‘Khetscore’ to determine credit worthiness of each farm

JAMMU,: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, while taking stock of progress registered under different credit linked schemes of the Agriculture Production Department (APD) remarked that agriculture sector in J&K has an additional credit potential of around Rs 3000 crore if tapped optimally by the financial institutions here.

Besides Principal Secretary, APD and MD, J&K Bank, the meeting was attended by MD, HADP/JKCIP; DG, Budget; Deputy Commissioners; HoDs of APD; Convenor, UTLBC; representatives from BISAG-N and other concerned officers while outstation officers participated virtually.

The Chief Secretary impressed upon the Deputy Commissioners and the concerned department to be in close coordination with J&K Bank in order to enhance the approval and disbursement rate of the applications. He said that there is still greater potential of growth in this sector as the banks could tap additional Rs 3000 crore business by laying more focus on it. He advised the financial institutions to tap this potential for there is lesser NPA rate as well.

He maintained that almost half of the applications received by the department on the portal should be credit linked as the products are highly attractive guaranteeing the interest subvention and moratorium period that is not available anywhere else.

Dulloo enjoined upon the Bank to designate some of their best human resources to look after the progress on these schemes to improve their uptake and increase their number proportionate to the total number of applicants registered on the official portal. He also reviewed scheme-wise progress and pendency in each district and enquired from respective DCs about the reasons of poor performance, if found anywhere. He took note of the applications pending from last more than 100 days and directed the banks to clear the backlog without any further delay .

He also laid emphasis on creation of awareness among the public besides handholding them by helping in generating successful DPRs thereby increasing the rate of approval of their applications. He asked for assisting people to have fair idea about the schemes, credit and benefits available for them based upon their areas of interest.

The Chief Secretary also sought suggestions from the Department , DCs and the Bank officers about the measures needed to be taken to improve the overall performance of these schemes for these are in vogue now for the 2nd year. He asked them to further improve the progress in high density plantation, distribution of smart cards under KCC, KCC term loans, PM Kisan, AIF, AHIDF, PMFBY and other similar schemes.

On the occasion, Principal Secretary, APD, Shailendra Kumar, informed the meeting that the Department targets coverage of 13 lakh farmers under KCC scheme which currently hovers at around 10.82 lakh active customers. He also revealed that the Department in coordination with the banks is in a process of streamlining the credit availing facility for farmers by developing an IT solution named ‘Khetscore’ to determine the credit worthiness of each farm. He made out that the same would be done based upon historical data, external risk assessment and taking of geographical factors into account.

MD, HADP, Rahul Yadav, informed the meeting about other measures being taken by the Department to improve the uptake of these schemes by the farmers. He also threw light on the overall progress of these schemes over the past few months.

The MD also enumerated certain measures including launching of IT tools like credit scheme advisor, DPR generating portal and Grievance redressal portal with banks for real time registration and tracking of credit related grievances by the banks and administration on the directions of the Chief Secretary.

Later, the Chief Secretary had live demonstration of these developing applications as given by the BISAG-N. He asked them to converge all the Agriculture related tools and apps on a single platform which would give access to them with ease and comfort.

He also released a number of publications depicting the progress and success stories of HADP and other programmes to revolutionise Agriculture sector besides increasing the farmers income manifold across the UT of J&K.

Advocates recognition, celebration of contributions of womenfolk

JAMMU,: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today emphasized the importance of recognizing and celebrating the contributions of womenfolk in various fields across Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister made these remarks while chairing a meeting held at the Civil Secretariat here to review the preparations for forthcoming International Women’s Day being held on 8th March.

Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Sanjeev Verma; Commissioner Secretary, Culture department, K Ramesh Kumar; Director Social Welfare Kashmir, Mohammad Akbar Wani; Director Social Welfare Jammu, Rupesh Kumar; Director School Education Jammu; Director Colleges J&K; Director Health Services Jammu, Director Health Services Kashmir; Mission Directors of ICDS, ICPS and Mission Shakti besides other concerned officers attended the meeting, either in person or virtually.

The Minister stressed on the need to highlight contributions of women in various fields for awareness of common masses, particularly the female fraternity. “We must not only acknowledge the incredible contributions of women in every field but also ensure they have opportunities and support to excel further in their goals and dreams” Sakeena maintained.

She asked the officers to promote initiatives that empower women folk and create awareness among them about various initiatives of the government for their empowerment. “Every woman should know about the schemes and support systems available to them to help her achieve her ambitions and purposes of life”, Sakeena stated.

The Minister called upon the social welfare, education and health departments to work in coordination and organize this day collectively. She asked them to organize awareness programs and felicitations of women achievers in their respective districts. She also asked them to constitute teams in their respective districts for better coordination and smooth conduct of the programme.

While speaking on the significance of Women’s Day, Sakeena reiterated the government for gender equality and called for collective efforts to create a more inclusive society. She encouraged participation from all sections of society to celebrate the strength and resilience of women.

During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare informed the Minister about the preparations being put in place by the department for the International Women’s Day scheduled to be held on 8th March across Jammu and Kashmir.

JAMMU: Agriculture Department today accorded a warm and heartfelt farewell to Prem Singh, Divisional Seed Certification Officer (DSCO) Jammu, who retired after more than 30 years of dedicated service. The farewell ceremony brought together staff and officers, who expressed their deep appreciation and gratitude for Prem Singh’s unwavering commitment to the welfare of the farming community.

The gathering, imbued with warmth and camaraderie, was graced by the Director of Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare, Jammu, Arvinder Singh Reen, along with Joint Director Agriculture (Extension/SLUB) Jammu, Satish Sharma, Deputy Director (Central), Dr. Ashwani Sharma, and other officers, who collectively wished Prem Singh a fulfilling and prosperous post-retirement life.

JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today accorded an affectionate farewell to Syed Mohammad Shafi, the longest serving employee of Chief Secretary Office.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Secretary lauded Shafi’s unwavering dedication, calling him an upright official known for his punctuality and ever smiling demeanour. He remarked that officials like Shafi leave a lasting impression and are fondly remembered by other colleagues. He extended his best wishes for Shafi’s health, happiness, and success post retirement life.

Several officers and colleagues also expressed their appreciation for Shafi’s long and distinguished service.

Among those who spoke and conveyed their best wishes to the retiree were Special Secretary in CS Office, K.S. Chib, Deputy Secretary, Rakesh Sharma, Under Secretaries, Mohit Raina, Saba Noor, Gaurav Gupta and other staff members from the Chief Secretary’s personal section.

The farewell gathering was marked by gratitude and fond memories, reflecting the deep respect and affection Shafi has earned over the years. His other colleagues also reminisced about the affectionate moments they had spent together.

LG pays tributes to renowned scientist Sir C.V. Raman; emphasizes on promotion of advancements in Science & Technology, Knowledge Exchange and to foster Creativity, Innovation for a Sustainable Future

Scientists, Technologists and Entrepreneurs will power the journey of Viksit Bharat: LG Sinha

Lieutenant Governor urges all the Universities of J&K UT to set up Artificial Intelligence Labs for cutting-edge research and innovation

AI Lab will be a separate entity within Science & Technology Department through multidisciplinary collaboration with industry, researchers, educators and technologists: LG Sinha

We cannot imagine a future without AI. It will have profound impact on every aspect of our lives and that’s why it is critical to enable our youth to develop their AI knowledge, reskilling and upskilling of workforce to keep up with AI trends and to make J&K UT more competitive: LG

In the near future, AI will be most needed by health and emergency services workers, industry managers, and social and business leaders: LG Sinha

It will be the responsibility of all AI labs of Universities to conduct workshops and weekly training modules for them so that our entire workforce in J&K becomes AI literate and leaders from various sectors are also better equipped to make the right decision: LG

AI Labs in the Universities will directly coordinate with local industries for integration of new discoveries and innovation of AI into businesses. The research will also focus on current status of AI use and ways to enhance its adoption to boost productivity and profit: LG

Lieutenant Governor inaugurates Synthetic Athletic Track Surface at Kashmir University campus

SRINAGAR,: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed the ‘National Science Day’ seminar at University of Kashmir.

The Lieutenant Governor extended his greetings on the occasion and paid tributes to renowned scientist Sir C.V. Raman. This year, the theme for National Science Day is “Empowering Indian Youth for Global Leadership in Science and Innovation for Viksit Bharat”.

In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized on promotion of advancements in Science & Technology, knowledge exchange and to foster creativity, innovation for a sustainable future.

Speaking on the unprecedented technological advancement taking place globally, the Lieutenant Governor urged all the Universities of J&K UT to set up Artificial Intelligence Labs for cutting-edge research and innovation.

 He said, the AI Lab will be a separate entity within the Science & Technology Department through multidisciplinary collaboration with industry, researchers, educators and technologists.

“We cannot imagine a future without AI. It will have a profound impact on every aspect of our lives and that’s why it is critical to enable our youth to develop their AI knowledge, reskilling and upskilling of workforce to keep up with AI trends and to make J&K UT more competitive.

AI Labs in the Universities will directly coordinate with local industries for integration of new discoveries and innovation of AI into businesses. The research will also focus on the current status of AI use and ways to enhance its adoption to boost productivity and profit,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He further asked the Universities to adopt a flexible approach towards AI and offer short-term courses keeping in mind the rapid advancement of AI and according to the industry trends.

The Lieutenant Governor said, “Scientists, Technologists and Entrepreneurs will power the journey of Viksit Bharat. They will drive India’s scientific and technological progress and provide a strong foundation to the innovation ecosystem of Jammu Kashmir.

In the near future, AI will be most needed by health and emergency services workers, industry managers, and social and business leaders. It will be the responsibility of all AI labs of Universities to conduct workshops and weekly training modules for them so that our entire workforce in J&K becomes AI literate and leaders from various sectors are also better equipped to make the right decision”.

The Lieutenant Governor called upon the students and the faculty members to collectively work on integrated action, through a five-year plan, to use the power of new technology like AI in the development of Jammu Kashmir. 

Along with path-breaking discoveries, our focus should also be on such innovations that provide solutions to the challenges of different sectors at the local level. We also have to pay special attention to the fact that technology like AI should be according to ethical standards and be free from any kind of bias, he added.

The Lieutenant Governor also lauded the valuable contribution of Kashmir University in scientific innovation and education sector.

Prof. Ajit Kembhavi, Emeritus Professor, Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA) and Prof. Anil Bharadwaj, Director Physical Research Laboratory, Ahmedabad, who joined through virtually, spoke on Astronomy for Citizen and progress of Space Science in India, respectively.

The seminar was organised by the Department of Physics, University of Kashmir, in collaboration with Vigyan Bharati, New Delhi commemorating the discovery of the ‘Raman Effect’ made by Sir C.V. Raman.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor inaugurated Synthetic Athletic Track Surface at Kashmir University campus.

Prof. Nilofer Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Kashmir; Sh Saurabh Bhagat, Commissioner/Secretary, Science & Technology Department; Dr. Som Dev Bharadwaj, Organizing Secretary, Vigyan Bharati; scientists, faculty members and youth in large number were present.

LG calls upon the awardees to work towards transforming the youth into enlightened citizens

In the current era of unprecedented technological advancement, where AI is reshaping our work environment, we need to prepare human resource capable of driving the change: LG

In our journey of Viksit J&K, we need support of valiant soldiers, leaders from social sectors, farmers, entrepreneurs, youth and women: LG Sinha

We need to identify those sections of the population who have got left behind due to discriminatory laws and keep working for their upliftment: LG

We need to build a J&K where the rural and urban divide is completely bridged. A J&K where there is social equity and which runs on the principles of Rule of Law and equal opportunity. A J&K where Tourism, Handicraft, Agriculture, Horticulture, Industry and Service Sector works together: LG

LG reiterates that the J&K Administration is working for inclusive growth with sincerity and commitment

I can proudly say that in the past four and half years we have ensured development of social sectors to complement our economic growth to achieve the ultimate goal of social equity: LG

Under the guidance of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji, we have implemented framework of policies and programmes for benefit of underprivileged and those discriminated and the saturation of benefits should be ensured: LG

I also want great personalities and intelligentsia to act as a monitoring system for the proper implementation of programmes and policies designed for the upliftment of the weaker sections of society: LG Sinha

This goal can be achieved with the collective effort of the administration, civil society organizations like Women Club Meri Pehchan and the leaders like you. Your active participation in fact, holds the key to the success of all the projects for socio-economic change: LG

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today felicitated the recipients of ‘Maharaja Hari Singh Dogra Samman Award 2025’, organised by Women Club Meri Pehchan at Jammu.

The event was also graced by Shri Ramdas Athawale, Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment.

In his address, the Lieutenant Governor appreciated the ‘Women Club Meri Pehchan’ for recognising the outstanding work of individuals in the service of the nation. Every nation and society must recognize the valuable contribution of its great personalities. It is our prime responsibility to honour those because of whom we are able to live freely, he said.   

The Lieutenant Governor congratulated the awardees and called upon them to work towards transforming the youth into enlightened citizens. He observed that, in the current era of unprecedented technological advancement, where AI is reshaping our work environment, we need to prepare human resource capable of driving the change.

The Lieutenant Governor said, “In our journey of Viksit J&K, we need support of valiant soldiers, leaders from social sectors, farmers, entrepreneurs, youth and women. We need to identify those sections of the population who have got left behind due to discriminatory laws and keep working for their upliftment.

We need to build a J&K where the rural and urban divide is completely bridged. A J&K where there is social equity and which runs on the principles of rule of law and equal opportunity. A J&K where tourism, handicraft, agriculture, horticulture, industry and service sector works together”.

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that the J&K Administration is working for inclusive growth with sincerity and commitment.

“I can proudly say that in the past four and half years we have ensured development of social sectors to complement our economic growth to achieve the ultimate goal of social equity,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He highlighted that, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the government has implemented a framework of policies and programmes for the benefit of the underprivileged and those discriminated and the saturation of benefits should be ensured.

“I also want great personalities and intelligentsia to act as a monitoring system for the proper implementation of programmes and policies designed for the upliftment of the weaker sections of society.

This goal can be achieved with the collective effort of the administration, civil society organizations like Women Club Meri Pehchan and the leaders like you. Your active participation in fact, holds the key to the success of all the projects for socio-economic change,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also paid tributes to Maharaja Hari Singh and recalled his visionary policies and reforms dedicated to public welfare. 

He emphasised that every person will have to discharge his duties and responsibilities to bring a positive change in the society.

The Indian Army veterans, martyrs and gallant heroes who are decorated with Param Vir Chakra, Ashok Chakra, Maha Vir Chakra, Shaurya Chakra, Kirti Chakra, and Sena Medal including Lt Gen Anup Singh Jamwal (Retd); Maj Gen Sunita Kapoor (Retd), Col. Rajinder Kumar Sharma (Retd); Captain MV Pranjal; Subedar Major Sanjay Kumar PVC; Naib Subedar Chuni Lal; Lance Naik Nazir Ahmed Wani and Subedar Sansar Chand MVC, were conferred with the Maharaja Hari Singh Dogra Samman Award 2025.

Sh Ravinder Singh Vicky, General Secretary, Shaheed Sainik Parivar Suraksha Parishad, Punjab; Sh Jatinder Singh Gurjar, Security Guard and Smt Supriya Hoon, Social activist were also honoured with the prestigious award.

Ms Sandhya Gupta, Founder, Women Club Meri Pehchan; army veterans and their family members, senior officials, members of Women Club Meri Pehchan and various other social organizations were present.