National

GANDERBAL, JANUARY 02: Minister for Jal Shakti, Javed Ahmed Rana, today inspected Water Treatment Plant (WTP) Rangil in Ganderbal to take stock of its functioning.

The Minister inspected various units of the plant and enquired about their operational status. He took stock of water supply to households, storage capacity, water reservoirs, pump room and water testing laboratories. He was informed that the water treatment plants at Rangil feed portable drinking water to a large population of Srinagar city, Ganderbal district and few areas of Baramulla district.

While inspecting the 20 million gallons per day (MGD) and 10 MGD reservoirs at Rangil, Javed Rana maintained that nature has gifted the valley with abundant water resources and it is our prime duty to protect and keep them pollution free.

While sharing suggestions for further improvement, Rana urged upon the officials to carry out regular inspection of water tanks. He asked them to keep the surroundings of Rangil WTP clean from any possible contamination of water. He stressed upon the concerned officials to ensure that quality water is supplied to the consumers besides regular water tests are done.

Javed Rana enjoined upon the officers to expedite the work on 5 MGD filtration plant, while maintaining set quality parameters, which will further boost the carrying capacity of the Rangil plant.

Appreciating the work of the officers of Jal Shakti department, the Minister further emphasised on efficient water supply management and clean, safe drinking water supply to every household. He said that the government is committed to provide drinking water tap connections to every household under the Jal Jeevan Mission.

Chief Engineer Jal Shakti Department, Kashmir, Braham Jyoti Sharma, presented a brief about the functioning of both 20 MGD and 10 MGD WTPs and the future plans. He apprised the Minister that the water treatment plant assumes huge significance as it feeds potable drinking water to various habitations of Srinagar, Ganderbal and Baramulla districts. He also said that work is in progress on the 5 MGD water filtration plant and steps are afoot to complete it within the stipulated timeframe.

RAMBAN, JANUARY 2: Rural Self Employment Training Institute (RSETI) of the State Bank of India successfully conducted its 30-day Tailor Training Program for Women here today.

Organised under the guidance of Deputy Commissioner Ramban, the training aimed at empowering women through skill development and promoting self-employment.

The valedictory ceremony was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Roshan Lal as the Chief Guest.

In his address, the ADDC shared his personal experiences of perseverance during challenging times, inspiring the trainees to embrace self-employment opportunities. He encouraged participants to leverage government schemes such as PMEGP (Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme), Mudra and HADP (Holistic Agriculture Development Program) for their entrepreneurial endeavors.

Director RSETI Ramban Harvinder Singh briefed the Chief Guest on the institute’s mission and its pivotal role in fostering self-employment across the region. The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Senior Faculty Member, marking the culmination of the event.

Expressing their gratitude, the trainees thanked RSETI Ramban for providing them with the opportunity to acquire valuable skills and boost their confidence to pursue tailoring as a livelihood.

During the one month training, the trainees were imparted different skills including Entrepreneurship Competencies, Effective Communication Skills, Marketing Management, Problem Solving Time Management, Banking, Government Schemes, Behavioral Game, Introduction of Dress Designing Basic of stitching & measurement, Saree skills vertices of frill theory paper cutting & practical, stitching of Nighties, Night Suits, Night Gowns, Fancy Nighties theory & practical, School Uniforms for girls blouse & skirts theory & practical, Baby Frock, Saree Zigzag, Chudidhar, Punjabi, Patiyala, Arabic, Rajasthani Pushup, Anarkali Top, Apple Cut Top, Sahraw theory & practical and Basics of Sewing Machine Repairs etc.

RSETI Ramban continues to play a crucial role in empowering rural communities, particularly women, through comprehensive training programs, aligning with national and regional initiatives to create sustainable livelihoods.

At the end, Senior Faculty Amrik Singh Raju concluded the program with a vote of thanks.

KISHTWAR, JANUARY 2: In a significant step towards ensuring welfare for orphaned children, District Magistrate (DM) Kishtwar, Rajesh Kumar Shavan chaired a meeting of the Sponsorship and Foster Care Approval Committee (SFCAC) today. The meeting focused on deliberations and approvals of new cases under the welfare schemes aimed at providing financial support to orphans.

The Committee approved 23 new cases, taking the total number of beneficiaries under these schemes to 223, against a target of 201. The committee had earlier approved 200 cases following a meticulous verification process.

The focus of the discussion revolved around saturating the target and ensuring that no eligible child is left out of the benefits provided under these schemes.

The Sponsorship and Foster Care Schemes, implemented under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), aim to provide financial assistance to children in need of care and protection. The Sponsorship Scheme provides monetary support to families or guardians to ensure proper upbringing of children, while the Foster Care Scheme allows children to live with foster families, ensuring a nurturing environment for their holistic development.

DM Kishtwar emphasized the importance of achieving 100% saturation of the target to extend the benefits of these schemes to all eligible orphans in the district. He directed the committee to ensure the inclusion of every orphan in Kishtwar under the schemes and instructed for robust verification to eliminate any discrepancies.

Besides the participants discussed strategies for effective implementation and evolving workable follow-up mechanisms for the schemes. The committee decided to streamline the application process further and ensure timely disbursal of benefits.

The meeting was attended by the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) Zubair Ahmed, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), and other committee members. Representatives from stakeholder agencies and NGOs running orphanages in the district were also present.

JAMMU, JANUARY 2: Director Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Jammu S. Arvinder Singh Reen inaugurated the first harvest of the Shiitake mushrooms (Lentinula edodes), here today at the Shiitake lab of the Spawn Production Office, Krishi Bhawan.

Shiitake mushrooms, known for their rare medicinal properties including anti-cancer, immune-boosting, and anti-allergic effects, require a specialized cultivation environment. These mushrooms can only grow on sawdust blocks made from hardwood, with a cultivation cycle ranging from 120 to 180 days and a biological efficiency of 20-30% on a wet weight basis.

In his address, Director S. Arvinder Singh Reen emphasized the immense potential of Shiitake mushroom cultivation as a high-value crop for Jammu and Kashmir. He stated that this initiative will not only foster employment generation but also open new avenues for startups, particularly among the region’s unemployed youth. Additionally, the project supports the diversification of existing mushroom cultivation activities within the UT.

The key raw material for Shiitake cultivation is sawdust, and Jammu and Kashmir is uniquely positioned to benefit from this, with its abundant supply of sawdust and Wooden Chips generated by the Jammu and Kashmir’s cricket bat industry. Furthermore, the ideal temperature range of 20-28°C (68-82°F) for Shiitake growth is well-suited to the region’s climate, making it an ideal location for large-scale production.

The Directorate of Agriculture Production and Farmers Welfare Jammu has successfully initiated the commercial cultivation of Shiitake mushrooms for the first time in the region. The Spawn Production Laboratory at Talab Tillo Jammu has successfully achieved spawn production and spawn run, following the protocols established by the Directorate of Mushroom Research, Chamba Ghat, Solan (H.P). Additionally, 1,000 ready-to-fruit blocks have been procured from District Project Manager-JICA, ODA Palampur, and are being supplied to progressive mushroom growers and DCTCs across the Jammu Province to encourage commercial cultivation of Shiitake mushrooms. Fruit initiation in these blocks has also been successfully achieved across the Jammu division.

The programme was attended by Deputy Director Central Dr. Ashwani Sharma, Agriculture Chemist Dr. Aman Jyoti Sharma, Spawn Production Officer Verinder Dogra, Mushroom Development Officer Raghubir Pal Kochar, SMS-RL Dharmesh Vaid, SMS-SDL Kewal Krishan Sharma, along with the staff from the Spawn Production and Mushroom Development Offices.

This groundbreaking project is poised to pave the way for sustainable agricultural practices, increased employment opportunities, and a prosperous future for the mushroom cultivation industry in Jammu and Kashmir.

KISHTWAR, JANUARY 02: To promote child health, the District Administration has launched a mass campaign to select healthy babies and extend medical facilities to the pregnant ladies, lactating mothers and newly born babies across the district.

In this regard, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Rajesh Kumar Shavan chaired a meeting of the stakeholder departments to reinforce the schedule for organizing the events across the district.

The competition, which began on 1st January 2025, has generated significant enthusiasm among mothers, who care for the health and well-being of their babies despite all challenges .

The healthy baby shows for male and female children (6 months to 6 years), started at the Panchayat level would proceed to the Block level and culminate at the District level. The winners will be felicitated on the occasion of Republic Day 2025, with citation certificates and incentives.

A committee consisting of AWWs, AWHs, members of the Village Monitoring Committee, and women members of the Pani Samiti will conduct a preliminary survey of healthy babies from 1st to 5th January 2025 in each Panchayat based on specific criteria. The Village/Panchayat level committee will submit the selected list of 06 healthy babies (3 Male 3 Female) to the Block Level Committee along with documentation of all events.

The Block Level Committee consisting of BDO, CDPO, BMO, TSWO TSO will organize an inter-Panchayat competition from 7th to 9th January 2025 and select 06 healthy babies (03 male 03 female) for the District Level Competition.

The District Level Committee consisting of PO ICDS Kishtwar, ACD Kishtwar, CMO Kishtwar, DSWO Kishtwar, and AD FCS&CA Kishtwar will organize an inter-block competition from 14th to 18th January 2025 and select 02 healthy babies per block (01 male and 01 Female) and those will be the winners of the Competition.

This competition will be closely monitored by the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) and the Block Medical Officers (BMOs) concerned, with thorough screening of the newborn children.

The main objective of the competition is to promote the health and well-being of newborns and to ensure proper care for their mothers also

RAMBAN, JANUARY 02: Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Ramban, Arjun Singh Raju today called for promotion of cultural activities by providing local artists a platform to eke out their potential.

Inaugurating a private music recording facility, “Pahari Saga Studio,” here at Maitra, the MLA highlighted the importance of such initiatives in preserving and promoting the local art and music. He emphasized that in today’s digital age, music videos can play a pivotal role in showcasing Ramban’s rich cultural heritage and scenic tourist destinations, contributing to the local economy.

Encouraging local artists, including Music Director Ashh-k, Ronak Thakur, Abdul Majid Malik, Jeevan Pahar, Mohan Lal and Sangita Rajput, the MLA assured full support from his end and the government to foster growth in tourism and cultural activities besides providing opportunities for talent development.

The establishment of “Pahari Saga Studio” is expected to inspire local artists and enhance Ramban’s cultural landscape while attracting more visitors to explore its natural beauty and traditions.

RAJOURI, JANUARY 02: Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma conducted a surprise inspection of the Primary Health Center (PHC) Kallar Chatyar, which serves dozens of villages near the Line of Control (LoC) in the Keri Doongi area.

During the inspection, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the attendance of the staff, emphasizing strict adherence to duty rosters. Highlighting the importance of accountability, he directed the hospital administration to address identified shortcomings and implement necessary improvements within a few days.

The Deputy Commissioner instructed the staff to ensure that all available healthcare services are delivered seamlessly and without hindrance to the public. He interacted with locals visiting the health facility to gather feedback on the quality of services, assuring them of the administration’s commitment to upgrading healthcare facilities in the region.

The surprise inspection reflects the district administration’s dedication to providing accessible and efficient healthcare to residents, particularly in remote areas near the LoC.

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 01: In a significant move toward achieving the goal of a TB-free India, a TB awareness camp was held on New Year’s Day, today at Clock Tower Lal Chowk, Srinagar.

The camp was organized by the District TB Control Society Srinagar under the 100 Days TB Intensified Campaign (Nikshay Shivir), and focused on promoting public awareness about tuberculosis (TB) and strengthening community participation (Janbhagidari) in TB prevention and care.

The event was attended by officials from Health Services Kashmir, including Dr. Adhfar Yasein, State TB Officer Kashmir and Dr. Abdul Roof, District TB Officer Srinagar. They were supported by teams from the National TB Elimination Program (NTEP) and the Urban Health Center (UHC) Maisuma Srinagar.

The initiative involved community-centric activities and featured targeted awareness sessions for police personnel, traffic police, and members of the local community.

These sessions emphasized early detection and treatment of TB, prevention strategies to stop the spread of the disease.

On the occasion, informational pamphlets were distributed to pedestrians, providing vital details about TB symptoms, free diagnostic facilities and available treatment options.

A special meeting was also convened with representatives from the Lal Chowk Trade Association, highlighting their role in disseminating information and fostering a TB-free environment.

It is worth mentioning that this initiative is part of the government’s ‘Nikshay Shivir Initiative’ which prioritizes accessible healthcare services and active community engagement to combat TB.

With optimism and determination, the campaign concluded with New Year wishes from the health team, reflecting the shared commitment to eliminating TB and building a healthier future.

Meanwhile, for more information on TB diagnosis and treatment, citizens are encouraged to contact their nearest healthcare center.

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 01: In order to gear up the District Administration and machinery to deal with winter challenges particularly with regard to current weather advisory, necessary preparations and arrangements were reviewed in Srinagar for ensuring prompt snow clearance and unhindered supply of essential services and supplies in the District.

On the directions of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, senior Officers of District Administration Srinagar under the supervision of Additional Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr Khalid Hussain Malik today inspected their respective jurisdictions and took stock of the arrangements made by the line Departments for prompt snow clearance and ensuring unhindered supply of essential services and supplies to the people.

During their visit, Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) West, Muzamil Maqbool and Assistant Commissioner Revenue(ACR), Srinagar Aijaz Ahmad Shah stressed the line Departments on readying men and machinery to ensure timely redressal of weather vagaries and subsequent interruptions of power & water supply and road closure due to snowfall.

They also asked the Officers to keep men and machinery ready for ensuring proper functioning of all essential supplies and services during snowfall, particularly timely snow clearance from roads leading to hospitals, Government offices, fire & emergency, power stations, WSSs and other vital installations.

BARAMULLA, JANUARY 01: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa, convened a meeting of the District Level Committee (DLC) today at DC office meeting hall to review the verification process of beneficiaries listed in the Public Distribution System (PDS) database for the district.

The committee is tasked with verifying the eligibility of all beneficiaries enrolled in the Public Distribution System (PDS) database, in accordance with the applicable rules, and ensuring the removal of ineligible beneficiaries.

On the occasion, the DC instructed the officers to expedite the re-verification process for all beneficiaries, particularly those under the AAY and PHH categories. He urged a thorough review of their current income status to ensure the accuracy of the PDS database.

Minga Sherpa also directed the Officers to ensure 100% completion of e-KYC for all beneficiaries and to incorporate any eligible beneficiaries who may have been left out into the system.

Meanwhile, to expedite the re-verification and updating process in the PDS, the DC directed the formation of committees at the Block and Panchayat levels which will conduct extensive surveys to streamline and update the database efficiently.

The meeting was attended by the Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Assistant Commissioner Development, Assistant Director FCS&CA and other officers and officials.