of the house and work for the welfare of people. He also called for framing of a policy to further promote sustainable Tourism in Gulmarg, Industrial growth as well as creating employment avenues for the youth.

Dr. Rameshwar Singh also spoke during the motion of thanks tabled by Speaker. He said that the Government should frame a policy for the regularization of NRHM employees. He also called for creating job opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, besides timely action on illegal mining activities