Jammu & Kashmir

DODA, JUNE 10: The Department of Youth Services and Sports, Doda, continued to foster the spirit of sportsmanship and competition on the third day of the District Level Inter Zonal Tournament at Sports Stadium Doda.

With over 400 enthusiastic students and players representing 10 different zones of District Doda, Day 3 witnessed an exhilarating display of athletics and teamwork.

The day’s events focused on the U/14 Boys Competition, featuring an array of games including Chess, Kabaddi, Volleyball, Badminton, Kho-Kho, and Taekwondo.

Participants showcased their prowess and determination, captivating the audience with their skillful performances.

In an intense display of sportsmanship, the U/14 Boys teams from Bhalessa, Bhalla, and Bhaderwah emerged victorious in Volleyball, Kho-Kho, and Kabaddi, respectively, lifting the coveted trophies in their respective categories.

Their victories underscored the depth of talent and dedication prevalent among young athletes in the region.

The tournament, meticulously organized in accordance with the approved Activity Calendar issued by the Directorate of Youth Services and Sports, J&K, was officiated by a selected panel of experts from the department.

The event aimed to provide a platform to the budding players to showcase their skills and compete at District level.

RAMBAN, JUNE 10: In a significant development, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ramban Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, along with a team of functionaries from stakeholder departments, cleared a major bottleneck on the road connecting Raikote Mandir village and its adjoining habitations. The area was inaccessible, causing much inconvenience to over 300 families in the area.

The DC, alongside Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Varunjeet Singh Charak; Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Gool, Pawan Kumar Goswami; Assistant Executive Engineer (AEE) PWD, Naseer Ahmed Wanin and other officials conducted on spot inspection of the site and resolved the issue. The execution work on the 1.5 Kilometer road tendered out at an allotment cost of Rs 63 lakh was held up for the past three years, preventing access to transport services to the residents.

The team led by DC supervised the execution work on the remaining/ held up 0.5 Kilometer, making it possible to move their vehicles on the road in a single day.

To overcome this challenge, the DC persuaded local farmers who had been affected by the road construction to allow its completion. The DC also issued on the spot orders for paying compensation to farmers whose crops got damaged during the road construction process.

The successful clearance of the bottleneck will provide much-needed relief to the residents of village Raikote Mandir and its adjoining areas, ensuring access to essential services and improved connectivity.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 10: Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) today urged all interested Solar PV Vendors to get themselves immediately empanelled for implementation of PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana in Kashmir Division.

KPDCL has so far received more than 2000 formal applications and over 4000 registrations from prospective beneficiaries on the National Portal under the Flagship Scheme.

In a press release issued today, a KPDCL spokesperson advised the PV vendors to visit the Corporation’s official website www.kpdcl.jkpdd.net where the Expression of Interest document has been floated. “Vendor empanelment is live as of now. Once they are empanelled, the scheme will be formally launched, extending benefit of Government subsidy to the intended beneficiaries,” the spokesman stated.

KPDCL has also urged the vendors to approach the office of Chief Engineer (Distribution), at Srinagar to facilitate their empanelment.

Highlighting the Scheme benefits, the spokesman stated that under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana, a beneficiary shall get Central subsidy of Rs. 33,000/- up to 1 kWp plant, Rs.66,000/-up to 2 kWp & Rs.85,800/- up to and beyond 3 kWp solar rooftop plant. He further stated that the Union Ministry for New & Renewable Energy has also notified the guidelines for PM Surya Ghar Scheme and fixed benchmark cost ceilings for vendors for on-grid solar rooftop plants at Rs.55,000/- for 1 kWp, Rs. 55,000/- from 1-2 kWp & Rs.49,500/- for plant up to and beyond 3 kWp.

One of the key highlights of the Scheme is the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) of the subsidy directly into the accounts of the beneficiaries, who shall also get the incentive of waiver of Technical Feasibility Report for plants up to 10 kWp, the spokesperson added.

KPDCL is targeting 2500 solar rooftop beneficiaries under the PM Surya Ghar Scheme during the current financial year, the spokesman said, adding that by sunset date of 2027, KPDCL will extend the scheme to 33,300 beneficiaries across Kashmir Division.

Srinagar, June 9: Senior BJP leader Hilal Jan extended his heartfelt congratulations to Prime Minister Narendra Modi on taking the oath of office for the third consecutive term. In a statement, Jan expressed his admiration for PM Modi’s dedication and leadership, which has garnered widespread support and confidence from the people of India.

Hilal Jan praised the Prime Minister’s vision and commitment to the nation’s progress, highlighting the achievements of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government under Modi’s leadership.

Jan emphasized his belief that the NDA, under the stewardship of PM Modi, will continue to introduce and implement welfare measures that empower all sections of society.

Jan stated, “Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s unwavering dedication to the development and welfare of the country is truly commendable. I am confident that under his leadership, the NDA government will further its mission to empower every citizen, ensuring that the benefits of progress reach every corner of our nation.”

He also expressed hope that the government’s initiatives will foster inclusive growth and bring about substantial improvements in the lives of the general public. Jan highlighted the need for a dedicated Welfare Secretary to oversee and streamline welfare programs, ensuring their effective implementation and outreach to those in need.

“As we embark on this new term, it is crucial to focus on the holistic development of our society. I strongly believe that the introduction of a Welfare Secretary will play a pivotal role in ensuring that welfare schemes are efficiently managed and benefit the intended recipients,” Jan added.

Hilal Jan’s congratulatory message reflects the optimism and expectations of millions of Indians who look forward to continued progress and prosperity under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

DODA, JUNE 09: The highly anticipated District Level Inter-Zonal Tournament, organized by the Department of Youth Services and Sports Doda, is in full swing at Sports Stadium Doda.

The event, held on the directions of the Director of YSS J&K, Subash Chander Chibber and under the guidance of Joint Director Jammu, Ved Parkash, is being supervised by District Youth Services and Sports Officer Sunil Kumar.

The tournament attracted a remarkable turnout, showcasing the enthusiasm and competitive spirit of young athletes from across the district.

On the second day of the tournament, the stadium buzzed with energy as students from ten different zones of District Doda participated in different sports. As many as 360 girls competed energetically in events such as Kabaddi, Volleyball, Badminton, Table Tennis, Chess and Taekwondo. The massive participation underscores the importance of such events in fostering sports culture and encouraging healthy competition among young athletes.

The tournament’s schedule is packed with 23 different games, ensuring a wide range of opportunities for the participants to demonstrate their skills.

Zones including Assar, Bhalla, Bhaderwah, Doda, Ghat, Gundna, Bhalessa, Thathri, Bhatyas and Bhagwah are all vying for glory. On the second day, the girls’ U-17 volleyball final saw Bhaderwah triumph over Gundna with a score of 2-1, while Zone Doda shined in Kabaddi, adding to the excitement and competitive spirit of the event.

The district-level inter-zonal tournament serves as a significant platform for athletes to showcase their talent and compete against peers from different zones.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 09: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha extended his heartiest greetings and best wishes to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on taking the oath for third term as Prime Minister of India.

The Lt Governor posted on X:

“Historic moment for Bharat! Congratulations to Hon’ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji on taking the oath for 3rd term as Prime Minister of India. Under your visionary leadership, the nation will continue to move forward on the path of peace, progress, prosperity & achieve newer heights”.

RAMBAN, JUNE 09: Social Welfare Department Ramban, under the overall guidance of Deputy Commissioner Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary organised a 3 KM Marathon to generate public awareness regarding ill effects of drug abuse and encourage education and participation of girl child under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP).

The Marathon was held under the supervision of District Social Welfare Officer Rahul Gupta. He said that the Department is committed to work for Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan and promote Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign. “Such events can play a pivotal role in promotion of healthy lifestyle among youth and also act as an agent for generating awareness among the masses”, he added.

The 3 KM run started from Ramban Petrol Pump and culminated at District Administrative Complex Maitra.

As many as 200 runners participated in the event with great zeal and fervour. Top three runners under the Men and Women category were felicitated with prize money and momentos .

Mohd Aqib, Preetam Kumar and Shubam Singh clinched first, second and third positions respectively in Men’s category, while Samta Devi, Shruti Devi and Tanvi Katoch got first, second and third position respectively in women’s category.

Winners of the event thanked the District Administration Ramban for organising such events and also appreciated the overall management of the event.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 09: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, today convened a meeting with the field functionaries to assess gaps in infrastructure development and plan measures for improvement in border villages through convergence of different schemes.

“The department has formulated a detailed plan for development of critical infrastructure in all border villages in the UT. Community development, youth skilling and empowering village communities for planning and asset management are key components of the plan besides addressing specific infrastructure gaps”, stated the Secretary.

Director, RDD Kashmir, Shabir Hussain Bhat, Director RDD Jammu, Mumtaz Ali, Director Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal, Director Finance, Umar Khan, Director Planning, Kamal Kumar Sharma and other senior officers attended the meeting.

The Assistant Commissioners Development, Assistant Commissioners Panchayat and Block Development Officers from Jammu, Samba, Kathua, Rajouri, Poonch, Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora made detailed presentations about their village development plans.

Dr Shahid said that the department is initiating a flagship program for border areas to address the infrastructure demands with focus on empowering the village communities. He reviewed the plans formulated by various districts. He suggested crucial interventions for improving economic condition in these villages, by introducing income generating activities, economic development and social growth.

He stressed to ensure development of smart classrooms, model Anganwadi centres, tourism facilities, panchayat ghars, common service centres, sanitation facilities, high density horticulture plantation, milk and wool processing units, development of village roads, drinking water facilities and special interventions for women, children and specially abled persons besides senior citizen and youth specific planning.

Shabir Hussain discussed about development of home stays in Baramulla, Kupwara and Bandipora and provision of machinery for milk chilling plans, horticulture crops and infrastructure in essential service sectors.

Mumtaz Ali dwelled on plans for various border districts of Jammu with focus on schools, village infrastructure, milk production, haats and other facilities. Besides, the BDOs made detailed presentations about gap analysis, assessment and planning for village development in their respective districts.

Sham Lal shared the plan under Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan for development of Panchayat Ghars, Common Service Centres and Libraries.

The officers briefed the field officers about the interventions proposed under the Digital Village concept and capacity building of village communities, skilling of youth group with focus on self employment revenues.

ANANTNAG, JUNE 08: The Director General (DG) Rural Sanitation, Jammu and Kashmir, Anoo Malhotra Saturday conducted an extensive visit to Nunwan and Chandanwari to assess the sanitation facilities along the Pahalgam axis in preparation for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY), 2024 which is scheduled to commence on the 29th of this month.

The DG was accompanied by representatives from Gravity Private Management Solutions, the firm responsible for installing portable toilets along the route to the Holy Cave.

She emphasized the urgency of intensifying the installation activities to ensure all facilities are in place and fully operational before the Yatra begins.

In her directive, the DG stressed the importance of installing clear signage and posters to guide pilgrims to sanitation facilities easily. She also underscored the necessity of setting up pink toilets specifically for female pilgrims, ensuring their convenience and privacy during the pilgrimage.

The DG’s visit highlights the commitment of the Jammu and Kashmir administration to provide a clean and hygienic environment for all pilgrims undertaking the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra. The timely completion of these sanitation facilities is paramount to ensuring the comfort and well-being of the hundreds of thousands of devotees expected to participate in this sacred journey.

During the visit, the DG was accompanied by ACP Anantnag, DPO Anantnag, Nodal Officer, Pahalgam Axis, Nodal Officer Baltal Basecamp Axis, Field Officer, Rural Sanitation Kashmir, BDO Pahalgam and other officials.

JAMMU, JUNE 08: To empower women farmers and foster self-employment opportunities, a one-day training programme on commercial floriculture was conducted today in the premises of the Agronomist Vegetable Development Scheme, Krishi Bhawan, Talab Tillo.

Commercial floriculture, a flagship project under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), is aimed at not just enhancing agricultural productivity but also at fostering entrepreneurship among rural women, witnessed enthusiastic participation from 20 women farmers from the Reasi district.

The training programme was inaugurated in presence of Director Agriculture, Jammu Arvinder Singh Reen.

He interacted with the women farmers hailing from different blocks of the Reasi district, exchanging insights and experiences.

Agronomist Vegetable Scheme Vikas Padha contributed significantly to the program’s success through his expertise and guidance.

The day was filled with informative sessions, practical demonstrations, and interactive discussions aimed at equipping the participants with the necessary knowledge and skills in commercial floriculture.

Speaking on the occasion, Director Agriculture, Jammu, Shri Arvinder Singh Reen expressed his delight at witnessing the enthusiasm and dedication of the women farmers towards enhancing their livelihoods through agriculture-based initiatives. He emphasized the importance of such training programmes in fostering economic empowerment and self-sufficiency among women in rural areas.

Commercial floriculture, characterized by the cultivation and management of flowers for sale, offers lucrative opportunities for farmers, especially women, to diversify their agricultural activities and enhance their incomes. Through the training programme, participants gained insights into various aspects of commercial floriculture, including cultivation techniques, post-harvest management, market trends, and value addition.

The training programme on commercial floriculture under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme is a testament to the commitment of the agriculture sector towards empowering women and promoting sustainable livelihoods. Through initiatives like these, it is envisioned that women farmers will not only gain valuable skills but also contribute significantly to the growth and development of the agricultural sector in the region.