National

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.

JAMMU, OCTOBER 05: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, today chaired a meeting to review the preparedness and preventive measures for Dengue in districts of Jammu Division.

Director Health Services, Jammu, Director ULB, Deputy Commissioners, CMOs, State Malarialogist, representatives of municipalities and concerned attended the meeting.

The meeting discussed the ongoing efforts, preparedness and measures for prevention and minimizing the cases of Dengue.

Director Health Services, Jammu apprised the Divisional Commissioner on the yearly comparison and monthly trends of the District wise Dengue cases. He further informed about the teams of Doctors, Logistics, equipment and medical stocks deployed in the areas with Dengue cases.

The Div Com directed the concerned district officials for monitoring the situation and submit daily report of the trend of cases especially from the hotspot areas.

He further asked to intensify the fogging for disinfecting the areas with Dengue cases and conducting house to house spraying activities.

The Div Com called for rigorous awareness campaigns on Dengue and its prevention with prime focus on market areas, residential colonies and dwellings. “It should be ensured there is no water stagnation anywhere while drains, nallahs should be cleaned for proper flow”, he said.

The Div Com also sought the details of preparedness of GMCs and hospitals for treatments of Dengue patients. District Administrations and CMOs were asked to take the private hospitals onboard to keep them prepared for treating the Dengue cases.

The Div Com directed the concerned officials to also focus cleanliness and disinfectant fogging drives in Industrial areas and places with high movement of people.

KATHUA, OCTOBER 04: In a demonstration of best electoral practices, the District Election Office Kathua has implemented robust measures to ensure transparency and accountability in the post-poll process for all six Assembly segments in the district. The Government Degree College (Boys) Kathua, designated as the Counting Centre, is now a model of transparency with the provision of live CCTV surveillance monitoring all strong rooms where Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) are securely stored following the polling on October 1st.

To further uphold these standards, the District Election Office has set up a dedicated, 24/7 Control Room inside the college. This facility, accessible to election agents and authorized representatives of contesting candidates, provides live feeds from the CCTV cameras installed in the strong rooms.

In addition to real-time monitoring, election agents and candidates are permitted regular visits to the strong rooms, ensuring concerns are addressed promptly and minimizing any apprehensions.

For the convenience of those involved, the Control Room has been equipped with necessary amenities, including fans, drinking water, and Wi-Fi. Duty magistrates are present round-the-clock to ensure that all protocols are strictly followed and to resolve any issues immediately, thereby reinforcing the integrity of the electoral process.

JAMMU, OCTOBER 4: In a significant initiative to enhance worker welfare, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, convened a meeting today to review the action plan focused on providing benefits of various schemes to workers registered on the e-Shram portal.

Present in the meeting were Secretary, Labour and Employment; Principal Secretary, PDD; Commissioner Secretary, IT; Secretary, Tribal Affairs; MD, JKRLM; Labour Commissioner; representatives from NIC and other concerned officers.

The Chief Secretary enquired about saturation of ration cards among registered workers. He emphasized the need for issuance of ration cards to all eligible workers, directing the department to identify and fill existing gaps in coverage. This move is expected to bolster food security for many workers who may currently lack access to essential resources, he asserted.

In a bid to enhance the efficacy of these initiatives, the Chief Secretary instructed all concerned departments to designate Nodal Officers of their department. These officers will be responsible for ensuring that the benefits of all schemes are effectively communicated and delivered to registered workers. He also emphasized the importance of identifying eligible families for their comprehensive coverage.

Dulloo called upon the departments such as Social Welfare, Health, and School Education to work in collaboration to facilitate these workers with their respective departmental schemes. He underscored the need for an integrated approach towards worker welfare, ensuring that all relevant sectors contribute to the wellbeing of registered workers.

The Secretary informed the Chief Secretary that the department is actively collaborating with the Social Welfare Department to roll out various social security schemes for the registered workers. This partnership aims to provide a robust support system, ensuring that workers receive the benefits they are entitled to, he added.

Earlier, the Secretary delivered a comprehensive presentation detailing the current statistics on registered un-organised workers and their distribution across different sectors. He outlined the eligibility criteria for registration and highlighted the sectors covered under the e-Shram initiative, underscoring the government’s commitment towards supporting labourers in diverse fields across different departments.

SRINAGAR OCTOBER 04: In connection with upcoming Urs of the revered saint Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA), the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, Dr. Khalid Hussain Malik today visited the Shrine of Dastgeer Sahib at Khanyar to take stock of the arrangements made for smooth observance of the Urs.

During the visit, the ADC took a detailed review of the arrangements being made at the Shrine by different Departments for the annual Urs observation.

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

The Senior Officers of Police and line Departments who accompanied the ADC on the occasion briefed him about the arrangements their respective Departments are making to ensure smooth observance of the Urs.

The ADC stressed the Officers and other stakeholders to ensure all requisite facilities and arrangements are made available for devotees well in advance.