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.
SAMBA, JULY 22: A crucial meeting to finalise the District Capex Budget Plan for the financial year 2025-26 was today chaired by District Development Council Chairman Keshav Dutt Sharma, alongside MLA Samba Surjeet Singh Slathia and MLA Ramgarh Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal. The meeting was held today in the Conference Hall of the District Administrative Complex.
District Development Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, members of the District Development Council, Administrators of Urban Local Bodies, sectoral and district officers and all Block Development Officers of Samba district attended the meeting.
The proceedings began with a welcome address by Additional District Development Commissioner Champa Devi Thakur. Chief Planning Officer Kasturi Lal presented a comprehensive overview of the proposed District Plan, outlining sector-wise developmental works proposed under the District Capex Budget 2025-26.
Extensive deliberations were held on proposed works across key sectors, including Area Development Funds (DDC, BDC, PRIs), ABDP, SSY, APDP, TWID, PWD, Elementary and Secondary Education, Youth Services & Sports, PHE, Health and Urban Local Bodies.
The DDC Chairman, MLAs and DDC Members expressed satisfaction with the proposed developmental roadmap. With a unanimous consensus, the District Capex Budget Plan for 2025-26 was formally approved, marking a significant step towards the holistic development of the district.
SAMBA: Samba Police has apprehended three snatchers with sharp-edged weapon and recovered snatched money in a case registered at Police Station Samba.
On 18 July 2025, a written complaint was lodged at Police Station Samba by one person namely Chiman Lal S/o Soba Ram R/o Mandi Kheli Samba stating therein that three persons snatched cash of rupees 4900/- from him and threatened with sharp-edged weapon while he was selling vegetables at Samba market.
Taking cognizance into the matter, a case FIR number 189/2025 under Section 307/3(5) BNS, 4/25 Arms Act has been registered at Police Station Samba and investigation started. During the course of investigation, a team from Police Station Samba has apprehended accused namely Farunis S/o Grifan R/o Pangdour Samba, Tony S/o Hira Lal R/o Pangdour Samba and one more in the instant case.
Police has recovered sharp-edged weapon and snatched cash from their possession. The motorcycle Bullet bearing registration number PB02CW-6999 used in the commission of the offence has also been seized.
Interacts with pilgrims, service providers & officials; Reviews services & facilities for devotees
Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has crossed 3,35,000 mark. The dedication, passion and commitment of our officials, service providers and every-one involved in this holy Yatra has ensured a pleasant and memorable pilgrimage for the devotees of Baba Barfani: LG Sinha
Pahalgam, July 22: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today visited Nunwan and Chandanwari Base Camps and reviewed the services and facilities for the pilgrims.
The Lieutenant Governor interacted with the pilgrims, service providers, langer sevadars, sanitation workers, medical staff, and administrative, Police and security officials deputed for the ongoing Shri Amarnathji Yatra. He took stock of department-wise arrangements, logistics, lodging, disaster management, healthcare and other facilities that have been put in place on travel route and Yatra base camps at Pahalgam axis.
The Lieutenant Governor lauded the dedication, passion and commitment of Camp directors, officials of Shrine Board, Civil and police administration, security forces, service providers, volunteers and every-one involved in the holy yatra for ensuring a pleasant and memorable pilgrimage for the devotees of Baba Barfani.
“Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra has crossed 3,35,000 mark. The success of the yatra will give a significant boost to the tourism sector in the Union Territory. 97 percent positive feedback received from Pilgrims. The Yatra is going on smoothly, meeting all the expectations. We are witnessing an overwhelming atmosphere of spiritual fervor and festivity throughout the base camps,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor directed health officials to conduct an in-depth analysis of patterns and causes for the health-related incidents among pilgrims, and take precautionary measures to improve overall health outcomes for the devotees.
He also reviewed the Yatra feedback system and directed for incorporating traffic feedback option for better traffic management and to facilitate the smooth movement of the pilgrims.
The Lieutenant Governor was accompanied by Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor and CEO, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Shri Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Shri VK Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Shri Rahul Yadav, MD, JKPDCL and Nodal Officer, Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra for Pahalgam Axis; Shri Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag and other senior officers of District Administration, SASB, Police and Security Forces.
JAMMU: In a proud and heartwarming celebration of talent and achievement, KC International School hosted a felicitation ceremony today in honour of Master Ronav Parihar, a student of our School who has catapulted into the limelight with his Bollywood debut in the much-anticipated film Sarzameen, produced under the big banner of Dharma Productions.
The event was graced by Ronav’s mother Nidhi Parihar, Chaitanya Chowdhary, President, KC International School, Anupama Sinha, Principal and Roma Devi, Vice Principal.
Ronav’s cinematic journey begins alongside Bollywood stalwarts Kajol, Prithviraj Sukumaran, and Ibrahim Ali Khan, marking a momentous entry into the world of cinema. His success has brought immense pride not just to his family but to the entire KCIS community.
The felicitation ceremony, held at the school campus on Tuesday, July 22, saw an enthusiastic gathering of students, faculty, and parents, highlighting the school’s commitment to recognizing and nurturing talent beyond academics.
In his address, Mr. Chaitanya Chowdhary expressed his admiration for Ronav’s accomplishments: “KC International School takes immense pride in students like Ronav, who truly embody our school’s values and spirit of excellence. His achievement is a testament to what our young talents can accomplish when given the right guidance and support.”
Principal Anupama Sinha, while congratulating Ronav and his family, said: “Ronav’s journey from classroom to the silver screen is inspirational. We are incredibly proud of his dedication and wish him continued success in cinema and life.”
Parents of the students were also invited to be part of the celebratory event, making it a memorable and inspiring moment for the entire school community.
As KC International School continues to foster holistic education and excellence, Ronav Parihar’s success story stands as an outstanding example of what hard work, passion, and support can achieve.
Congratulations, Ronav! The entire KCIS family stands behind you as you shine both on and off screen.
JAMMU, JULY 22: In continuation to its efforts to curb the unlawful distribution and misuse of habit-forming drugs, Drugs & Food Control Organisation (D&FCO) J&K has taken stringent action against pharmaceutical establishments found violating the provisions of the Drugs and Cosmetics Act.
Surprise inspections of the Pharma establishments were conducted & during the inspections, two pharma establishments were found indulging in clandestine purchase & sale of habit-forming pharmaceutical preparations, mainly comprising of Tapentadol & Pregabalin from neighbouring states without maintaining mandatory sale/purchase records.
Accordingly, Drug sale licences of M/s Aatir Enterprises, Ganjiawra, Anantnag & M/s Pharma Plus Medicare, Kheora, Rajouri have been cancelled for indulging in unethical trade practices after issuing Show Cause Notices to them.
State Drugs Controller Lotika Khajuria has reiterated that the Government of Jammu & Kashmir is committed to regulate the sale of scheduled drugs and strict compliance by all retail and wholesale drug license holders shall be ensured. Surprise inspection, digital tracking of medicine inventories and inter-agency coordination are being intensified. Strict penal action, including license cancellation and prosecution, will be ensured against those who endanger lives for profit.
The Public at large is requested to report any incidence of unethical practices involving sale or misuse of prescription drugs to the department’s helpline at controllerdrugsfoodjk@gmail.com.
SRINAGAR: In a major crackdown on unfair trade practices threatening the very credibility of Kashmir’s world-famous handicraft and handloom industry, Directorate of Handicrafts and Handloom, Kashmir, has blacklisted and deregistered a craft showroom – The Kashmir Art Bazaar, Tangmar – after the showroom was found guilty of selling a machine-made carpet for ₹2.55 lakh to a tourist by fraudulently passing it off as a hand-knotted Kashmiri GI-certified product.
As per the Order No. 10-HD(QC) of 2025 dated 22.07.2025, issued by Director Handicrafts and Handloom, the seller used a fake QR label resembling the official label issued by the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) to mislead the buyer into believing the carpet was a genuine GI-certified craft. “A formal criminal complaint has been ordered, and further legal proceedings have been recommended under the GI Act and Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita,” a spokesman of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir revealed.
Meanwhile, a team from the Quality Control wing of the Department has reached Konchipora, Tangmarg and completed the blacklisting process of the showroom.
The matter came to fore after a tourist, Syed Furqan Alam, complained to Director IICT, Srinagar stating therein that he had paid ₹25,000 in advance for a carpet from The Kashmir Art Bazaar, located in Konchipora, Tangmarg, with the total transaction amounting to ₹2.55 lakh. The showroom allegedly presented a certificate and QR code claiming IICT certification. “Upon verification, IICT confirmed the QR label was forged and not issued by their institution. The case was escalated to the department’s Quality Control Division, which conducted a physical inspection, seized the carpet, and issued a show-cause notice to the proprietor,” the spokesman added.
The spokesman further stated that in his response, the proprietor denied the fraud, claiming the customer declined the purchase once told the carpet wasn’t GI-certified. “However, this was contradicted by photographic evidence submitted by the complainant, as well as findings from IICT that confirmed the fake label had been pasted onto a machine-made carpet,” he added.
The official spokesman further said that the Department, upon examining the reply, found it totally misleading and unsatisfactory and concluded the act was a deliberate attempt to cheat the buyer by exploiting Kashmir’s GI craft reputation. “The Director in his order stated that the seller had deliberately created a fake QR label resembling the original GI label of IICT and pasted the same on a machine-made carpet to cheat the concerned tourist,” he said.
Citing violations of Sections 6 and 7 of the J&K Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1978, the Directorate ordered immediate blacklisting and deregistration of the seller.
“Furthermore, it is hereby ordered that a formal complaint shall be filed against the proprietor of The Kashmir Art Bazaar with the office of the Senior Superintendent of Police, Tourism Enforcement, Kashmir, for initiating strict action against him for pasting a fake QR label purportedly in the name of IICT, and requesting to investigate the network which seems to run this racket of pasting fake GI QR labels on machine-made items.
The order further observed that once the seller realised the fraud had been detected, he attempted to remove the fake QR label from the carpet to cover up the malpractice. However, evidence provided by the complainant and expert verification from IICT confirmed the wrongdoing.
The spokesman reiterated that such fraudulent acts of misbranding genuine handmade products not only violate consumer trust but directly undermine the GI-certified identity of Kashmiri craft, threatening the livelihood of lakhs of artisans and weavers. “We take this opportunity to warn all business stakeholders in craft sector to desist from selling machine-made items in the garb of handmade products, failing which the Department will take immediate action by black-listing and de-registration of such showrooms,” he added.
He further urged all buyers and tourists to contact the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, if they have been sold a machine-made product in the garb of handmade item.
