Jammu & Kashmir

Srinagar, Mar 10 : In a significant decision, Haj Committee of India (HCoI) Friday announced to extend the date of Haj forms till March 20.

Talking to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), HCoI member Er Aijaz Hussain said that the date of filling the forms of Haj 2023 has been extended upto March 20. “Haj aspirants can fill the forms till March 20. Haj forms are available on the Website of HCoI,” Er Aijaz said.

This year, Er Aijaz said that Haj has been made cheaper by Rs 80,000 while as better facilities have been ensured for the pilgrims at Makkah and Madina. This year, 25 embankment points have been set up across the country to facilitate pilgrims. Er Aijaz said that over 10,000 pilgrims will perform Haj from JK UT while as one lakh Indian pilgrims are expected to leave for Haj 2023—(KNO)

Waris Fayaz

Handwara, March 10 : Newly constructed building of government boys high school,Guloora in Handwara area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district has developed major cracks, thereby putting lives of students and staff at risk.

Locals told the news agency–Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that they had already brought the issue into the notice of concerned authorities that contractor has used substandard material in construction.

They alleged that the building was recently handed over to the department and soon it developed cracks, thereby putting the lives of students and staff at risk.

“We had already informed the head of the institution that the concerned contractor has used substandard material in its construction but she did not pay any heed and today we have the results before us,” he said.

The locals said it took years to construction the building and huge funds were spent but to no avail. “We demand a probe into this and the concerned contractor be taken to task for using substandard material in its construction,” the locals said.

They also appealed to deputy commissioner Kupwara to take note of this issue and demanded thorough investigation into the matter.

Despite repeated attempts CEO Kupwara did not respond to several calls from this reporter—(KNO)

Kupwara, Mar 09 : The authorities on Thursday suspended 5 health official including a medical officer posted of PHC Unisoo in Langate area of north Kashmir’s Kupwara district for remaining absent from duties.

According to an order, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the employees were found absent from their duties during a surprise visit by deputy commissioner Kupwara today.

The officials include medical official Dr Feroz Ahmad Khan, senior pharmacist Fayaz Ahmad Dar, pharmacist Aijaz Ahmad Mir, ISM pharmacist Tahir Ahmad and FMPHW Kulsuma Bano.

The order stated they have been asked to explain their position within 24 hours, failing which it shall be presumed they have nothing to say in their defence—(KNO)

Jammu, Mar 09: Jammu Chamber of Commerce and Industries has given shutdown call On March 11 against imposition of property tax in Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a press conference president CCI Arun Gupta, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that after series of meetings with members of civil society and other organizations, thye have decided to observe complete shutdown on Saturday.

He said that Chamber of Commerce and Industry will oppose any move that will put burden on the people—(KNO)

Baramulla, Mar 09: The Innovation and Incubation cell of Government Degree College Baramulla in collaboration with J&K Science Technology and Innovation Council Srinagar held one-day technical workshop aimed at promoting innovation, incubation, and entrepreneurship among students on Thursday.

As per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), the workshop which featured talks from industry experts and representatives from financial institutions focused on informing students about the various schemes and resources offered by the government to support start-ups and encourage economic growth.

Guest of honor Javed Rashid, lead district manager of Jammu and Kashmir Bank in Baramulla and representative of Reserve Bank of India highlighted the need for students to acquire necessary skills to succeed in a saturated job market.

He stressed the importance of government schemes like the Prime Minister Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP), agricultural finance, and other allied sectors, such as fish rearing, to promote entrepreneurship and self-employment.

Professor Tariq Chalkoo, the convener of the program, spoke about the need for a shift towards ethnographic thinking and the transformation of colleges into designing schools. He emphasized the importance of imparting relevant skills to the 71 percent of youth who pursue education and employment.

Prof Mohammad Farooq Rather, the Principal of GDC Baramulla, highlighted the crucial role of skill development and education in shaping successful entrepreneurs. He urged students to focus on industrial skill programs in addition to government jobs to harness their potential.

The workshop also included visits to the departments of Fisheries, Botany, and Chemistry, where students learned about commercial fish farming, mushroom cultivation, and vermicomposting.

The professors of organizing departments and participating students were presented with mementos and certificates by the Principal of the college—(KNO)

Srinagar, Mar 09: The work related to land revenue and other services has come to a standstill in this central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district due to the UT-wide pen-down strike by the Jammu and Kashmir Patwar Association.

The association has been protesting for their demands which include an increase in grade pay, the creation of patwar halqas, girdawar circles and other issues. The patwaris have also threatened to intensify their agitation if their demands are not fulfilled at the earliest.

While the authorities have assured the association that its demands will be looked into, no concrete steps have been taken yet. The protesting patwaris have urged the government to take prompt action in this regard.

The patwaris told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO): “Our strike is peaceful. We have been sitting on a dharna outside the Deputy Commissioner’s office and tehsil office, and we will not go back till our demands are met.”

“We were appointed as patwaris in 2012 with a grade pay of 2800. After some time, due to unknown reasons, our grade pay was demoted to 2400. We are requesting the administration to restore our grade pay,” one of the patwaris outside the DC office Ganderbal, wishing anonymity, said.

“We have protested earlier, and the government has made promises to us, but till now, nothing has been done,” he added.

Another patwari said, “Our prime demand is the enhancement of grade pay, and our second demand is the creation of patwar halqa and girdawar circle. The patwar halqas of 1876, when Sir Walter Lawrence was the Regional Director, continue till now. As you can see, there were three districts – Srinagar, Baramulla, and Anantnag. Many others have come into existence since then, but the patwar halqas have remained the same. Our sole demand is to increase these patwar halqas.”

Abdul Rahman, a local resident, while expressing his frustration said, “I came here for some work related to land revenue, but the office is closed.”

Naseema Begum, a nearby shopkeeper, said she supports patwaris in their demands. “They play an important role in land revenue and other related services. The government should fulfill their demands as soon as possible,” she said.

Riyaz Ahmad, a farmer, said the strike is affecting the work of the general public. The government needs to take quick action and resolve this issue. We cannot afford to wait for too long, he said.

“The patwaris have been working tirelessly for years, and they deserve better pay and working conditions,” Ghulam Nabi, a local businessman, said—(KNO)

Srinagar, Mar 09: Kashmir’s historic Badamwari was on Thursday thrown open for the general public while the authorities said that the almond bloom to be witnessed in the next 7-8 days at the garden.

The visitors, especially the tourists from different parts of the country, were seen clicking pictures at the famous and historic Badamwari garden here today.

Javed-ul-Islam, a tourist from Delhi, said that the garden is a wonderful place to click pictures and the people from outside should visit here. “Kashmir is blessed with picturesque places and Badamwari is one among them. It was a wonderful experience today at this garden,” he said.

Director Floriculture, Farooq Ahmad Rather as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) also visited the park today where he said that only 20 per cent of almond trees are in bloom while the garden will witness complete bloom in the next 7-8 days.

He said that the garden is being mostly visited by the people living around Srinagar City and the tourists as well. He added that the garden spread over an area of 300 kanals has 1500 almond trees with different varieties.

Pertinently, the almond garden located on the foothills of historic Koh e Maran in Srinagar, holds much significance as it heralds the arrival of spring in Kashmir—(KNO)

Says 3 years ago, PM’s pledge to remove all hurdles in J&K bearing fruit; Covid dampened sports spirit in UT for some time; Youth scripting their new future in sports field

Srinagar, Feb 09: Jammu and Kashmir’s Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said that large number of Kashmiri youth are scripting their future in the field of sports and the Valley youth have replaced stones with cricket bat, hockey and badminton.

“The misguided youth who would pick up stones are today holding cricket bat, hockey, badminton and tennis rackets in their hands. This is the outcome of the pledge taken by Prime Minister Narendera Modi three years ago that removed hurdles and resolved all issues in J&K,” the LG said, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), while addressing the closing ceremony of LG’s Rolling Trophy that saw the participation of 42000 participants, in Jammu.

He said that Covid dampened the sports spirit for some time. “But a large number of youth are scripting the new history in the field of sports. They are the real champions and making J&K proud,” the LG said.

He said that in October 2020, the government took steps to provide sports kits to youth in every Panchayat after seeing their enthusiasm. “We had assured the jubilant youth that they will get best possible sports infrastructure. Talent is being traced at Panchayat level and sportsmen are being provided best guidance to prove their skills,” the LG said.

The LG said that that the players with their sill and endurance on playing field have inspired youth generation, renewed the essential spirit of sports and made this tournament truly memorable.

He said that Youth and Sports department, mission youth and Sports Council is visiting village to village to trace the talent and provide them a proper platform. “Special focus is being given to build a quality sports infrastructure at village level,” the LG said—(KNO)

Suhail Ahmad

Ajas Mar 09 : Continuing anti encroachment drive against encroachers, Tehsildhar Ajas Safia Abdullah on the directions of DC Bandipora along with Naib Tehsildhar Ajas and with the participation of irrigation Division Sonawari got released Zajyari Nalla (Irrigation canal) at Sadunara from the encroachers.

The drive was carried out on Thursday and with the eviction of irrigation canal from the hands of encroachers, hundreds of kanals of land agriculture is depend on this irrigation canal. The locals said since twenty years we were craving for removing of encroachment from this nalla which provides water for our paddy land.

It was long pending demand of this area and we are happy finally anti encroachment drive has been started by the admin. The local appreciated the move of administration.

BARAMULLA, MARCH 09: The District Administration Baramulla in collaboration with Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) today organized an export awareness workshop for potential exporters in association with Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), and various other export institutions.

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar presided over the workshop and expressed her salutation to the business community members from Baramulla District.

Addressing the gathering, Dr Sehrish emphasized on proper branding of the products to make the branded products export ready. She further highlighted the major products from Baramulla which have potential for exports and spotlighted the importance of fine tuning and finishing of products.

The workshop is first in line of the planned events to be held across the UT to promote exports from all districts of J&K. It included detailed sessions on Benefits of exports, process of getting IEC code, awareness regarding India Business Portal and India Trade portal, credit linkages for exports and credit risk insurance facilities and potential of products of region in international market.

The emphasis of the workshop was to boost and support exports from District Baramulla with a focus on developing the district as an export hub under the District as Export Hub/ODOP initiatives. The beneficiaries were briefed regarding the potential of their products for exports, countries to be targeted and procedures of exports.

JKTPO has brought all export agencies/ stakeholders to the grassroots level through these drives. Special focus was given on ODOP products and other focus products of district Baramulla including Fruit, Silk Carpet, pashmina shawls etc.

The detailed sessions were conducted by the experts on the benefits of exports, the process of getting an Import/Export code, endorsing local products to an international market, credit linkages for exports and credit risk insurance facilities.

A.K. Bhushan, Deputy Director DGFT, J&K, during his address, apprised the participants of the role of DGFT in international trade. He reflected upon the kind of documentation and procedures necessary for entering the international business/IEC registration and other related issues.

About 250 participants, including members of Industrial associations, industrialists, Fruit Traders, entrepreneurs, artisans, FPOs, participated in the event.