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SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 19: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar is going to hold Ist National Lok Adalat of the year 2025 at District Court Complex Srinagar on March 08.

Lok Adalat will be held for Pre-Litigation cases including bank recovery matters, labour disputes cases, electricity and water bills (excluding non-Compoundable) and other criminal compoundable, matrimonial, civil disputes etc.

Besides cases pending in courts including criminal compoundable offence, NI Act cases under Section 138, bank recovery matters, MACT cases, labour disputes cases, electricity and water bills (excluding non-compoundable), matrimonial cases (except divorce matters), land acquisition cases, other civil cases including rent, easementary rights, injunctions suit, specific performance suit etc.

Accordingly, all concerned parties & advocates who desire to get their cases, disputes & claims settled through this Ist National Lok Adalat are asked to approach District Legal Services Authority Srinagar or concerned courts by or before March 01 for amicable settlement of through National Lok Adalat.

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 19: Following the directions of Commissioner State Taxes J&K, P.K. Bhat, State Taxes Department Kashmir has intensified its enforcement efforts against taxpayers involved in sale suppression and tax evasion by launching a large-scale inspection drive across the Kashmir division.

Based on intelligence inputs generated through advanced AI tools such as Business Intelligence and Fraud Analytics (BIFA), E-Way Bills Portal, Field Enforcement teams, information received from various wings of the department and extensive taxpayer scrutiny, the department, under the supervision of Additional Commissioner, State Taxes (Administration & Enforcement) Kashmir, Parvaiz Ahmad Raina, conducted massive first of its kind inspection, search, and seizure drive in Srinagar, Budgam and Anantnag districts of the valley.

The drive aims to curb fraudulent activities, including fake Input Tax Credit (ITC), willful tax evasion, tax fraud, fake invoicing, and non-compliance with GST provisions with an aim to safeguard the revenue of state exchequer.

Eight teams comprising of more than 70 officials constituted by Additional Commissioner, led by State Tax Officers, simultaneously inspected multiple business establishments in Srinagar, Budgam and Anantnag, verifying documents, stock registers, bill books, and physical stock positions to detect GST violations.

Meanwhile, several documents were seized for further investigation.

Speaking on the enforcement action, Additional Commissioner stated, “The inspections are part of our ongoing enforcement activities. Eight dedicated teams involving more than 70 officials have been deployed to carry out these inspections across the division, targeting dealers involved in sale suppression, fake ITC claims, and fraudulent invoicing.”

He further added that the primary objective is to create a fair and transparent tax environment where compliant taxpayers are protected, and unfair trade practices are curbed.

The department is committed to taking strict action against those engaging in tax evasion and fraudulent activities, he added.

The State Taxes Department has urged all dealers to adhere to fair trade practices and refrain from tax evasion.

Businesses are advised to conduct invoice-based transactions, report actual sales, and pay the applicable GST in their monthly or quarterly returns to avoid penalties and enforcement actions.

The department remains committed to ensuring tax compliance and transparency, warning that strict action will be taken against those found violating GST laws.

RAMBAN, JANUARY 24: District Ramban celebrated National Girl Child Day with great enthusiasm under the overall guidance of Deputy Commissioner Ramban Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary. The event, held at the Conference Hall, District Administrative Complex generated awareness about the importance of empowering the girl child and promoting gender equality in society.

A series of activities were organized by the Social Welfare Department and District Legal Service Authority across the district to mark the occasion, including awareness programs, seminars, cultural events, and interactive sessions highlighting the significance of educating and nurturing girls.

The government departments, educational institutions, and social organizations collaborated to spread awareness about the rights and opportunities available for girls under initiatives such as Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP), Mission Shakti, and Mission Vatsalya.

Secretary DLSA Ramban Priyanka Mahajan, was also present at the event and highlighted the legal provisions and rights available for the empowerment of girls. She emphasized the importance of ensuring justice and protection for girls, encouraging them to seek legal aid whenever needed.

Addressing the gathering at the event, officials emphasized the need for equal opportunities in education, healthcare, and skill development for girls.

District Social Welfare Officer Rahul Gupta, in his address, stressed the importance of collective efforts in ensuring a brighter future for the girl child and reiterated the district administration’s commitment to effectively implementing various government schemes.

Several initiatives were showcased during the event, including Career counseling sessions for school and college-going girls, Health and hygiene awareness campaigns conducted by medical teams, Skits and cultural programs performed by students advocating gender equality, Distribution of educational materials to underprivileged girls to encourage their participation in schooling.

Boxing kits were given away to 20 National Level Boxing Champions and participants, encouraging them to continue excelling in sports and bringing laurels to the district. The initiative aimed to motivate young girls to pursue sports as a career and enhance their physical and mental strength.

A special rally was also organized, featuring students, Anganwadi workers, and volunteers, carrying banners and placards advocating for the empowerment of girls with the slogan “Educate, Empower, Celebrate!”

The event concluded with the felicitation of meritorious girl students and achievers in various fields, acknowledging their contributions and encouraging them to aim higher in life.

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 24: With an eye to further strengthen foothold in country and overseas markets, Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, today urged stakeholders associated with craft sector to gain access to new and contemporary designs created in the Design Studio of the Indian Institute of Carpet Technology (IICT) here.

Apart from hand-knotted rugs, the Design Studio is also offering new designs for Kani and Sozni-embroidered Pashmina Shawls and Stoles, which are in tune with the buyers’ demand in the international market.

In a press handout issued here today, Director IICT, Zubair Ahmad, said that the Design Studio in the Institute is well-equipped with the latest software and expert designers for creating new and contemporary designs, catering to the prevalent demand at the global level. “The software has made creation of contemporary carpet and shawl designs easier, as compared to the traditional and archaic way of design development that used to consume months together for a group of persons,” he explained.

Offering contemporary designs on nominal charges, Director IICT advised the concerned stakeholders to visit IICT premises at Nowshera, for a firsthand exposure experience. “Recently, we have sold new Kani shawl and carpet designs to various business houses, which will surely boost sale of their products in overseas market.

Zubair further stated that as many as 2,687 carpet and 473 Kani shawl designs have been developed by IICT so far. “Most of these designs have been provided to the handicraft stakeholders in the form of computerised design scripts, locally known as Taleem, on nominal charges,” he added.

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 24: In view of the ensuing observance of Meraj-un-Nabi (SAW), Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, today visited the Hazratbal Shrine to review and finalise arrangements being made by various departments to ensure smooth and hassle-free conduct of the auspicious religious occasion.

The Dy CM was accompanied by Nasir Aslam Wani, Advisor to Chief Minister; Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar; Commissioner, SMC, Srinagar; VC LCMA; Chief Engineer PDD; Chief Engineer PHE, Kashmir; Joint Director Information; RTO, Kashmir; ADC, Srinagar and senior officers and officials of various departments.

While reviewing the arrangements, the Deputy Chief Minister assessed the preparations for essential services including sanitation, water supply, electricity and transportation. He also evaluated crowd management plans and measures to ensure public safety, given the large number of devotees expected to visit the shrine.

While stressing for close coordination among all departments to deliver seamless services to the devotees, Surinder Choudhary asked the officials to adopt a proactive approach to address any potential challenges, particularly focusing on maintaining cleanliness, ensuring uninterrupted basic amenities and creating a conducive environment for devotees.

The Deputy Chief Minister also engaged with the shrine management and local representatives to ensure that the arrangements align with the expectations of the devotees. He sought feedback and suggestions to further enhance the experience of visitors and uphold the sanctity of the religious occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said “Meraj-un-Nabi (SAW) holds immense religious significance for the people, and we are committed towards ensuring that all necessary arrangements are in place to facilitate devotees in offering their prayers and participating in the observances peacefully and comfortably.”

Special arrangements have been made to ensure smooth traffic management, sufficient public transport services and availability of medical facilities, the meeting was informed.

The Advisor to Chief Minister asked the officials to remain vigilant and responsive throughout the event to ensure uninterrupted services.

The shrine authorities and devotees expressed their gratitude to the administration for its proactive efforts and dedication towards ensuring a spiritually uplifting experience during this revered occasion.

Later, Surinder Choudhary accompanied by Advisor to Chief Minister paid obeseience at the Hazratbal shrine. He prayed for peace and prosperity for the mankind and Jammu and Kashmir in particular.

JAMMU, JANUARY 14: Director Sheep Husbandry Department Jammu Dr. Syed Moin-ul- Haq today flagged off group of 20 FPO Members/Entrepreneurs of Jammu Division on a 5-day exposure tour to Woollen Industries of Panipat and New Delhi to get acquainted with Promotion of Wool and Pelt for effective Processing & Marketing.

The tour has been organized under Holistic Agricultural Development Programme (HADP)

Director advised the FPO Members/Entrepreneurs to take maximum benefits from this tour and learn best practices of Wool & Pelt from the experts during their stay at Panipat and New Delhi. “The objective of the exposure tour is to make farmers aware of the latest technological intervention in the field of Wool & Pelt to achieve the targets and goals,” he added. He said under the Holistic Agricultural Development Programme (HADP) special attention has been given to the capacity building of farmers and to achieve this target a number of programs have been devised.

The Farmers were advised to replicate the new technology that they will learn during the visit in their respective areas and further share it with other fellow members/farmers.

Principal Sheep and Wool Workers Training Class Kartholi Dr. Pritam Manhas; Incharge Training Class Kartholi Dr. Vijay Kumar Officer and VAS Dr. Anil Kumar, also accompanied the farmers during the exposure visit.

Those who were present on the occasion included Joint Director (Extension), Dr. Tara Chand; Deputy Director (Central) Dr. Surinder Gupta; Deputy Director (Planning) Shivali Sethi; Technical Officer Dr. Nasir Altaf Zargar and Publicity Officer Sheep Husbandry Department Jammu Asheesh Sharma, besides officers/officials of the Department.

POONCH, JANUARY 14: Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Vikas Kundal assessed the physical and financial progress of the NABARD Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) in Poonch district.

The meeting aimed to evaluate various developmental initiatives targeting infrastructure improvement in underserved areas.

During the discussions, the Deputy Commissioner highlighted the need for expediting forest and revenue clearance procedures to streamline the development process for community benefit. He stressed the importance of inter-departmental coordination to overcome developmental challenges and reviewed the status of road connectivity across the district’s three subdivisions.

SDM Mendhar and SDM Surankote participated virtually, providing detailed updates on the ongoing works in their respective divisions.

Following a thorough discussion, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Executive Engineer of PWD to strictly adhere to the approved plans and expedite ongoing projects. He emphasized the need for a proactive approach in resolving pending road issues.

Additionally, he instructed concerned executive engineers to prioritize the clearance of lapse-able funds, particularly under the district Capex.

The Deputy Commissioner also set a deadline for the completion of the BADP plan by the end of January 2025.

The meeting was attended by key officials including SE PWD (R&B), ACR Poonch, CPO, Xen PWD Division Poonch, Xen PHE, AEE’s, and other concerned officers, all of whom are committed to enhancing infrastructure development in the district.

JAMMU, JANUARY 14: A five-day workshop and capacity-building programme on Holistic Progress Card and Standardization of Question Paper Template under the PARAKH initiative organized by NCERT concluded successfully at the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) Rehari, here today.

As many as 90 educators participated in this capacity building programme

Chairman JKBOSE Prof. (Dr.) Parikshat Singh Manhas was the Chief Guest, while Secretary Sudershan Kumar was the Guest of Honour at the Valedictory Function.

In his valedictory address, Prof. Parikshat Singh highlighted the multifaceted role of educators, stating, “Teaching is the noblest of all noble professions. However, teaching is not the sole responsibility of educators; they are also tasked with evaluating students. Balanced question paper setting is a crucial element of the evaluation process”. He also emphasized that upskilling is imperative for the growth of teachers.

Secretary JKBOSE Sudershan Kumar emphasized the significance of such initiatives, remarking, “Workshops like these play a vital role in fostering a vibrant assessment ecosystem, which is integral to holistic education.”

Director Academics Dr. Sudhir Singh lauded the Academic Division for its commendable efforts in organizing the workshop. He announced that similar workshops would be conducted in a cascade manner to further enhance the capacity of question paper setters across the board.

Earlier, Deputy Director, Yasir H. Sirwal presented a detailed report on the five-day workshop, expressing gratitude to the expert resource persons for their invaluable deliberations.

He explained that the workshop was conducted to equip educators with the skills needed to design and develop a Holistic Progress Card for the secondary stage.

Two highly experienced and well-trained resource persons from PARAKH, NCERT, guided the participants throughout the program. The training focused on creating progress cards that not only assess academic performance but also consider the awareness, sensitivity, and creativity of students, ensuring a comprehensive evaluation of their development. Additionally, the educators were trained in the art and science of designing balanced question papers. This involved understanding how to cater to the diverse learning needs and abilities of all types of students, ensuring fairness and inclusivity. The workshop emphasized innovative assessment practices and equipped educators with tools to enhance the learning process while maintaining a student-centric approach.

Dr Romesh Kumar, Incharge Principal and Promila Koul Lecturer while giving their feedback on behalf of participating educators lauded the efforts of JKBOSE in organizing such programmes and requested for follow up to such initiatives to further strengthen the skills of trained educators.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ashutosh Parashar, Academic Officer. The programme was skillfully anchored by Ms. Sugandh, Academic Officer.

Other attendees included Syed Kashif Hashmi, Chander Kumar (Academic Officers), and officials from the CDR Wing JD JKBOSE, who collectively contributed to the success of the event.

Srinagar:- Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha, has expressed deep sorrow over the loss of lives in a tragic incident that occurred in the Pandrethan area of Srinagar.

In his condolence message, the Lieutenant Governor said, “I am deeply saddened by the loss of precious lives in this unfortunate incident in Srinagar. My heartfelt condolences go out to the bereaved families during this hour of grief.”

Jammu, January 5: Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed profound grief and sorrow over the tragic death of five family members in the Pandrethan area of Srinagar.

In a heart-wrenching incident, the family lost their lives due to suffocation caused by heating equipment. The harsh winter season in Kashmir often necessitates the use of heating gadgets, but improper ventilation can lead to fatal accidents.

In a statement, Omar Abdullah extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved family, praying for strength and patience to help them endure this immense loss.

He also prayed for the departed souls and urged people to exercise extreme caution while using heating appliances during the winter months. He emphasized the importance of following safety guidelines and government advisories to prevent similar tragedies.

Authorities continue to remind residents about the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning and the need for proper ventilation when using heating devices.