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SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 26: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today met several delegations and emphasized his government’s commitment to addressing the challenges faced by various sectors of society.

The Chief Minister stated this during his public outreach programme at Raabita office here, where scores of delegations and individuals from various parts of Kashmir presented their concerns and demands.

The Chief Minister interacted with various stakeholders, including representatives from education, artisan, labour, and healthcare sectors, who brought forth issues requiring immediate attention.

Among the delegations, the J&K College Teachers Association urged the Chief Minister to consider the demand for enhancing the retirement age of college teachers in Jammu and Kashmir.

Kashmiri Shawl Makers Welfare Foundation, comprising artisans from different areas, highlighted the challenges faced by the traditional shawl-making trade and sought the government’s support in safeguarding their livelihood.

Similarly, a five-member delegation of Hot Mix Plant owners apprised the Chief Minister of the issues confronting their industry, requesting timely interventions.

J&K Casual Labourers United Front, led by its State President, raised concerns regarding the welfare of casual labourers, while the Physiotherapists’ deputation briefed the CM about sector-specific challenges that require redressal.

Representatives from the Health Workers Welfare Association, led by their president, presented issues impacting healthcare professionals, and the Employees Joint Action Committee (EJAC) emphasized the need to address employees’ welfare comprehensively.

A delegation of Saubhagya Contractors from Ganderbal and South Kashmir sought government support to address operational hurdles in the execution of projects under the Saubhagya scheme.

The public outreach programme also saw numerous individuals meeting the Chief Minister, presenting grievances and suggestions for improvement on a number of issues affecting them.

The Chief Minister assured all deputations and individuals of a patient and responsive approach, emphasizing that their genuine concerns would be addressed on a priority basis.

Also, a joint delegation of traders of different Bazar Committees of City Centre Lal Chowk and other areas called on the Chief Minister during the programme.

The delegation apprised the Chief Minister about various issues of the trader’s community of Lal Chowk, Hari Singh High Street, Poloview, Regal Chowk, Maisuma, Court Road and other areas of the City.

They also submitted a memorandum of demands to the Chief Minister demanding development and revival of business and increased customer footfall in City Central Lal Chowk and other markets of Srinagar City.

The Chief Minister assured the delegation of redressal of the genuine concerns and issues on priority.

JAMMU, DECEMBER 22: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare, Education, Sakeena Itoo, today remarked that the Government is committed to provide necessary resources and support to specially abled persons so that they lead an independent, quality and dignified life.

The Minister made these remarks during distribution of artificial limbs, callipers, clutches, tricycles and wheel chairs among specially abled persons at Brahman Sabha Parade here. The event was organised by Shree Atam Vallabh Jain Clinic Jammu and sponsored by Rural Electrification Corporation in collaboration with Bhagwan Mahavir Viklang Sahayta Samiti Kota.

Addressing the gathering, Sakeena Itoo emphasised the Government’s unwavering commitment towards welfare of the disabled community in order to make their lives dignified. “The present dispensation has always been determined to uplift and improve the quality of life of people with disabilities. We are committed towards providing them with necessary resources, equipments and support, so that they too can live a dignified life”, she asserted.

“The present Omar led Government is committed to address all issues of people especially the specially abled community. We are working on to increase the disability pension from Rs. 1000 to Rs. 3000 per month”, Sakeena maintained. She added that this increase will alleviate the financial burden on families and provide them financial support.

The Minister, on the occasion, also highlighted the importance of inclusive growth and need to focus on marginalised communities, especially the disabled persons. She assured the gathering that the Government will continue to prioritize the needs of disabled community, with plans for providing them greater accessibility and support.

Sakeena Itoo, in her address, also commended the NGO for this noble work. She assured them of Government’s continuous support and said that the issues raised by them will be addressed promptly. She advised them to organise awareness campaigns across the regions in order to educate people, especially the disabled persons about the rights and facilities available for disabled persons.

The Minister also interacted with the specially abled persons and assured them continuous support from the government.

General Secretary, Shree Atam Vallabh Jain Clinic Jammu, Pradeep Jain informed that 429 persons were screened in the camp while 123 hearing aids were given to the patients in addition to distribution of 104 artificial limbs, 73 callipers 22 artificial hands, 20 wheel chairs and 19 tricycle among the beneficiaries in the three day camp.

JAMMU, DECEMBER 22: Amid bone-chilling cold wave currently gripping the Kashmir Valley, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced today that he would station himself in Srinagar for the next week to personally oversee the functioning of the Power Department and other critical services. The Chief Minister, who attended the pre-Budget and GST Council meetings in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, conveyed his decision through a series of tweets, emphasizing his commitment to addressing the challenges faced by the people of the Valley during this severe cold spell.

The Kashmir Valley is currently experiencing one of the coldest winters in recent years, with temperatures plummeting to record-breaking lows. Srinagar recently recorded a chilling minus 8.5 degrees Celsius, the coldest December night in over 50 years.

The intense cold spell has severely disrupted water supply and electricity, adding to the residents’ struggles.

In his tweets, the Chief Minister stated: “In light of the severe cold spell in the Kashmir valley & the resultant difficulties with water & electricity supply, I have decided to cancel my forthcoming programmes in Jammu & station myself in Srinagar for the next week to personally monitor the functioning of the Power department & other important departments.”

Acknowledging the impact of his decision on his scheduled engagements in Jammu, he further added: “I do appreciate that cancelling my programmes in Jammu will cause some inconvenience to the organisers & I regret the same. However under the circumstances this is the right thing to do & I will make it up to the people/organisations whose programmes have been affected.”

The Chief Minister also informed that he is en route from Jaisalmer and will be in Srinagar by tomorrow morning: “I’m on my way back from Jaisalmer as I type and will be back in Srinagar tomorrow morning.”

Srinagar, Dec 21 : Chillai-Kalan, a 40-day harshest winter period, commenced with an intense cold wave conditions as Srinagar has recorded the coldest night of December in the last over two decades.
After 1990, Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded the coldest night in the month of December at minus 8.5 degree Celsius, which is the third lowest December temperature ever recorded in Srinagar in the last 133 years.

As per the details available with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Shopian in South Kashmir recorded a low of minus 10.4 degree Celsius while Anantnag recorded minus 10.5 degree Celsius. The minimum temperature at Pulwama settled at minus 10.3 degree Celsius while in Kulgam it settled at minus 6.8 degree Celsius.

Pertinently, the harshest winter period commenced today (December 21) and culminates on January 31 next year, which is followed by a 20-day long Chillai-Khurd (small cold) that occurs between January 31 and February 19 and a 10-day long Chillai-Bachha (baby cold) which begins from February 20 to March 2.

Notably, Chillai-Kalan is a Persian word which means “Major Cold”—(KNO)

JAMMU, DECEMBER 21: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today extended his heartiest congratulations to the Vice Chancellor, faculty, staff, scholars and students of University of Jammu for attaining the coveted A++ Grade from NAAC, securing an exceptional score of 3.72.

In a social media post, the Lieutenant Governor said the outstanding accomplishment of the University of Jammu has made J&K proud.

The Lieutenant Governor has posted on X:

“The University of Jammu has achieved the prestigious A++ Grade with a CGPA of 3.72 on a seven-point scale by NAAC. Heartiest congratulations to the Vice Chancellor, faculty, staff, scholars and students for this outstanding accomplishment. You’ve made J&K proud.

Jammu University’s reform-driven futuristic vision underscores its commitment to fostering academic excellence, goal oriented research, innovative capacity & holistic development of students to make them enlightened citizens. My best wishes to all for success in your mission”.

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 16: Chief Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL, Jammu has informed that the power supply to Battal Ballian, Industrial and adjoining areas will remain affected on November 17 from 8 am to 2 pm.

Similarly, the power supply to Jakh, Jogpur, Sarore, Patli Industry and adjoining areas will remain affected on November 17 from 7 am to 1 pm.

Likewise, the power supply to Hatli Village, Khanyara, Hote, Mehtabpur, Maroli and adjoining areas will remain affected on November 17 from 8 am to 11 am.

Similarly, the power supply to Industrial Units, CTM, MD Enterprises, Knit Fab will remain affected on November 17 from 8 am to 1 pm.

Likewise, the power supply to Doda and adjoining areas will remain affected on November 17 from 8 am to 3 pm.

Similarly, the power supply to Prabble, Humble and Marmat will remain affected on November 17 and 20 from 9 am to 2 pm.

Likewise, the power supply to Siot, Lamberi, Bagnoti, Narian, Nowshera, Jaba Deeing Syal, Nonial, Manpur, Chowki-Jangher, Qila, Darhal, Rajpora, Laroka and adjoining areas will remain affected on November 17 and 20 from 9 am to 2 pm.

However, the power supply to Ramban, Sumber, Sangaldan, Gandhari, Gool, Dharan and adjoining areas will remain affected on November 17 from 10 am to 3 pm.

Meanwhile, the Superintending Engineer (Distribution) JPDCL, O&M Circle Kathua has informed that the power supply to Shiva Nagar, Kalibari, Janglote, Patel Nagar, Ward No. 1, Ramneek Vihar, Sawan Chack, Shastri Nagar, PHE, CTM, GMC, Hospital and adjoining areas will remain affected on November 17 from 7 am to 2 pm.

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 16: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, chaired a meeting to review the status and availability of wayside amenities along the National Highway and roads leading to prominent tourist destinations across the Union Territory.

Focussing on tourist convenience, the Chief Secretary reviewed the availability of toilet facilities along major tourist routes. Commissioner Secretary Tourism, Yasha Mudgal, apprised him of the construction status of mobile and bio-toilets during the current financial year.

The Chief Secretary stressed the importance of their proper maintenance and adherence to minimal operational standards.

Atal Dulloo called upon agencies such as the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), and others to formulate a comprehensive plan for establishing and maintaining wayside amenities.

The Chief Secretary sought detailed updates from NH authorities regarding their current mandates and future plans for these facilities. He also emphasised the need for fast-track efforts to ensure the development of these essential facilities.

The meeting also addressed the functioning of various Development Authorities in the Union Territory. A presentation by Yasha Mudgal highlighted key challenges faced by the Development Authorities in Jammu and Kashmir, including jurisdictional overlaps, master plan enforcement, revenue utilisation and operational inefficiencies.

The Chief Secretary suggested interventions to resolve ambiguities regarding overlapping jurisdictions, with subsequent issuing of definitive orders or notifications. He also underscored the necessity of phased development of select tourist destinations.

To enhance administrative efficiency, Chief Secretary called for the establishment of robust, self-sustaining governing bodies for all major tourist destinations. These bodies, he stated, should ensure effective governance, organisation, and long-term sustainability. A framework for their governance was also proposed to be formulated.

The meeting was attended by Principal Secretary Agriculture Production and Forests, Shailendra Kumar; Principal Secretary Finance, Santosh D Vaidya; Commissioner Secretary GAD, Sanjeev Verma; Commissioner Secretary HUDD, Mandeep Kaur; Secretary PW(R&B), Bhupinder Kumar; Divisional Commissioners of Jammu and Kashmir, along with officers from NHAI and other concerned officers.

Srinagar, November 15: The Department of Endocrinology Government Medical College (GMC), Srinagar, organized a one-day Continuing Medical Education (CME) program, “Update on Gestational Diabetes,” to commemorate World Diabetes Day 2024.

The program was organized under the supervision and guidance of Principal/Dean GMC Srinagar Prof. Dr. Iffat Hassan, whose active support made the programme successful.

Dr. Shariq Masoodi, Dean Medical Faculty SKIMS was Chief guest on the occasion while as Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, Administrator Associated Hospitals GMC Srinagar, attended the CME as guest of honour.

World Diabetes Day is observed annually on November 14th to raise awareness about diabetes and its impact on individuals, families, and communities worldwide.

The program commenced with an inaugural address by Dr. Shariq Masoodi, Dean Medical Faculty SKIMS, who highlighted the importance of organizing such events to raise awareness about gestational diabetes.

Dr. Masoodi emphasized the need for healthcare professionals to stay updated on the latest management strategies for gestational diabetes.

Renowned speakers, including Dr. Mohammad Hayat Bhat Head of Deptt. Of Endocrinology and Dr. Syed Masooma Rizvi, HOD of Gynea & obst. delivered comprehensive lectures on the diagnosis, management, and complications of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

Dr. Bhat elaborated on the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and management of GDM, while Dr. Rizvi addressed issues arising in pregnancies with GDM and management strategies.

The event aimed to break barriers and bridge gaps in diabetes awareness, empowering the community with knowledge to make informed health choices.

The Department of Endocrinology seeks to promote awareness, education, and research in diabetes management.

The event was attended by eminent luminaries of the medical world, including Prof. Wahid, Prof. Tafazzul, HODs of various specialities of GMC Srinagar and endocrinologists Dr. Shahnawaz Mir, Dr. Nazir Pala, Dr. Zahid Beigh, Dr. Moonin Bhat, Dr. Hilal Mohiudin, Dr. Khursheed, Dr. Saleem Baba, and Dr. Abid Bhat.

Representatives from various health institutions and the general public also participated in the program.