National

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.

BARAMULLA, OCTOBER 04: Ahead of the counting day for General Elections to Assembly Elections 2024 on October 8, District Election Officer (DEO) Baramulla, Minga Sherpa today conducted a thorough inspection of the designated counting center at the indoor sports stadium in Baramulla.

During the visit, the DEO reviewed the arrangements and facilities at counting centers for all seven Assembly constituencies, viz. 07-Sopore, 08-Rafiabad, 09-Uri, 10-Baramulla, 11-Gulmarg, 12-Wagoora Kreeri and 13-Pattan.

The inspection was carried out to ensure that all facilities at the counting center are meticulously planned and put in place, guaranteeing a smooth and transparent counting process.

Meanwhile, the DEO inspected the physical infrastructure and security infrastructure, including the barricading for a hassle-free counting process, the provision of IT and communication systems, and proper spacing arrangements for contesting candidates and their agents.

During the visit, the DEO directed the heads of the respective departments to ensure round-the-clock availability of power supply, health facilities, implementation of fire-safety measures, drinking water, and other facilities, all aimed at ensuring a smooth counting process with no hassle.

Meanwhile, the DEO instructed the District Information Officer to establish a media center at the counting facility for media persons, which will thereby ensure the seamless release of information about vote counting to the press.

The DEO stressed on all the officers for the strict adherence to the guidelines of the Election Commission of India to uphold the integrity and fairness of the counting process.

SRINAGAR OCTOBER 04:- Ahead of Counting of votes of Eight 8 Assembly Constituencies of Srinagar District for General Elections to Legislative Assembly-2024, the District Election Officer(DEO) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat today visited SKICC-Centaur to review the arrangements being made for the seamless Counting process.

The DEO also took stock of the security measures made in and around the Counting Centres.

During the visit, the DEO along with the concerned Officer took a thorough inspection of the arrangements with regard to the preparations made in and around the counting centres for a smooth and well organized counting process.

The DEO also finalized the surveillance & security measures, seating arrangements, transporting of EVMs and the technical setup at the Counting Halls to ensure transparency, accuracy and the timely announcement of counting results.

On the occasion, the DEO gave directions to the Officers of different line Departments for ensuring uninterrupted power supply, adequate water supply, proper Internet facility, Media management, entry passes and other necessary measures to be put in place ahead of Counting.

While interacting with the Officers at the venue, the DEO stressed on ensuring seamless arrangements and facilities in place for counting centres, strong rooms, CCTV links and training of manpower for upholding the sanctity and integrity of the democratic ethos.

The DEO emphasized that the counting process will be done as per ECI guidelines under video recording.

The EVMs are presently kept under three-layer security cordon in strong rooms at SKICC-Centaur, after the voting process was completed on September 25, 2024.

Pertinent to mention that Counting of votes for all Eight Assembly Constituencies of Srinagar District is scheduled on (Tuesday) October 08, 2024 at designated Counting Halls at SKICC-Centaur.

Returning Officers, various Nodal Officer, Deputy District Election Officer Srinagar and other concerned accompanied the DEO during the visit.

SHOPIAN, OCTOBER 04: The District Election Officer (DEO) Shopian, Mohammad Shahid Saleem Dar today chaired a meeting of officers at Mini Secretariat Shopian in order to review necessary arrangements being put in place for counting of votes, scheduled on October 8.

The DEO took appraisal of department wise duties and responsibilities fixed for each department. He also took stock of all arrangements including magisterial duties, seating arrangements, establishment of media centres, help desks and other arrangements for the hassle free counting process.

He called for exhibiting the optimal coordination and cooperation among all stakeholders for the efficient culmination of counting.

The DEO instructed concerned officers to follow all procedures of Election Commission guidelines while performing their duties and instructed for expediting the preparedness level.

ADC, Zakir Hussain Faaz, Returning Officers of Shopian and Zainapora and other nodal officers attended the meeting.

JAMMU, OCTOBER 4: In a first of its kind initiative, the Department of Archives, Archaeology and Museum, J&K under the supervision of its Director, Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, on Friday facilitated an extensive visit of children of Ved Mandir Bal Niketan, Orphanage Ambphala, to Dogra Art Museum Jammu to acquaint them with the rich cultural heritage of Jammu & Kashmir.

The Department organized this special visit for nearly 50 children along with their staff. The children were taken for a guided tour of various galleries of the Museum to make them aware about history and significance of various artifacts.

During the visit, the students engaged with interactive displays, asked curious questions and learned about the significance of each exhibit. This visit aimed to broaden the student’s horizon, spark their curiosity and inspire their imagination and acquaint them with their culture and history.

On the occasion, the Director urged the students to be ambassadors for making their friends aware about our Art, Culture and Heritage.

While speaking on the occasion, the Director emphasised the importance of Museums for the future generations, as repositories of rich cultural heritage.

The event was conceived under the guidance of Principal Secretary, Culture, Suresh Kumar Gupta and executed by the Directorate of Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K through Assistant Director, Dr. Sangeeta Sharma and Curator, Dogra Art Museum, Jammu, Mukul Magotra.

JAMMU, OCTOBER 4: The members of executive body of retired Judicial Officers Association headed by Harbans Lal, former District & Sessions Judge, today felicitated Justice Tashi Rabstan for taking over as the 37th Chief Justice of High Court of J&K and Ladakh.

They discussed various issues pertaining to welfare of retired Judicial Officers and apprised the Chief Justice of the activities being carried out by the Association. They also complimented the Chief Justice for his proactive approach in upgradation of judicial apparatus in the UTs of J&K and Ladakh so as to reach the last man in the queue of justice seekers.

The Chief Justice expressed gratitude for their warm greetings. He stated that “It is an honour to step into this role, and I am deeply committed towards upholding the values of justice, fairness and integrity. He further stated that together, we can work towards a judiciary that not only meets the needs of our community but also sets a benchmark for excellence,”

The event concluded with a call for unity and cooperation among all members of the judicial community, highlighting the shared goal of fostering a just society.

Registrar General, Shahzad Azeem and Principal Secretary to Chief Justice M.K. Sharma were also present on the occasion.

BARAMULLA, OCTOBER 01: The Election Observers for District Baramulla and District Election Officer (DEO), Minga Sherpa today visited polling stations across all seven constituencies in Baramulla, ensuring a smooth and closely monitored polling process.

The active presence of Election Observers and DEO enabled the immediate resolution of any concerns, allowing the elections to proceed without issues.

During the visits, DEO Sherpa interacted with voters who expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made by the District Election Office. They conveyed their appreciation for the efficient management of the polling process.

Several themed polling stations were established to promote inclusivity. Pink polling stations were set up exclusively for women, red polling stations catered to persons with disabilities (PwDs), blue polling stations were set up for youth and green polling stations were part of the Green Election Initiative aimed at environmental awareness.

Comprehensive security measures were in place to ensure the safety of voters and polling personnel. A multi-layered security strategy was implemented, involving local police, paramilitary forces, and other security agencies, along with CCTV surveillance, to maintain order and deter any disturbances.

Election Observers and DEO expressed their gratitude to voters, polling staff, security personnel, and media representatives for their active participation and cooperation in making the election a success.

SRINAGAR, OCTOBER 01: The Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha has extended hearty congratulations to the voters of the third phase of Assembly Elections for the record turnout. In a social media post, the Lieutenant Governor said, the great enthusiasm among voters in all three phases to exercise their franchise is a testimony to vibrant democracy in J&K and people’s faith in democratic values.

The Lieutenant Governor posted on X:

“Congratulations to the people for a record turnout in final phase of Assembly Elections. I applaud the tireless efforts of election officials, district admin, JKP & our security forces for successfully conducting multi-phased polls & strengthening the pillars of democracy.

Great enthusiasm among voters in all three phases to exercise their franchise is a testimony to vibrant democracy in J&K and people’s faith in democratic values. Transparent, free & fair assembly polls 2024 will be written in golden letters in the history of J&K elections”.

JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 09: In order to achieve the target of planting above one lakh plants under the ‘Green Election’ initiative of Election Commission of India (ECI) during the J&K Assembly Elections 2024, the Office of Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, in collaboration with J&K Forest Department organised a plantation drive in the premises of Model Higher Secondary School, Domana, in Bhalwal block of Jammu district on Monday.

The plantation drive was inaugurated by Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Pandurang K Pole, who was the Chief Guest at the event, whereas Deputy Commissioner Sachin Kumar Vaishya,(District Election Officer), Jammu, Director Forest Protection Force, J&K, Sandip Kujur; Akther Hussain Qazi, Nodal officer of SVEEP, J&K; Sapna Kotwal, Nodal Officer for Media; Dr Vikas Sharma, ACD Jammu (Nodal Officer SVEEP-Jammu), and officers from the District Administration and Forest Department were present at the event.

Speaking on the occasion, CEO Pandurang K Pole reiterated the efforts being made to ensure the Environment-Friendly Plantation Drive along with the Assembly Elections to create a sense of responsibility towards the environment protection among the masses and those participating in the elections.

The CEO also informed that the directions were given to the officers to plant more than 100 plants in the premises of Polling Station identified as Green Polling Station in each Assembly Constituency, whereas rest of the Polling Stations must plant 10-15 plants each in the premises across J&K UT so that a target of planting 1 lakh plants can be achieved before 15 September, 2024.

Pandurang K Pole also asserted that a massive plantation is going to take place across the UT during the Assembly Elections to foster environmental stewardship among the electorate, to compensate for the impact on the environment due to waste generated during the election process.

He also asked all the stakeholders that plantation drives shall be organised at all Polling Stations across the UT on scheduled dates, expressing the significance of environmental responsibility.

Today’s plantation drive was launched as a part of the SVEEP campaign during which above 100 plants were planted and nearly 200 students, NCC cadets and staff members including the Principal of the school also participated in the event.

The students also pledged to take the initiative of Green Election to every nook and corner of the UT.