Jammu & Kashmir

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 16: Jammu Kashmir Raj Bhawan today hosted a cultural evening to commemorate the Jharkhand Day, which was celebrated on 15th November. Students, Security personnel and residents of Jharkhand were the special invitees on the occasion.

In his address, Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha spoke on the rich history of Jharkhand and recalled the valuable contribution of the social reformers, freedom fighters, litterateurs, farmers, artistes and great personalities of Jharkhand.

“Since ancient times in India, we have believed in maintaining a balance between nature and humankind. Jharkhand Day celebration today provided us an opportunity to reaffirm our pledge to protect and conserve natural resources,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that the natural beauty, cultural richness, diversity of Jharkhand and entrepreneurial approach of its people is making rich contributions to India’s growth.

“Jharkhand literally means ‘the land of forests’. It is home to social reformers and freedom fighters like Bhagwan Birsa Munda and Tilka Manjhi. May this sacred land scale new heights of progress and prosperity in the coming years,” he said.

On the occasion, traditional folk dance and musical performances by the artists were organized to celebrate the glorious cultural heritage of Jharkhand.

JAMMU, OCTOBER 11: Principal Secretary, Agriculture Production Department, Shailendra Kumar, today held a comprehensive review meeting to review the physical and financial progress on projects being executed under the Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), CAPEX budget, NABARD and the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP).

Mission Director HADP, Director Agriculture Jammu, Director Horticulture Jammu, Director Command Area Development Jammu, Director Finance APD, Secretary APD, Director Planning APD, Managing Director JKAGROS, Director Research SKUAST-J, Joint Directors of Agriculture and allied departments, Deputy Director Planning, Scientists from SKUAST-J, Chief Agriculture Officers and Chief Horticulture officers from all districts of Jammu division attended the meeting.

During the meeting, the officers presented detailed updates on implementation status, challenges encountered and strategies to expedite pending activities under these schemes.

The Principal Secretary emphasized the importance of ensuring timely execution and fund utilization under all schemes, while also addressing challenges faced in project implementation.

Shailendra Kumar reviewed the significant advancements made under HADP, which has been instrumental in promoting sustainable agricultural practices and improving farmers’ livelihoods. He observed that special attention has been given to ensure the expenditure under HADP, CSS and CAPEX projects align with the overall goal of infrastructure development in the sector. He also had detailed discussion on CSS projects, focusing on key flagship schemes like PDMC, SMAM, RAD, RKVY, PKVY, ATMA, NFSM and others aimed at boosting rural prosperity.

The Principal Secretary directed all the departments to work in close coordination to meet the set targets for the fiscal year and ensure the benefits reach the grassroots level. He also stressed the need for proper monitoring mechanisms and regular updates on the progress of all projects.

The review included a specific assessment of the Baba Jitto Irrigation Project, with a call for increased focus on Rainfed Area Development.

The meeting concluded with an actionable plan aimed at accelerating the completion of ongoing projects, reinforcing the commitment to enhance the agricultural ecosystem in the region.

SRINAGAR OCTOBER 05:- On the directions of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Syed Ahmad Kataria today visited the Ziyarat Dastgeer Sahib Saraibala Amirakadal to finalize the arrangements made for smooth conduct of annual Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA) at the Ziyarat.

During the visit, the ADC stressed the Officers of all line Departments and other stakeholders to ensure that all necessary arrangements are put in place well in advance to facilitate the devotees visiting the Ziyarat during Urs days.

While reviewing the arrangements made by concerned departments , the ADC emphasized uninterrupted power and water supplies at the Shrine besides ensuring proper sanitation and cleanliness measures around the venue particularly during Urs days.

Regarding medical facilities during Urs days the Department of Health was asked to set up a first aid cum Medical Camp at the shrine.

The ADC also asked for ensuring proper functioning of street lights and smooth regulation of traffic movement in the area during auspicious days of Urs.

On the occasion, the ADC also interacted with the members of Shrine Management and sought details about the requirements for the Urs.

The Senior Officers of Police and Civil Administration accompanied the ADC during the visit.

GANDERBAL, OCTOBER 05: The Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Ganderbal, Mushtaq Ahmad Simnani, today convened a meeting to finalize arrangements for the counting of votes scheduled for October 8, 2024.

The meeting, held at DC Office was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Gulzar Ahmad, Returning Officer (RO) for Ganderbal Assembly Constituency, DyDEO, Chief Planning Officer, District Informatics Officer NIC, and other senior officers.

The ADDC took a detailed review of arrangements including water supply, electricity, medical facilities, sanitation, security, deployment of staff, establishment of Media Centre and other related arrangements.

He stressed the need for strict compliance with Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines to ensure a transparent and smooth counting process.

The Returning Officers were instructed to promptly inform all candidates and their representatives of the exact date, time, and venue for the counting of votes. Appropriate signages will be displayed, and all counting rooms will be notified in advance.

The Executive Engineer KPDCL has been directed to ensure uninterrupted power supply at the venue, along with the availability of backup gensets.

Similarly, the Jal Shakti department will arrange water tankers and install water dispensers to meet the requirements at the venue.

The municipal Committee will ensure adequate toilet facilities and sanitation measures at the counting center.

A dedicated Media Centre will be established under the supervision of the District Information Officer. The center will feature a public address system and an LCD screen to display real-time election results.

The ADDC directed that law and order be strictly monitored during the entire counting process to prevent any untoward incidents. A pedestrian zone will be declared within a 100-meter radius of the counting center to enhance security and manage crowd flow.

Simnani emphasized continuous oversight of all arrangements to ensure transparency and efficiency throughout the vote counting process.

The district administration is committed to ensuring that the entire process is conducted smoothly, following the principles of fairness and transparency as per ECI guidelines.

UDHAMPUR, OCTOBER 05: The District Election Authority Udhampur conducted a training program for Pre-Counting/scanning of ETPBS for AROs, Supervisors and Assistants under the supervision of District Election Officer Udhampur Saloni Rai, here at Conference Hall DC Office Complex, Udhampur.

During the training session, participants had the opportunity to address their doubts and clarify key aspects of the scanning/pre-counting procedures of ETPBS. Emphasis was placed on the importance of adhering to a transparent, diligent and unbiased approach throughout the counting process, ensuring that every legitimate vote is accurately accounted for.

The Returning Officers also highlighted the necessity of strict compliance with the guidelines set forth by the Election Commission of India. They reiterated the importance of accuracy and vigilance in maintaining the integrity of the election process.

Returning Officers briefed the participants on their specific roles and responsibilities, ensuring that all are well-prepared to carry out their tasks smoothly and efficiently.

POONCH, OCTOBER 05: District Election Officer (DEO) Poonch, Vikas Kundal chaired a meeting today to finalize the security and logistical arrangements for the counting of votes scheduled on October 8.

The meeting was attended by key officials, including SSP Mumtaz Ahmad, ADC Mustafa Malik, ACR, SDM Mendhar, Returning Officers (ROs) of Haveli, Surankote, and Mendhar, SDPO Mendhar and representatives from various security agencies.

DEO emphasized the need for flawless coordination among all departments to ensure that the counting process is conducted in a secure and transparent manner. The counting will be held at the Dina Nath Rafiq Memorial Model Higher Secondary School (Girls), Poonch, for all three Assembly Constituencies.

SSP Mumtaz Ahmad briefed the DEO on the comprehensive security plan, which includes multi-layered security at the counting centre, checkpoints at key locations, and adequate deployment of police personnel to maintain order. Representatives from various security agencies also assured their full cooperation, pledging to keep the area under close surveillance throughout the day. Only authorized personnel will be allowed inside the centre, in accordance with strict guidelines set by the Election Commission.

As part of the broader preparations, a robust three-tier security system has been arranged for the counting centre in Poonch. Authorities have completed all necessary preparations to ensure that the counting proceeds smoothly and securely.

Infrastructure and safety arrangements have also been put in place, including basic amenities like washrooms and drinking water, fire safety precautions, and the presence of medical teams on standby for any emergencies on the counting day.