Jammu & Kashmir

BARAMULLA, OCTOBER 01: The Election Observers for District Baramulla and District Election Officer (DEO), Minga Sherpa today visited polling stations across all seven constituencies in Baramulla, ensuring a smooth and closely monitored polling process.

The active presence of Election Observers and DEO enabled the immediate resolution of any concerns, allowing the elections to proceed without issues.

During the visits, DEO Sherpa interacted with voters who expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by the District Election Office. They conveyed their appreciation for the efficient management of the polling process.

Several themed polling stations were established to promote inclusivity. Pink polling stations were set up exclusively for women, red polling stations catered to persons with disabilities (PwDs), blue polling stations were set up for youth and green polling stations were part of the Green Election Initiative aimed at environmental awareness.

Comprehensive security measures were in place to ensure the safety of voters and polling personnel. A multi-layered security strategy was implemented, involving local police, paramilitary forces, and other security agencies, along with CCTV surveillance, to maintain order and deter any disturbances.

Election Observers and DEO expressed their gratitude to voters, polling staff, security personnel, and media representatives for their active participation and cooperation in making the election a success.

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 01: The Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha has extended hearty congratulations to the voters of the third phase of Assembly Elections for the record turnout. In a social media post, the Lieutenant Governor said, the great enthusiasm among voters in all three phases to exercise their franchise is a testimony to vibrant democracy in J&K and people’s faith in democratic values.

The Lieutenant Governor posted on X:

“Congratulations to the people for a record turnout in final phase of Assembly Elections. I applaud the tireless efforts of election officials, district admin, JKP & our security forces for successfully conducting multi-phased polls & strengthening the pillars of democracy.

Great enthusiasm among voters in all three phases to exercise their franchise is a testimony to vibrant democracy in J&K and people’s faith in democratic values. Transparent, free & fair assembly polls 2024 will be written in golden letters in the history of J&K elections”.

JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 09: In order to achieve the target of planting above one lakh plants under the ‘Green Election’ initiative of Election Commission of India (ECI) during the J&K Assembly Elections 2024, the Office of Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, in collaboration with J&K Forest Department organised a plantation drive in the premises of Model Higher Secondary School, Domana, in Bhalwal block of Jammu district on Monday.

The plantation drive was inaugurated by Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Pandurang K Pole, who was the Chief Guest at the event, whereas Deputy Commissioner Sachin Kumar Vaishya,(District Election Officer), Jammu, Director Forest Protection Force, J&K, Sandip Kujur; Akther Hussain Qazi, Nodal officer of SVEEP, J&K; Sapna Kotwal, Nodal Officer for Media; Dr Vikas Sharma, ACD Jammu (Nodal Officer SVEEP-Jammu), and officers from the District Administration and Forest Department were present at the event.

Speaking on the occasion, CEO Pandurang K Pole reiterated the efforts being made to ensure the Environment-Friendly Plantation Drive along with the Assembly Elections to create a sense of responsibility towards the environment protection among the masses and those participating in the elections.

The CEO also informed that the directions were given to the officers to plant more than 100 plants in the premises of Polling Station identified as Green Polling Station in each Assembly Constituency, whereas rest of the Polling Stations must plant 10-15 plants each in the premises across J&K UT so that a target of planting 1 lakh plants can be achieved before 15 September, 2024.

Pandurang K Pole also asserted that a massive plantation is going to take place across the UT during the Assembly Elections to foster environmental stewardship among the electorate, to compensate for the impact on the environment due to waste generated during the election process.

He also asked all the stakeholders that plantation drives shall be organised at all Polling Stations across the UT on scheduled dates, expressing the significance of environmental responsibility.

Today’s plantation drive was launched as a part of the SVEEP campaign during which above 100 plants were planted and nearly 200 students, NCC cadets and staff members including the Principal of the school also participated in the event.

The students also pledged to take the initiative of Green Election to every nook and corner of the UT.

BARAMULLA, JULY 29: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, today convened a meeting of all the concerned officers to review the preparation for the conduct of the upcoming Indian Army Recruitment Rally in the district to ensure a seamless and well-coordinated recruitment process for aspiring candidates.

During the meeting, the DC conducted a detailed review of the logistical arrangements and stressed the need for adequate infrastructure at the rally site including the erecting tents, seating, water supply, sanitation facilities and transportation.

The DC directed the officers to ensure that these amenities are fully operational well ahead of the event to avoid any last-minute issues.

Minga Sherpa further highlighted the necessity of robust security arrangements to maintain order and ensure the safety of both candidates and officials, instructing the police and security agencies to deploy sufficient personnel for crowd management and to adhere to stringent security protocols.

Additionally, the DC directed the establishment of medical camps at the rally site, equipped with essential medical supplies and staffed to provide immediate medical assistance in case of emergencies and ensure the overall safety of the participants.

Among others, officers from civil administration, Police department and the army were present in the meeting.

SRINAGAR, JULY 29: In order to check power pilferage and bring down losses in unmetered flat-rate areas, Kashmir DISCOM is conducting calibrated load rationalization, based on actual electricity usage by the domestic consumers.

Strict directions have also been given to all Electric Subdivisions to carry out door-to-door inspections, focusing particularly on high value consumers, whose agreemented load is significantly lower that actual consumption.

In a press statement issued here today, a Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) spokesperson stated that under the flagship Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) of Government of India, LT network and smart metering projects are being implemented to bring about a complete turnaround in the power sector, with ultimate goal of providing uninterrupted and affordable power supply to its consumers.

“All 13 packages related to loss reduction works are in progress in 10 districts of Kashmir Division under which DT substations and LT-AB cables are being laid,” he said, while urging consumers to facilitate the executing agencies in laying of new distribution infrastructure and upgradation of existing infrastructure in a hassle-free manner.

There have been reports where manpower of the executing agencies has been physically assaulted for laying of LT-AB cable and removal of bare conductor. “Complaints of physical assault have been received from parts of Srinagar city, Ganderbal, Kupwara & Budgam districts,” he said, adding these are resolved with active support and facilitation extended by District & Police administrations.

Urging the consumers to not confuse load calibration with tariff hike which falls entirely within the domain of Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission, the spokesman stated that loads of consumers are being revised based on actual consumption patterns. “In several instances, the agreemented load of the consumer is much lower than the actual consumption,” he added.

Decks have also been cleared for smart metering of flat-rated consumers, which shall empower them with better control over their budget and real-time monitoring of consumption patterns.

In compliance to Plan of Action formulated by J&K Legal Services Authority, U.T of J&K, Lok Adalat for amicable settlement of disputes, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar is going to organise a Special Lok Adalat for criminal compoundable cases on 10th of August, 2024, under the Chairmanship of Worthy Chairman District Legal Services Authority (PDJ) Srinagar, at District Court Srinagar and also at Addl. Spl. Mobile Magistrate (13th FC) Panthachowk. All the Ld. Judicial Officers are requested to identify the criminal compoundable cases for the said special Lok Adalat and submit the list of the same cases to DLSA Srinagar by or before 05-08-2024.
Ld. Advocates/ litigants who are interested to settle their dispute in the siad Lok Adalat are directed to approach the concerned courts immediately so that their cases shall be listed for amicable settlement in the Lok Adalat.

Srinagar 26/July /2024: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar today in collaboration with Government Higher Secondary School Mujgund Srinagar organized an awareness programs on Beti Padao Beti Bachao, Female Foeticide and Protection of Children from sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012 at Legal Literacy Club, Government Higher Secondary School Mujgund Srinagar. The awareness programme was held under the able guidance of Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman of District Legal Services Authority Srinagar (PDJ, Srinagar), aimed to educate students on the importance of empowering girls and combating social evils like female foeticide.
The program was attended by the principal, incharge Teacher Legal Literacy Club, staff members of the Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School Mujgund Srinagar, Officials & Para-legal volunteers of the District Legal Services Authority, Srinagar and the students enthusiastically participated in the programme.
Ms. Tasneem Kausar, Deputy LADC, emphasized the significance of “Beti Bachao Beti Padhao” and highlighted the harmful consequences of female foeticide. Adv. Nadiya, highlighting the POCSO Act, educated students on child sexual abuse and their right to report such incidents, ensuring they understand the legal protections available to them.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Ms. Sunila (JLA) DLSA Srinagar. The objective was to empower students with knowledge and encourage them to become active agents of social change, promoting gender equality and safeguarding children from harm

District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar on 25/07/2024 organized an awareness program on Juvenile Justice (Care & Protection of Children) Act, 2015, Childs Custody, Guardianship and Right to Education at Juvenile Observation Home, Harwan, Srinagar, which was held under the able guidance of Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman District Legal Services Authority Srinagar (PDJ, Srinagar).
The program shed light on crucial aspects like child custody, guardianship, and the right to education, ensuring that the youth at the observation home were fully informed of their legal rights and avenues for protection.
Ms. Tasneem Kausar, Deputy Legal Aid Defense Counsel and Ms. Sehar Nazir, Assistant Legal Aid Defense Counsel shed light on the complexities of child custody, guardianship, and the importance of accessing quality education for children. They engaged the juvenile residents in interactive discussions, fostering their understanding of their legal rights and responsibilities.
The primary objective of this program was to empower juveniles by equipping them with knowledge about their rights and legal options. It aimed to foster a sense of confidence and awareness within the observation home, ultimately contributing to a more supportive and protective environment for children.
The program was attended by the Superintendent of Observation Home, officials of the Juvenile Observation Home, official & Para Legal Volunteers of DLSA Srinagar and inmates of observation home. The attendees actively participated in discussions and raised questions about the Act’s implementation and the challenges faced in providing adequate care and rehabilitation for children in their custody.
These awareness programmes is a step towards ensuring that children in conflict with the law and in need of care are provided with the necessary support and opportunities for rehabilitation.”

Srinagar 23/July /2024: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar today in collaboration with Government Girls Higher Secondary School Chanapora Srinagar organized an awareness programs on “Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013, Protection of Women from Domestic Violence, family Disputes and Inheritance Rights’’ at Legal Literacy Club, Government Girls Higher Secondary School Chanapora Srinagar. The awareness programme was held under the able guidance of Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman of District Legal Services Authority Srinagar (PDJ, Srinagar), aimed to educate students and staff members about the legal provisions and remedies available to women .
The program was attended by the principal, staff members of the Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School Chanapora Srinagar, Social Worker from Special cell for women and children, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel, & Para-legal volunteers of the District Legal Services Authority, Srinagar and the students enthusiastically participated in the programme.
Ms. Urba Rashid, Assistant Legal Aid Defence Counsel, delivering a comprehensive overview of the “Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013” and inheritance rights. She shed light on the various forms of sexual harassment, the legal provisions in place to prevent and address such incidents, and the procedures for seeking redressal. Ms. Urba also provided insights into inheritance rights, empowering the participants with knowledge regarding their entitlements in family property matters.
Ms. Nowsheeda Majeed, Social Worker from Special cell for women and children, srinagar addressed the critical issues of domestic violence and family disputes. She provided a thorough understanding of the “Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act,” outlining the various forms of domestic violence, the legal remedies available to victims, and the processes for seeking protection orders. She also highlighted the importance of family courts in resolving disputes and the various options available for mediation and reconciliation.
The awareness programme proved to be a resounding success, fostering a deeper understanding of these legal issues among the student and empowering them with the knowledge to navigate such situations effectively. DLSA Srinagar remains dedicated to organizing such programs, ensuring that individuals are informed about their legal rights and have the resources to seek justice when necessary.