Jammu & Kashmir

Charandeep Singh emphasizes collective efforts towards curbing child labour

SRINAGAR, JUNE 12: The Labour Department today organized a virtual seminar with the theme ‘Let’s Act on Our Commitments: End Child Labour’ to commemorate ‘World Day Against Child Labour’ .

The seminar witnessed participation of senior officers of Police, Labour , Social Welfare and Health Departments, Chairpersons and members of district Child Welfare Committees, members representing Juvenile Justice Boards, representatives of Child Line, Advocacy groups, Traders Federations and other stakeholders working in the field of Child Labour across all the districts of J&K.

Labour Commissioner, Charandeep Singh, in his address, touched upon the theme emphasizing the need for collective action to eradicate child labour and protect children from exploitation. He said abolition of Child Labour is enshrined in the Constitution besides Acts and Laws have been enacted on the issue. Recently, India has ratified the two main conventions of International Labour Organization (ILO) on Child Labour which mandate countries to take immediate effective measures to secure prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour as a matter of urgency, he added. He further said that the conventions also necessitated fixing of a minimum age for entry into work or employment besides establishment of national policies for elimination of child labour. He added that enactment of Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2016 further strengthened the legal framework against child labour by expanding prohibition of employment of children below 14 years in all occupations and processes, except where the child helps his family in non-hazardous occupations or sectors.

Charandeep Singh said despite legislative measures and efforts by the governmental and non governmental organizations, child labour remains prevalent across the country, particularly in rural and informal sectors. He emphasised the importance of conducting extensive awareness campaigns besides ensuring continuous monitoring and strict enforcement mechanisms to ensure compliance with child labour laws and swift interventions in cases of violations.

Detailed presentations on various topics was also made during the seminar with Assistant Labour Commissioner, Anantnag, Peer Zameer Ahmad, speaking on the topic ‘Child Labour Policies’, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Kupwara, Arshid Qadir on ‘Role of Statutory and Law Enforcement Bodies’ and Assistant Labour Commissioner, Udhampur, Sapna dwelling upon the role of various stakeholders in eradication of Child Labour.

In his concluding remarks, the Labour Commissioner called for collective dedication towards eradicating child labour which has been a dark stain on society, depriving countless children of their childhood and robbing them of the chance to receive an education and a better future.

“By recognizing the socio-economic factors that contribute to child labour, providing support and resources to vulnerable families, empowering them to overcome poverty and securing a better future for their children through commitment and collaborative initiatives can bring an end to this injustice” the Commissioner maintained. He said that the seminar was conducted to mobilize stakeholders and fostering collaboration to create a world free from child labour.

Deputy Labour Commissioner, Jammu, Kashmir and Central, Inspector of Factories Jammu and Kashmir, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Labour Officers and Labour Inspectors of all districts participated in the seminar.

KISHTWAR, JUNE 11: A joint team of enforcement departments today fined several traders in Kishtwar town during a comprehensive market inspection conducted ahead of Eid-ul-Adha and Urs.

The inspection team led by Assistant Director Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Shafqat Hussain Keen, included officials from various departments.

The team fined several vendors for not adhering to the approved rates. A fine amounting to Rs. 3,700 was recovered from erring traders.

Alongside the inspections, an awareness campaign was conducted to educate vendors on the importance of displaying rate lists, verifying weighing machines, and maintaining cleanliness in their premises.

Vendors were reminded of their responsibility to maintain hygienic conditions, which is particularly important during festivals when food safety concerns are heightened. They were advised to keep their stalls clean and dispose of waste properly to prevent health hazards.

The inspection drive received positive feedback from the local community, who appreciated the administration’s proactive measures to ensure a fair and clean market environment. The FCS&CA department assured that similar inspections would continue to maintain market discipline and protect consumers from malpractices.

JAMMU JUNE 11: Chief Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL, Jammu has informed that the power supply to Sangaldan, Gool, Thetharka, Dharam and adjoining areas will remain affected on June 12 and 13 from 9 am to 5 pm.

Similarly, the power supply to Battal Ballian and adjoining areas will remain affected on June 12 and 14 from 6 am to 10 pm.

Meanwhile, the Superintending Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL, O&M Circle Kathua has informed that the power supply to Gawal and its adjoining areas will remain affected on June 13 from 5 am to 9 am.

Similarly, the power supply to BB Town, Birpur Complex Old, Kaluchack and its adjoining areas will remain affected on June 14 from 5 am to 9 am.

Likewise, the power supply to Sarore Local, Sarore Industry and its adjoining areas will remain affected on June 16 from 5 am to 9 am.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 11: Ahead of commencement of annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2024, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat today conducted extensive visit of Yatra Transit Camp, Pantha Chowk to take the stock of arrangements being made for the convenience of pilgrims and smooth conduct of yatra.

During the visit, the DC inspected the physical status of various facilities at the site including electricity, drinking water, sanitation, parking space besides medical facilities.

On the occasion, he directed ADC Srinagar to appoint a Nodal Officer for close coordination among departments to ensure all the arrangements are put in place before 18th of June.

Also, he directed Ex. Engineer R&B to ensure macadamization of approach roads besides the completion of repairing works of temporary accommodation sheds.

Similarly, Executive Engineer PDD was directed to expedite electricity fitting besides installation of adequate number of ceiling fans in each transit accommodation shed.

Regarding adequate parking space to accommodate about five thousand pilgrims daily, DC asked concerned Officer of SSCL to spare a portion of Smart City Bus terminal Pantha Chowk for the period of yatra for parking of vehicles. Moreover, he stressed on hastening the leveling of the surface of premises of Yatri Niwas Pantha Chowk for making adequate parking space available.

Further, he also inspected the spaces where Langars shall be established to serve food to the pilgrims during their stay at the camp. On the occasion, he asked concerned to apply through proper channels for the permission of setting up Langars at Yatri Niwas.

The DC was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar Syed Ahmad Kataria, Superintendent of Traffic Police, Srinagar, Executive Engineers of R&B, PHE, PDD and Officers of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, Health and other Departments.

KUPWARA, JUNE 11: In order to ensure smooth celebration of upcoming Kheer Bhawani Mela, SSP Kupwara, Shobit Saxena and ADC Kupwara, M Rouf Rehman today visited Kheer Bawani Temple Tikker to review the arrangements put in place by various departments for the devotees.

On the occasion, the SSP and ADC held a joint meeting of officers from various departments including Revenue, Police, PHE, PDD, R&B and Municipality. President Mata Kheer Bawani Temple Tikker was also present in the meeting.

The officers were directed to ensure that all necessary facilities are provided to the devotees and advance arrangements of water, power supply, accommodation for pilgrims, and security are taken care of in consultation with the Police/ Security Incharge and the President of the Temple Committee.

The departments were stressed to complete their respective arrangements by today evening.

KATHUA, JUNE 11: Deputy Commissioner, Kathua Rakesh Minhas chaired a meeting of stakeholder departments here today to review the arrangements being put in place for smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2024.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Ranjit Singh was designated as overall Nodal Officer for SANJY-2024, while DC State Taxes, Pardeep Manhas was named Nodal Officer for Lakhanpur Facilitation Centre.

The Deputy Commissioner, while reviewing the status of arrangements, instructed the concerned departments to complete the pending work well before the commencement of the Yatra, considering the expected increase in the number of pilgrims.

It was decided that the District Administration Kathua will prepare a contingency plan to accommodate 12,500 pilgrims in case the Yatra is halted due to inclement weather or any other emergencies, for which 36 Lodgement Centres would be established.

To ensure smooth issuance of RFID tags to registered pilgrims, the district administration has decided to increase the number of counters at the Lakhanpur Facilitation Centre from six to twelve, reducing congestion at the Jammu Base Camp.

The DC urged the stakeholder departments to submit respective action plan regarding the provision of safe drinking water, power supply, medical facilities, sanitation, installation of toilets, lodging and langer facilities, traffic management, and security arrangements. He directed these departments to collaborate closely to finalize the necessary arrangements as soon as possible.

The DC emphasized the importance of training and sensitizing staff to assist the pilgrims and maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in the Lakhanpur corridor and along the Yatra routes. He further instructed Municipal Authorities, PWD, NHAI, and RDD to ensure the proper functioning and maintenance of public toilets throughout the Yatra period.

The DC also directed the concerned officers of NHAI and the Tourism Department to ensure the installation of digital screens, and signages at Lakhanpur and key points along the Yatra route.

It was announced that cultural programs would be held at Lakhanpur on the opening day and throughout the Yatra period to entertain the pilgrims.

The meeting also discussed in detail the facilities at lodgment centers, setting up a control room, disaster planning, monitoring the quality of food and eatables, maintaining proper sanitation along the Yatra route, and enforcing anti-polythene measures.

The DC State Taxes Pardeep Manhas; ADC, Kathua Ranjit Singh; SDM Hiranagar Rakesh Kumar, RTO Kewal Krishan besides other officers attended the meeting.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 10: Director Information J&K, Jatin Kishore, today chaired a meeting to ensure the seamless arrangements for the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024 as well as review the implementation of J&K Film Policy 2024.

Joint Director Information (Hqs), Vivek Puri; Joint Director Information Jammu, Atul Gupta; Joint Director Information Kashmir, Mohammad Aslam Khan; Deputy Director (AV), Deepak Dubey; Deputy Director (PR) Jammu/Kashmir; Nodal Officer J&K Film Policy, Maheer Thakur; Accounts Officer Directorate, Hitesh Choudhary; along with all District Information Officers and other concerned attended the meeting.

Director Information Jatin Kishore sought feedback from all District Information Officers regarding the preparation for upcoming Yatra as well as availability of manpower, staff, machinery, and other essential Equipments at various key locations along the Yatra route.

During the meeting, officers highlighted several critical issues, including concerns related to manpower shortages, the availability of Public Announcement Systems, and the procurement of suitable transportation services for men and machinery.

The Director emphasized on the installation of hoardings at strategic points along the route to welcome pilgrims, as well as the placement of informative signages to assist and guide the devotees throughout their journey.

Director Information also conducted a review of the J&K Film Policy 2024, aiming to streamline the process of issuing film permissions and provide support to filmmakers and producers.

During the meeting, Jatin Kishore emphasized the significance of the film policy, highlighting it as a top priority for the government. He stressed upon the officers to give special attention to smooth implementation of the policy including timely processing of shooting permissions, underscoring the government’s commitment to the development of the film industry in Jammu and Kashmir.

JAMMU, JUNE 10: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today chaired a high-level security review meeting with the officials of J&K Police and Civil Administration, at Police Headquarters, Jammu.

The Lieutenant Governor posted on X:

“Chaired a security review meeting with the officials of J&K Police and Civil Administration. I assure the people that those behind attack on pilgrims in Reasi and those aiding and abetting them will be punished”.

GANDERBAL, JUNE 10: In a proactive stride towards nurturing environmental consciousness, the Youth Services and Sports Department (YSS) Ganderbal orchestrated a series of impactful rallies within educational precincts across Zone Tullamulla.

Timed strategically before the onset of Environmental Week 2024, these rallies aimed to instill a profound sense of duty towards safeguarding our ecosystem among the burgeoning youth populace.

Approximately 300 students, representing a harmonious blend of both genders, fervently participated in these rallies, their voices resounding with impassioned slogans advocating for the preservation of our environment.

As they traversed the expanse of Zone Tullamulla, their unified outcry underscored the exigency of fortifying our planet’s resilience for posterity.

The laudable initiative elicited admiration from all quarters, elucidating the pivotal role of disseminating awareness regarding the pernicious repercussions of environmental degradation.

It accentuates the collective obligation incumbent upon us to steer towards a sustainable trajectory for the generations to come.

Concomitantly, the fervor for sports continued to thrive unabated in Ganderbal, epitomized by the fervent engagement witnessed in the ongoing inter-school zonal level competitions. Zone Tullamulla bore witness to an exhilarating intramural cricket spectacle at MS Waskura, wherein budding athletes fervently vied for selection, showcasing their mettle and determination.

Meanwhile, Zone Kangan orchestrated rigorous selection trials for girls under 17 and under 19 categories in football at the zonal office in Kijpara.

Similarly, Zone Ganderbal played host to selection trials of Handball for boys under 19 at GCOPE Gadoora, attracting an enthusiastic cohort of participants hailing from disparate corners of the zone.