Kashmir Images – Latest News Update

Category: LOCAL

  • Principal Secretary APD reviews progress under CAPEX, HADP, CSSs, NABARD

    Principal Secretary APD reviews progress under CAPEX, HADP, CSSs, NABARD

    JAMMU, JULY 11: Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Department (APD), Shailendra Kumar, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Directorate of Agriculture, Jammu.

    The meeting was convened to review the progress on fund utilization under CAPEX, Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSSs) and NABARD for the financial year 2025-26 besides assessing the status of issuance of fertilizer and pesticide licenses across the Union Territory.

    The meeting was attended by Secretary in APD, Mission Director HADP/JKCIP, Director Finance APD, Director Agriculture Jammu, Director Horticulture Jammu, Director Law Enforcement, Director Command Area Development Jammu, Managing Director JKAGROS, Director Research SKUAST-Jammu, Joint Directors of Agriculture and allied departments, Deputy Director Agriculture (Planning), Scientists from SKUAST-J, Plant Protection Officer, Chief Agriculture Officers (CAOs), Chief Horticulture Officers (CHOs) from all districts of Jammu division and other senior officers.

    The departmental heads presented detailed updates on scheme implementation, challenges encountered and strategic measures to expedite the pending activities.

    The Principal Secretary underscored the need for timely execution, optimal fund utilization and enhanced inter-departmental coordination to ensure the benefits of these schemes reach the grassroots level.

    Shailendra Kumar reviewed the significant advancements made under HADP, which has been instrumental in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving the farmers livelihoods. He observed that special attention has been given to ensure the expenditure under HADP, CSSs and CAPEX projects align with the overall goal of infrastructure development in the sector. He also had detailed discussion on CSS projects-Krishonnati Yojana, focusing on key flagship schemes like PMKSY, PDMC, SMAM, RAD, RKVY, PKVY, ATMA, NFSM and others aimed at boosting the rural prosperity.

    Key directions issued during the meeting included establishing a Centre of Excellence for Entrepreneurship in Precision Vegetable and Floriculture Farming in each district, accelerating bee hive insurance coverage across all districts, prioritizing completion of district-wise unit tracking through the KSOT App and developing a comprehensive calendar for national and international exposure visits for the farmers.

    The Principal Secretary also emphasized for resolving the fertiliser and pesticide licensing issues, particularly those faced by krishiudyamis, strengthening district-level enforcement wings, ensuring GPS-based tracking of fertiliser movement and intensifying regular monitoring of pesticide manufacturers and retailers.

    The meeting concluded with the formulation of a time-bound action plan focused on fast-tracking project implementation and strengthening the agricultural ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir.

  • Committee on Govt Assurances holds introductory meeting in Srinagar

    Committee on Govt Assurances holds introductory meeting in Srinagar

    SRINAGAR: The Committee on Government Assurances of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today convened an introductory meeting at the Assembly Complex, Srinagar

    The meeting was chaired by the Committee Chairman, Sajad Gani Lone and attended by members Ch. Mohammad Akram, Javaid Ahmad Mirchal, Hilal Akbar Lone, Iftikar Ahmad, Mian Mehar Ali, Mohan Lal, Sunil Bahardwaj and Shagun Parihar.

    Secretary, Legislative Assembly, Manoj Kumar Pandita, briefed about the agenda of the meeting.

    In his opening remarks, the Chairman emphasized that the Committee would scrutinize the assurances, promises and undertakings made by the Ministers on the floor of the House from time to time. He said the Committee would also assess the extent of their implementation and check whether they have been fulfilled within the stipulated time frame.

    He underscored the significance of the Committee’s role in holding the government accountable and ensuring transparency in governance. He also stated that there is ample scope for effective work, and frequent meetings will be held to ensure that all assurances made in the House are tracked and fulfilled.

    The Committee resolved to conduct a department-wise review of the pending assurances to yield tangible outcomes.

    The Chairman urged all the members to extend full cooperation and contribute constructively to the Committee’s functioning, thereby playing an enabling role in ensuring that government commitments made to the members are met seamlessly.

    During the meeting, the members shared valuable suggestions and raised several issues of public importance for the Committee’s consideration.

  • Atal Dulloo launches first-ever MSME Health Clinic to revive sick Industrial Units

    Atal Dulloo launches first-ever MSME Health Clinic to revive sick Industrial Units

    SRINAGAR: Aimed at building a resilient and growth-oriented industrial ecosystem in Jammu & Kashmir, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today launched J&K’s first-ever MSME Health Clinic.

    This pioneering initiative would address the challenges faced by industrial units by facilitating tailored interventions as recommended by the industry stakeholders and professionals from reputed management institutions.

    Present on the occasion included Commissioner Secretary, I&C; MD, JKTPO; Director Industries, Jammu/Kashmir; Director Handicrafts, Kashmir/Jammu besides other senior officers from the concerned Departments.

    Speaking at the launching ceremony, the Chief Secretary termed the Health Clinic a critical institutional mechanism for diagnosing the stress factors plaguing industrial units and enabling timely redressal. He underlined the need for optimum utilization of the facility and ensuring that the services being offered are objective, data-driven and need-based.

    The MSME sector is the backbone of our local economy and it is imperative that we extend all necessary support to the units that are under stress. The Health Clinic must evolve into a dynamic platform where distressed units can be clinically assessed and supported with actionable remedies.

    To ensure efficient and timely decision-making, Dulloo called for seamless API integrations from the departments and institutions like the Power Development Department, financial institutions, the Udyam portal and the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO).

    These integrations, he emphasized, would provide real-time access to data that reflects the ground realities faced by MSMEs, thereby enabling accurate diagnostics and timely interventions.

    Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner Secretary, I&C, Vikramjit Singh, informed that the JKMHC portal is an innovative digital platform designed to provide comprehensive health monitoring and analytical insights for MSMEs across the region. This initiative aims to identify potential challenges early, offer timely interventions, and facilitate the sustainable growth of businesses, he added.

    While throwing light on the embedded key features of the JKMHC Portal, Director, Industries, Jammu, Arun Manhas revealed that the MSMEs can easily register and log in to access the portal’s features.

    He further divulged that the portal integrates and analyzes critical data from various sources, including UDYAM for comprehensive MSME profile details, EPFO, GST, Power Demand and Financial Information.

    The same is going to provide a clear overview of MSMEs’ health status, categorizing them as “Stable,” “Recoverable,” or “Prone to Sick” based on a sophisticated weightage and scoring mechanism given to each of the indicators.

    The portal also identifies correlation indicators for potential distress such as declining turnover, increased outstanding loans, irregularities in GST filings, declining profits, reduced cash inflows and delays in payments. It will suggest appropriate measures for its revival through dedicated handholding and mentorship after discussion with industry and knowledge partners.

    Moreover, the IIM Jammu has been roped in as a knowledge partner in this initiative, who, along with the professionals from industry, would suggest the tailored remedial measures to be taken for reviving each of the units based on its report card

    Thereafter, the Industries Department would offer dedicated assistance in the shape of requisite handholding and mentorship through its district and Divisional level offices together in association with the financial institutions to put these units back to sustainable growth trajectory in a time-bound manner.

  • Dr Karwani inspects construction work on transit accommodations for PM Package Employees

    SRINAGAR: Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner (M), J&K, Dr Arvind Karwani, inspected several transit accommodation sites for PM Package Employees under construction in the North Central and South Kashmir.

    Dr Karwani, while interacting with the site engineers, emphasized achieving the targets in a time bound manner. He particularly underlined the importance of speedy completion of allied works like boundary wall, internal roads and basic amenities at the sites, so that the possession of allotted quarters can be handed over to the employees at the earliest. He enjoined upon the engineers to ensure the quality of the work.

    Dr Karwani also interacted with the PM package employees who raised their demands like availability of basic amenities like water supply, power supply, sanitation, education and recreational facilities for their children, besides repair of pre-fab structures at Pulwama and Kulgam.

    Pertinent to mention that 6000 quarters at 20 different locations across the Kashmir valley under PMDP programme are being constructed for PM Package employees, out of which about 3500 stand constructed.

    The construction work on allied works like boundary wall, Internal roads, drainage, STP and community hall is also going on in full swing.

  • President PDF, others call on LG

    SRINAGAR: Hakeem Mohammad Yaseen, former Minister and President People’s Democratic Front (PDF), today called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

    He was accompanied by Dr Nissar Paul, General Secretary; Showkat Ahmad Raina, Vice President; Mushtaq Shameem, Chief Spokesperson; and Sheikh Ab Rashid, Srinagar District President of the People’s Democratic Front.

    The delegation put forth various important matters pertaining to youth empowerment, promotion of the tourism sector and reopening of tourist destinations in Budgam District. They also requested for the constitution of the Nilnag Development Authority to boost infrastructure and ensure planned, eco-friendly development of the scenic Nilnag area in Budgam.

    The Lieutenant Governor assured the members of the delegation that appropriate action will be taken to address the issues projected by them.

    Meanwhile, a delegation of Non-Migrant Minority Youth from Kashmir called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.

    The members of the delegation apprised the Lieutenant Governor of various welfare issues of the non-migrant minority population living in Kashmir.

  • I&C deptt Kashmir holds Interactive Session with PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries

    SRINAGAR: In a proactive step towards strengthening the implementation of the PM Vishwakarma Yojana, the Director of Industries and Commerce, Kashmir, conducted an impactful interaction session with scheme beneficiaries at the Conference Hall, Sanat Ghar, Directorate of Industries and Commerce, Srinagar.

    The meeting, aimed at understanding the on-ground impact, challenges, and suggestions directly from stakeholders, was organised in collaboration with the PM Vishwakarma State Level Project Management Unit (SLPMU).

    PM Vishwakarma beneficiaries, coordinators from various ITIs, and departmental representatives were present at the meeting

    The session served as a platform for gathering first-hand feedback from trained artisans and craftspeople, understanding issues related to training, toolkit distribution, and credit support, besides identifying gaps in market linkages and post-training engagement.

    It also discussed convergence efforts across institutions and implementation partners

    Addressing the participants, Khalid Majeed, Director Industries & Commerce Kashmir, emphasised the importance of direct engagement and feedback-based governance for the success of such large-scale livelihood initiatives.

    “The PM Vishwakarma Yojana is not just about training—it’s about restoring dignity and economic security to our traditional artisans. This interaction helps us ensure that the benefits reach the right hands, on time, and with full effect,” the Director said.

    PMVK beneficiaries and representatives from Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) shared updates on training progress and placement linkages.

    The scheme beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for the opportunity and raised concerns regarding credit support, e-voucher utilisation, and local market opportunities.

    The session concluded with reiteration from the Director to strengthen coordination, resolve pending issues, and ensure timely benefits delivery under the PM Vishwakarma scheme.

     

  • KU extends last date for admission applications till July 12

    Srinagar: The Directorate of Admissions & Competitive Examinations, University of Kashmir (KU) has extended the last date for submission of online admission forms and requisite fee for various programmes till Saturday, July 12, 2025 (3:00 PM).

    The extension applies to all PG programmes including M.Tech, MBA, MBA-CME at the Main Campus, offsite campuses and govt./private affiliated colleges, 3-Year LL.B., 4-Year B.Tech (Non-JEE), integrated UG-PG programmes in Arabic, Energy Studies and Physics at Kupwara Campus, 2-Year LL.M., and Diploma/Certificate courses advertised through different admission notifications for the 2025 session.

    Candidates are advised to complete the application process well before the deadline, as no further extension shall be granted.

    The entrance tests for these programmes shall commence from Tuesday, July 15, 2025, as per the datesheet available on the official University website.

  • Power shutdown alerts in Srinagar

    Srinagar: The Chief Engineers of JPDCL and KPDCL have announced scheduled power shutdowns in Srinagar to carry out essential maintenance, infrastructure upgrades, and vegetation management.

    July 13 (6 AM to 1 PM): Due to work on the 33KV Exhibition line, power will remain off in Batamaloo, PCR, HSHS, Baranpathri, and surrounding areas.

    July 14 & 16 (8 AM to 1 PM): Shutdown of the 33KV BK Pora-Khanda Tap line will affect Chattergam, Magraypora, Suthsoo, Gowherpora, and nearby areas.

    July 15 & 19 (8 AM to 12 Noon): Power cut due to line work will affect Shuhama, Bakura, Darend, Nagbal, Fatehpora, Gadoora, Tulbagh, Chunduna, Shairpathri, and adjacent areas.

    July 15 (8 AM to 12 Noon): Areas including Pandach, Pathan Colony, Gulab Bagh, Umarhair, Ahmad Nagar, 90ft Road, Khalmulla, and others will face power outages.

    July 16 & 20 (8 AM to 12 Noon): Shutdown of 33KV Alasteng Power House line will affect Beehama, Arampora, Manigam, Duderhama, Wayil, Gutlibagh, and surrounding areas.

    June 14 (6 AM to 11 AM): In connection with reconductoring work, shutdown will impact Kurhama, Youngpora, Baroosa, Old Dab, Checki Baba, Sainik School, Rabitar, Kondbal, GCET Safapora, and adjoining areas.

    Authorities have advised residents and industrial units in the affected areas to plan accordingly and cooperate during the maintenance periods.

     

  • J&K IMPARD hosts valedictory ceremony for Joint Foundation Training Course

    SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Institute of Public Administration and Rural Development (J&K IMPARD) marked the successful culmination of a six-week Joint Foundation Training Course for the 2023 batch of J&K Administrative, Police and Accounts Services with a valedictory function.

    Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, was the chief guest while Commissioner Secretary, GAD, M Raju, was the guest of honour on the occasion.

    In his valedictory address, the Chief Secretary exhorted upon the trainee officers to uphold the sanctity of integrity and professionalism in their future roles as administrators. He emphasized the importance of delivering justice in a transparent and responsive manner to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

    The Chief Secretary impressed upon them to work with zeal and dedication, becoming effective leaders in all administrative situations in the future.

    Director J&K IMPARD, Rehana Batul, spoke at length about the efforts made by IMPARD to ensure the smooth and successful completion of the Joint Foundation Training Course.

    She highlighted the institute’s collaboration with the Art of Living Foundation to conduct a comprehensive training course on meditation and yoga, which helped the trainees stay focused, motivated and healthy throughout their training.

    The Director congratulated the trainee officers on successfully completing the Training Course, expressing hope that it would significantly contribute towards shaping and building their professional careers.

    The function was attended by all the officers and faculty members of J&K IMPARD, including Financial Advisor Darshan Lal, Faculty and In-charge Trainings, Jammu, Dr Reva Sharma and Faculty and In-charge Trainings, Srinagar, Dr Jahan Ara.

    Lastly, Dr Jahan Ara Jabeen presented an overview of the course with details of methodology followed and learning outcomes achieved while Dr Bilal Ahmad Bhat, Assistant Course Coordinator for the Joint Foundation Course, presented vote of thanks.

  • IICT upgrades skill of 11,000 carpet weavers under various flagship schemes

    SRINAGAR: In a major boost to expand the pool of trained human resource, Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT), Srinagar, under the aegis of Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, has master trained around 11,000 carpet weavers from different districts, under various skill development programmes.

    The weavers have been trained on modified carpet looms, which shall go a long way in penetrating niche markets for the famed hand-knotted carpets, which are the second most exported handmade product from Kashmir.

    In a press statement released here today, Director IICT, Zubair Ahmad, said that the services of master trainers who have distinguished themselves in the field of carpet weaving are being availed to train skilled and semi-skilled carpet weavers in different batches, both in IICT premises at Bagh-e-Ali Mardan Khan and carpet clusters of different districts. “This face-to-face interaction and training shall go a long way in safeguarding the rare skill of weaving intricate hand-knotted carpets, which have a huge export market, both within and outside the country,” he stated.

    The exports of hand-knotted carpets from Kashmir have touched ₹838.70 crore in the last three financial years, despite challenges due to global conflicts which have affected markets in Middle East and other destinations.

    In order to make the training programmes more attractive for trainees, IICT also provides monthly stipend as per Scheme Guidelines. “The stipend for these short-term training programmes of 4-6 months’ duration with intake capacity of 20, ranges from ₹1000 to ₹3750 per month under various skill-based schemes of Ministry of Textiles,” he added.

    The training programmes include Skill Upgradation and Capacity Building Training & Short-Term Training Programmes of the Ministry of Textiles and Skill Development Training Programme of Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment.

    The Director also stated that under the Guru-Shishya Hastshilp Programme, the services of National Awardees shall be availed to provide skill upgradation training to registered carpet weavers. “Under this 2-month training programme, each trainee shall be provided a stipend of ₹7500 per month,” he stated.