December 2024

JAMMU, DECEMBER 22: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, Education, Sakeena Itoo, today remarked that the Government is committed to provide necessary resources and support to specially abled persons so that they lead an independent, quality and dignified life.

The Minister made these remarks during distribution of artificial limbs, callipers, clutches, tricycles and wheel chairs among specially abled persons at Brahman Sabha Parade here. The event was organised by Shree Atam Vallabh Jain Clinic Jammu and sponsored by Rural Electrification Corporation in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayta Samiti Kota.

Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo emphasised the Government’s unwavering commitment towards welfare of the disabled community in order to make their lives dignified. “The present dispensation has always been determined to uplift and improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. We are committed towards providing them with necessary resources, equipments and support, so that they too can live a dignified life”, she asserted.

“The present Omar led Government is committed to address all issues of people especially the specially abled community. We are working on to increase the disability pension from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000 per month”, Sakeena maintained. She added that this increase will alleviate the financial burden on families and provide them financial support.

The Minister, on the occasion, also highlighted the importance of inclusive growth and need to focus on marginalised communities, especially the disabled persons. She assured the gathering that the Government will continue to prioritize the needs of disabled community, with plans for providing them greater accessibility and support.

Sakeena Itoo, in her address, also commended the NGO for this noble work. She assured them of Government’s continuous support and said that the issues raised by them will be addressed promptly. She advised them to organise awareness campaigns across the regions in order to educate people, especially the disabled persons about the rights and facilities available for disabled persons.

The Minister also interacted with the specially abled persons and assured them continuous support from the government.

General Secretary, Shree Atam Vallabh Jain Clinic Jammu, Pradeep Jain informed that 429 persons were screened in the camp while 123 hearing aids were given to the patients in addition to distribution of 104 artificial limbs, 73 callipers 22 artificial hands, 20 wheel chairs and 19 tricycle among the beneficiaries in the three day camp.

JAMMU, DECEMBER 22: Amid bone-chilling cold wave currently gripping the Kashmir Valley, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced today that he would station himself in Srinagar for the next week to personally oversee the functioning of the Power Department and other critical services. The Chief Minister, who attended the pre-Budget and GST Council meetings in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, conveyed his decision through a series of tweets, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the people of the Valley during this severe cold spell.

The Kashmir Valley is currently experiencing one of the coldest winters in recent years, with temperatures plummeting to record-breaking lows. Srinagar recently recorded a chilling minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, the coldest December night in over 50 years.

The intense cold spell has severely disrupted water supply and electricity, adding to the residents’ struggles.

In his tweets, the Chief Minister stated: “In light of the severe cold spell in the Kashmir valley & the resultant difficulties with water & electricity supply, I have decided to cancel my forthcoming programmes in Jammu & station myself in Srinagar for the next week to personally monitor the functioning of the Power department & other important departments.”

Acknowledging the impact of his decision on his scheduled engagements in Jammu, he further added: “I do appreciate that cancelling my programmes in Jammu will cause some inconvenience to the organisers & I regret the same. However under the circumstances this is the right thing to do & I will make it up to the people/organisations whose programmes have been affected.”

The Chief Minister also informed that he is en route from Jaisalmer and will be in Srinagar by tomorrow morning: “I’m on my way back from Jaisalmer as I type and will be back in Srinagar tomorrow morning.”

Srinagar, Dec 21 : Chillai-Kalan, a 40-day harshest winter period, commenced with an intense cold wave conditions as Srinagar has recorded the coldest night of December in the last over two decades.
After 1990, Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded the coldest night in the month of December at minus 8.5 degree Celsius, which is the third lowest December temperature ever recorded in Srinagar in the last 133 years.

As per the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Shopian in South Kashmir recorded a low of minus 10.4 degree Celsius while Anantnag recorded minus 10.5 degree Celsius. The minimum temperature at Pulwama settled at minus 10.3 degree Celsius while in Kulgam it settled at minus 6.8 degree Celsius.

Pertinently, the harshest winter period commenced today (December 21) and culminates on January 31 next year, which is followed by a 20-day long Chillai-Khurd (small cold) that occurs between January 31 and February 19 and a 10-day long Chillai-Bachha (baby cold) which begins from February 20 to March 2.

Notably, Chillai-Kalan is a Persian word which means “Major Cold”—(KNO)

JAMMU, DECEMBER 21: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today extended his heartiest congratulations to the Vice Chancellor, faculty, staff, scholars and students of University of Jammu for attaining the coveted A++ Grade from NAAC, securing an exceptional score of 3.72.

In a social media post, the Lieutenant Governor said the outstanding accomplishment of the University of Jammu has made J&K proud.

The Lieutenant Governor has posted on X:

“The University of Jammu has achieved the prestigious A++ Grade with a CGPA of 3.72 on a seven-point scale by NAAC. Heartiest congratulations to the Vice Chancellor, faculty, staff, scholars and students for this outstanding accomplishment. You’ve made J&K proud.

Jammu University’s reform-driven futuristic vision underscores its commitment to fostering academic excellence, goal oriented research, innovative capacity & holistic development of students to make them enlightened citizens. My best wishes to all for success in your mission”.