JAMMU, JULY 23: The Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate Jammu has pronounced conviction in the Case titled State through Drugs Inspector, Jammu V/s Mahajan & Mahajan Medical Agency related to sale and supply of a drug declared to be Not of Standard Quality by Government Analyst.
The accused have been convicted under section 18 (a) read with section 27(d)of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act,1940 with fine amounting to Rs 80,000/-& the imprisonment till rising of the court.
In another similar matter, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Poonch in the case titled Drug Control Officer District Poonch vs. M/s Affine Formulations, Tehsil Nalagarh, District Solan (H.P) convicted accused no 1-3 with a fine amounting to Rs 60,000/-& the imprisonment till rising of the Court.
The proceedings in the twin matters were initiated against the accused firms after following the due procedure laid down under Drugs & Cosmetics Act related to lifting of statutory samples by Drug Inspectors The samples were sent to Government Drug Testing Laboratories for framing of opinion w.r.t identity, purity & strength. The Government Analyst has reported certain discrepancies in the quality of the samples.
State Drugs Controller J&K Lotika Khajuria has urged all stakeholders in the pharmaceutical supply chain to strictly comply with regulatory norms & help the department to maintain high standards of medical treatment. She has emphasized the need to adhere to the regulatory norms in letter and spirit.
JAMMU, JULY 23: Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar reviewed the progress of work on Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch and Budhal-Mahore-Gool roads at a meeting. He discussed the land accusation issues and stressed on inter-departmental coordination to remove bottlenecks, if any.
The Jammu-Akhnoor-Poonch road project, a part of National Highway 144A, involves widening of the existing road to a 2-lane highway with paved shoulders. Similarly, Budhal-Mahore-Gool widening project aims to improve connectivity between the districts of Rajouri, Budhal, Gool, Ramban, and Reasi by upgrading the existing road to double-lane highway. The project involves upgrading the existing road to National Highway specifications.
The meeting was attended by Chief Conservator of Forests Jammu, Deputy Commissioners of Jammu, Poonch, Rajouri and Reasi, Chief Engineer Project Beacon/Sampark.
The Divisional Commissioner was apprised by respective District Administrations and senior officials of Border Roads Organization about the current status of the twin projects and progress made in terms of disbursement of compensation and removal of structures to facilitate up-gradation/construction of the roads.
The Div Com directed for speedy resolution of hindrances, if any, for timely execution of road construction works by the concerned executing agencies. He asked the district administrations to provide all possible assistance to the executing agency to ensure speedy execution of works.
SRINAGAR, JULY 23: Speaker, Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (JKLA), Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather, today chaired the High Level Apex Committee (HLAC) meeting at Assembly Complex to review progress on implementation of National e-Vidhan Application (NeVA) project in Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.
The meeting was attended by MLAs Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi, Nizamuddin Bhat, Tanvir Sadiq, Arjun Singh Raju, Dr Sunil Bhardwaj and Dr Bharat Bhushan, Secretary Information Technology department, Dr. Piyush Singla and Secretary Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Manoj Kumar Pandita besides members of HLAC.
The meeting was also attended by Secretary Law department, Achal Sethi; DG Budget, SIO NIC J&K; representatives of NICSI and other concerned officers.
The Speaker, who is also the Chairman of HLAC, took detailed assessment on this flagship project aimed at making the legislature digital and paperless.
Addressing the officers, the Speaker emphasized the importance of timely completion and integration of NeVA project to modernize the legislative processes and ensure a paperless functioning of J&K Assembly. He highlighted that NeVA as a milestone initiative aimed at increasing the transparency, efficiency and accessibility in legislative proceedings for both the legislators and the public.
He stressed upon the officers to maintain regular coordination for effective implementation of the project in J&K Legislative Assembly.
The Speaker directed all the concerned departments to expedite the remaining tasks and adhere to timelines for timely rollout of this prestigious initiative.
“Successful implementation of NeVA will bring J&K at par with digitally empowered legislatures of the country”, the Speaker stated.
He also directed the NIC and IT department to keep the HLAC updated about the progress achieved on implementation of this project.
During the meeting, SIO NIC J&K gave a detailed presentation on current status of the project.
Pertinently, NeVA is a flagship project under Digital India Initiative led by Union Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs, aimed at making the Legislature paperless.
JAMMU, JULY 22: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today chaired a meeting to review the water supply management and infrastructure development in Jammu Province.
The meeting had threadbare discussion on status of water supply schemes and to strategize their augmentation to ensure adequate and sustainable water resources for the populace. Among others, the meeting was attended by the Chief Engineer, PHE Jammu, Vikas Sharma, Superintending Engineers, Ajay Sharma and Sunil Gandotra.
The Minister stressed on the importance of early completion of ongoing Water Supply Schemes, prioritizing the early completion of ongoing Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) schemes. Emphasising on quick and efficient response mechanism to address any disruptions in the water supply system, Rana said that it is crucial to ensure the objectives of providing safe and potable water to every household are met in a timely manner.
The meeting also underscored the critical importance of regular cleaning and maintenance of water storage tanks to safeguard the quality of stored water and prevent contamination. The Minister directed the concerned authorities to ensure the proper functioning of filtration plants, which are instrumental in delivering clean and safe water to the community.
In addition, a key aspect of the discussion revolved around implementation of an effective water recharge strategy. This initiative is envisioned to bolster the sustainability of water resources, ensuring their replenishment and long-term availability.
The Minister also highlighted the urgent need for repair of defunct handpumps, which are a crucial source of water for many communities. He further reaffirmed the commitment of Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to ensure effective implementation of these critical measures.
Samba, July 23: Continuing its drive against bovine smugglers and their propagators, Samba Police has successfully foiled two bovines smuggling attempts in the jurisdiction of Police Station Ghagwal, arrested two bovine smugglers and rescued four bovines from the clutches of bovine smugglers. The vehicles used in the illegal transportation of bovines were also seized.
Acting on reliable information, a Police team of PP Rajpura of PS Ghagwal intercepted an Auto Load carrier bearing registration No. JK02DG-4617 at naka Rajpura for its checking. During checking, a bovine was found inside the vehicle which was tied in a cruel manner and was being transported illegally without any valid permission.
The bovine smugglers identified as Amjad Khan S/o Abdul Rashid R/o Phinder Khour Devian R S Pura district Jammu and Tripta Devi W/o Raj Kumar R/o Phinder R S Pura district Jammu have been arrested.
A case FIR No. 74/2025 u/s 223 BNS, 11 PCA Act has been registered at Police Station Ghagwal and investigation started.
In another bovine smuggling incident, a Police team of Police Station Ghagwal intercepted an Auto load carrier bearing registration No. JK21D-4187 at Naka Tapyal and rescued three bovines which were being transported illegally without any valid permission.
A case FIR No. 75/2025 u/s 223 BNS, 11 PCA Act has been registered at Police Station Ghagwal and investigation started.
JAMMU: In a determined move against drug trafficking, Police Post Sidhra, under the jurisdiction of Police Station Nagrota, achieved another success by arresting one suspected drug peddlers and recovering 30 grams of heroin-like substance.
The accused have been identified as Mohd Yaqoob Dar S/O Ghulam Rasool Dar R/O Chathabal karan nagar Srinagar.
One person was seen coming on foot in suspicious manner from Bajalta towards Sidhra side.On seeing the police naka ,he tried to turn back and escape but he was apprehended by incharge Naka Bajalta morh of PP Sidhra.During personal search 30gm of Heroin like substance was recovered from the possession of accused.
On this FIR number 166/2025 has been registered at Police Station Nagrota under Section 8/21/22 of the NDPS Act Further investigation is underway to trace the source of the contraband and identify any links to a larger drug network.
This successful operation is yet another testament to the Jammu Police’s proactive efforts in combating the drug menace.
REASI, 23 July: Due to inclement weather conditions, all the Govt/private schools of district Reasi shall remain closed today on 23.7.2025 keeping in view the safety of students as per the directions of Deputy Commissioner Reasi.
Due to inclement weather conditions, all the Govt/private schools of district Reasi shall remain closed today on 23.7.2025 keeping in view the safety of students as per the directions of Worthy Deputy Commissioner Reasi.@Divcomjammu@diprj
— Deputy Commissioner Reasi (@DMReasi) July 23, 2025
JAMMU, JULY 22: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, today discussed the actionable points for a comprehensive and robust Traffic Management System in Jammu City, while chairing a meeting of Multi-Disciplinary Committee.
The meeting was attended by IGP Traffic J&K, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Commissioner JMC, Vice Chairman JDA and Transport Commissioner Jammu, Chief Engineer PWD(R&B), SSP Traffic Jammu City.
The meeting held threadbare discussion on traffic planning and management system, decongestion measures, increasing road capacity and infrastructure, encroachment control and relocation of street vendors, identification of one-way routes and traffic flow adjustment, safety and accident reduction measures.
The Divisional Commissioner directed for constituting a joint team of officials from Traffic, Transport, District Administration, JMC and JDA to conduct a survey to identify traffic congestion points, spots to be designated as no parking zones, one way routes, Taxi/Auto/Bus Stands and other steps necessary for improving the traffic management system in the city.
The meeting decided to further hold detailed discussions in the next meeting on the basis of points and observation reported by the joint team of officials after their visit.
Jammu, Jul 22: The 24×7 control rooms set up at all district headquarters across the Jammu division in view of the flash flood alert by the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the other day.
As per the IMD guidance bulletin, warning of a low to moderate risk of flash floods in Kathua, Samba, Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban, Reasi, Jammu, Rajouri and Poonch districts over the next 24 hours has been issued.
In response to the IMD communication, the divisional administration said that the District Disaster Management Authorities (DDMAs) have been urged to take necessary precautions and measures as per established protocols to ensure public safety and mitigate risks.
The district magistrates in all the 10 districts of Jammu have set up round-the-clock control rooms in their respective headquarters for public assistance, the officials said.
Pertinently, the incessant rains lashed the wide parts of Jammu for the consecutive day today, while the weatherman had forecast wet weather with heavy rainfall at several places till July 24.
SRINAGAR, JULY 22: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today underscored the need for comprehensive, inclusive and locally adaptable implementation of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, calling it a visionary document whose success depends entirely on its understanding and execution at the grassroots level.
The Chief Minister was speaking at a One-Day Conference on NEP-2020 held at Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC), themed “Empowering Education Leaders for Holistic Education.”
Emphasizing the importance of reflection and course correction, the Chief Minister said, “The New Education Policy is now five years old. This is the time to evaluate where we have succeeded, where we have fallen short, and what more can be done to implement it better. A policy is only as effective as its application and understanding.”
Terming the NEP-2020 a “magnificent and far-reaching” framework, Omar Abdullah stressed that real change will come only when the policy is understood in its true spirit and implemented with sensitivity to local needs and realities.
He said the future of Jammu and Kashmir will be shaped significantly by the educators, policymakers, and institutional leaders who guide the younger generation. “You will decide how capable our children will be in contributing to the development of J&K and the country at large. You will shape their competitiveness, confidence, and capacity,” he added.
Pointing to persistent gaps in subject availability and staffing, the Chief Minister noted that many government schools and colleges are unable to offer a wide range of subjects due to faculty shortages. “In Jammu, only a few schools offer Urdu; in Kashmir, few offer Hindi. Even regional languages like Kashmiri, Dogri, or Punjabi are taught in very limited number of institutions. These gaps need to be filled gradually, within our available resources,” he said.
He also addressed frequent comparisons between government and private schools, highlighting that government institutions operate in areas where private schools often do not venture. “Setting up a school in Srinagar is easy. Try opening one in Gurez, Tangdhar, or Machil. Our teachers work in extreme conditions, away from the spotlight, and deserve recognition,” he stated.
Commending the spirit of innovation among students, the Chief Minister appreciated the exhibition held at the venue where students showcased practical solutions to real-life problems—ranging from water conservation, low-plastic alternatives, climate change awareness, to winter-specific water pipe systems.
“Our children don’t lack talent; they lack exposure and opportunities. Their creativity, thinking, and innovation give us hope that we are moving in the right direction,” he said.
Omar Abdullah also emphasized the importance of inclusivity in education. “Every child—regardless of physical or learning challenges—deserves a chance to learn. Are our schools truly inclusive and accessible to all? This workshop is a good step in that direction,” he said.
Speaking about the dynamic nature of education discourse, the Chief Minister observed that decisions regarding school holidays, exam schedules, and even online learning often spark debates in every household, reflecting the deep connection society has with the education system.
He acknowledged the challenges posed by the digital divide and affirmed that as the government’s financial capacity improves, efforts to bridge that divide will be intensified.
The Chief Minister said, “The future of Jammu and Kashmir is in the hands of our educators. You are not just teaching curriculum—you are shaping citizens, instilling values, and building futures. Let us work together to make our education system more resilient, inclusive, and transformative.”
The Chief Minister congratulated the organizers for holding the conference and expressed hope that such engagements will continue to inspire positive change across the education landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.
Earlier, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited the exhibition stalls set up by various government schools, showcasing innovative models and live demonstrations prepared by students and teachers.
Minister for Education, Sakina Itoo, also spoke on the occasion and said that one of the foremost priorities of the government, soon after its formation, was to reform the education system to make it more equitable, inclusive, and future-ready.
Vice Chancellor of the Islamic University of Science & Technology (IUST), Prof. Shakeel Romshoo, and Secretary, School Education, Ram Niwas Sharma also addressed the conference, sharing insights on the implementation and impact of NEP-2020.
The event was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta, Managing Director & CEO of J&K Bank, Amitava Chatterjee, Director of The Times of India Group, Rohit Sharma, Director School Education Kashmir, Dr. G.N. Itoo, along with senior officers, senior officials of the Education Department, Chief Education Officers, school principals, masters, teachers, NEP experts, students, and other stakeholders.
On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between IUST and the Directorate of School Education, Kashmir, to foster academic collaboration and strengthen school–university linkages.
