'As we taught communities to vaccinate against bacteria or viruses, will partner with religious leaders, social groups to create community immunisation initiative against drugs in high-risk hotspot areas per district' Srinagar, May 12: The J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday joined the Drug-Free Jammu-Kashmir campaign in Baramulla and engaged with citizens and participated in a Padyatra. The Lieutenant Governor announced the launch of two innovative pillars under the campaign for the next 69 days- the Community Immunization Program against drugs and the Family Fortress Initiative. Speaking on the occasion, LG Sinha said that just as we have taught communities to vaccinate against bacteria or viruses, we will partner with religious leaders and social groups to create Community Immunization initiative against drugs in 5-10 high-risk hotspot areas per district. âI urge schools, mosques, temples, gurdwaras, and NGOs to dedicate one hour weekly to strengthen this initiative through awareness. It will deliver real results, acting like an early warning system, monitoring hotspots while building them into fully drug-free zones," LG Manoj Sinha said. He said the second pillar is the family fortress initiative, which will rely on the strong family and community bonds for the ultimate shield against drug addiction. "Over the next 69 days, every school, college, and place of worship in Jammu Kashmir should host a weekly family dialogue on drugs. These dialogues should be open, honest paired with local campaign audits to spot and fix gaps," the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that in the past 31 days, over 2.35 lac awareness and outreach events have been conducted across Jammu Kashmir. "More than 44,000 OPD patients have been treated, nearly 700 drug smugglers and peddlers arrested, and stringent action has been taken against the drug supply chain," he said. He said that action has targeted every financial transaction of drug cartels, seizing crores in properties built from drug money by major smugglers. "Across Jammu and Kashmir divisions, 300 driving licenses and over 400 vehicle registrations linked to drug smugglers have been recommended for cancellation. Enforcement agencies have ensured massive drug hauls. We have inspected more than 3,300 drug stores, and 150 licenses have been suspended for violating the norms," he said. He further said that nearly 3,000 CCTV cameras are now installed at the drug stores across Union Territory. "Over two dozen smugglers have been nabbed under PIT-NDPS Act. I assure the people that we will chase every rupee, every asset, and shell company of drug traffickers, ensuring the harshest punishment for those who are destroying our youth's future,â the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that fueled by public support, this people's movement is setting historic records in Jammu Kashmir and no past social campaign has seen such massive participation. âWe have received nearly 3,000 calls for tele-manas counselling and support in the past 31 days. I want our response to drugs to be rooted in science. We don't shame diabetes patients into health or cure cancer victims through stigma. Likewise, we must treat and rehabilitate addicts with dignity, reconnecting them to society's mainstream through resolve and compassion. Government officials and citizens must unite for surveillance, rally against drugs, and foster drug-free villages and towns,â the Lieutenant Governor said.
New Delhi, May 12: A massive protest organised by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) broke out near the Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, against the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG this year. The exam was held on May 3, following which allegations of paper leak surfaced, triggering investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and central agencies. Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, and said the examination will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately. In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India in the interest of maintaining transparency and preserving trust in the national examination system.
New Delhi, May 12: The National Testing Agency on Tuesday announced the cancellation of the NEET (UG) 2026 examination conducted on May 3, citing serious concerns over the integrity and transparency of the examination process. In a post on its official X handle, NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India (GoI) after inputs examined by the agency in coordination with central agencies and findings shared by law enforcement authorities indicated that the examination process âcould not be allowed to stand.â In an official statement, NTA said the examination would now be re-conducted on fresh dates to be notified separately. The revised schedule, including issuance of fresh admit cards, will be communicated through the agencyâs official channels in the coming days. The development comes days after NTA, on May 8, referred matters related to alleged irregularities in the examination to central agencies for independent verification and necessary action. The Government of India has also decided to hand over the matter to the Central Bureau of Investigation for a comprehensive inquiry into the allegations surrounding the examination. NTA said it would extend full cooperation to the investigating agency and provide all records and materials required for the probe. NTA said the decision was necessary to safeguard the credibility of the national examination system and acknowledged that conducting the examination afresh would cause âreal and significant inconvenienceâ to candidates and their families. However, NTA said that allowing the present examination to stand would have caused âgreater and more lasting damageâ to public trust in the system. The exam conducting body further clarified that registration data, candidature details and examination centres selected during the May 2026 cycle would remain valid for the re-conducted examination. It said no fresh registration process would be required and no additional examination fee would be charged from candidates. In a significant relief to students, NTA also announced that the examination fees already paid by candidates would be refunded, while the re-conducted examination would be organised using the agencyâs internal resources. NEET (UG), the countryâs largest entrance examination for undergraduate medical courses, is taken annually by lakhs of students seeking admission to MBBS, BDS and allied medical programmes across India. NTA has advised candidates and parents to rely only on official communication channels for updates regarding the revised examination schedule and to avoid unverified information circulating on social media.
Srinagar, May 11: The 3rd Annual BML Silver Rolling Basketball Trophy 2026 concluded on a high note with electrifying matches, spirited competition, and remarkable displays of talent from participating schools across the Valley. The tournament witnessed adrenaline-packed clashes, roaring crowds, and unforgettable moments that celebrated the true spirit of basketball and teamwork. The spotlight of the tournament firmly shone on Birla Open Minds International School Pampore as the BOMIS Pampore Boys delivered an exceptional campaign throughout the tournament. Displaying extraordinary coordination, discipline, and determination, the team stormed into the finals after defeating the formidable Tyndale Biscoe Boys School in a gripping semi-final encounter. The grand finale witnessed an intense showdown between BOMIS Pampore Boys and Dolphin International School. In a thrilling and high-energy contest, the BOMIS boys dominated the court with remarkable confidence and tactical brilliance, securing a resounding victory with a final score of 36â15. Their relentless energy, sharp execution, and unwavering team spirit made the match a truly adrenaline-packed spectacle for the audience. Adding another feather to the schoolâs cap, Mohammad Ibrahim of BOMIS Pampore Boys was deservedly declared the Player of the Tournament for his outstanding performances, consistency, and leadership on the court throughout the championship. The tournament not only highlighted athletic excellence but also promoted values of sportsmanship, resilience, leadership, and unity among young athletes. The remarkable success of the event reflects the growing enthusiasm for basketball in the region and the dedication of schools toward nurturing sporting talent. The management, coaches, and supporters of BOMIS Pampore extended heartfelt congratulations to all participating teams and applauded the exceptional efforts of the players who made the tournament a grand success.
'As we taught communities to vaccinate against bacteria or viruses, will partner with religious leaders, social groups to create community immunisation initiative against drugs in high-risk hotspot areas per district' Srinagar, May 12: The J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday joined the Drug-Free Jammu-Kashmir campaign in Baramulla and engaged with citizens and participated in a Padyatra. The Lieutenant Governor announced the launch of two innovative pillars under the campaign for the next 69 days- the Community Immunization Program against drugs and the Family Fortress Initiative. Speaking on the occasion, LG Sinha said that just as we have taught communities to vaccinate against bacteria or viruses, we will partner with religious leaders and social groups to create Community Immunization initiative against drugs in 5-10 high-risk hotspot areas per district. âI urge schools, mosques, temples, gurdwaras, and NGOs to dedicate one hour weekly to strengthen this initiative through awareness. It will deliver real results, acting like an early warning system, monitoring hotspots while building them into fully drug-free zones," LG Manoj Sinha said. He said the second pillar is the family fortress initiative, which will rely on the strong family and community bonds for the ultimate shield against drug addiction. "Over the next 69 days, every school, college, and place of worship in Jammu Kashmir should host a weekly family dialogue on drugs. These dialogues should be open, honest paired with local campaign audits to spot and fix gaps," the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that in the past 31 days, over 2.35 lac awareness and outreach events have been conducted across Jammu Kashmir. "More than 44,000 OPD patients have been treated, nearly 700 drug smugglers and peddlers arrested, and stringent action has been taken against the drug supply chain," he said. He said that action has targeted every financial transaction of drug cartels, seizing crores in properties built from drug money by major smugglers. "Across Jammu and Kashmir divisions, 300 driving licenses and over 400 vehicle registrations linked to drug smugglers have been recommended for cancellation. Enforcement agencies have ensured massive drug hauls. We have inspected more than 3,300 drug stores, and 150 licenses have been suspended for violating the norms," he said. He further said that nearly 3,000 CCTV cameras are now installed at the drug stores across Union Territory. "Over two dozen smugglers have been nabbed under PIT-NDPS Act. I assure the people that we will chase every rupee, every asset, and shell company of drug traffickers, ensuring the harshest punishment for those who are destroying our youth's future,â the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that fueled by public support, this people's movement is setting historic records in Jammu Kashmir and no past social campaign has seen such massive participation. âWe have received nearly 3,000 calls for tele-manas counselling and support in the past 31 days. I want our response to drugs to be rooted in science. We don't shame diabetes patients into health or cure cancer victims through stigma. Likewise, we must treat and rehabilitate addicts with dignity, reconnecting them to society's mainstream through resolve and compassion. Government officials and citizens must unite for surveillance, rally against drugs, and foster drug-free villages and towns,â the Lieutenant Governor said.
Srinagar, Apr 21: Jammu and Kashmir Police has booked a professor of University of Kashmir, a Srinagar resident, for alleged rape, cheating and criminal intimidation, with the complainant accusing him of prolonged exploitation under the pretext of marriage. A senior police officer told news agency JKNS that the accused has been arrested, after an FIR was registered against him on the basis of the victimâs complaint. Police have registered the case under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and initiated an investigation to probe all allegations and establish the full extent of the offence. Meanwhile, University of Kashmir in an official notification issued by the administration, teaching section, a copy of which lies with JKNS reads, "Whereas, Sajad Mohammed Khan, Scientist-C, Department of Computer Science, has been arrested in connection with the FIR No 11 of 2026 lodged at Women's Police station Rambagh." "Now, therefore, in terms of Rule 31 of the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, and in view of his detention in custody, Mr Sajad Mohammed Khan, Scientist-C, Department of Computer Science, is hereby placed under suspension with immediate effect," it reads.
Udhampur, Jan 10: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Saturday conducted an extensive tour of far-flung areas of Tehsil Panchari of District Udhampur and felicitated the winners of 6th ISKOI India Karate Championshipâ2025 during an impressive medal ceremony held at Government Higher Secondary School, Panchari here. Mission Director POSHAN Sajad Ahmad Ganai, Director Social Welfare Jammu Ranjeet Singh, Director Health Services Jammu, Director Colleges, PO Poshan, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Joint Director School Education Udhampur -Reasi, DDC Member Panchari, other district officers, parents of medal winners and large number of locals were also present on the occasion. Addressing the gathering, the Minister congratulated the girl achievers, their parents and the local populace on the remarkable accomplishment of young girls. She lauded their dedication, discipline and fighting spirit and expressed pride in the fact that many of these medal winners hailed from far-flung and remote areas, overcoming limited resources and challenging circumstances, to bring laurels to Jammu and Kashmir. Minister Sakeena said that the achievements of these young girl sportspersons reflect their hard work and their parents as well as the growing sports culture in the region. âYour success proves that talent knows no geographical barriers. With determination and proper guidance, our youth can excel on any national and international platform,â she stated. Highlighting the importance of sports, the Minister said that sporting activities provide a common platform for budding sportspersons to showcase their talent and prepare them to face challenges in life. She urged the participants to actively engage in sports for physical fitness, mental well-being and overall personality development. She assured continued government support for promoting sports activities, especially in rural and far-flung areas, to ensure equal opportunities for talented players. She also lauded the efforts of the International Shito-Ryu Karate Organisation of India for promoting sports culture among youth, especially in rural areas. During the ceremony, the Minister interacted with the players, coaches and parents, appreciating the role of coaches and families in nurturing young talent. She encouraged the medal winners to continue their training and aim for greater achievements at national and international competitions. During the ceremony, as many as 47 medal winners of the 6th ISKOI India Karate championshipâ2025 were felicitated by the Minister and presented trophies and prizes to them. On the sidelines of the event, Sakeena Itoo Later distributed school bags and umbrellas under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao scheme. Later, the Minister also interacted with DDC Member Panchari, former PRI members and locals who projected several issues and demands pertaining to health, education, road and other sector before the Minister. While interacting with them, the Minister said that the Director Health Services Jammu has been given strict instructions to prepare a holistic plan for upgradation of medical care facilities at the PHC Panchari as well as addressing shortage of staff, owing to the remoteness of area from district head quarters. She further added that the maintenance of road and allied works will be taken up with concerned quarters for immediate redressal. She reaffirmed that the Government led by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah is committed to strengthen road connectivity, health infrastructure and other essential facilities to ensure every basic service is available at the doorsteps of common people. She also said that the Tourism potential of the Panchari area will be tapped to its full extent by the Government, which will eventually lead to overall development of the area and add to its economic efficiency.
Baramulla, Jan 25: The Indian Army on Sunday organised Know Your Army event at District Police Line (DPL) Baramulla. From Artillery guns to Fly past by Drones in action and from new generation vehicles and latest equipment on display, the Dagger Division of Indian Army put on display its weapons to instill national pride among locals in Baramulla. The event was organised to commemorate 77th Republic Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic fervour. The event was organised by Dagger Division of Chinar Corps to showcase the operational capabilities of the Indian army and to inspire local youth to pursue careers in the Armed Forces, reinforcing National pride and unity. GOC, Dagger Division was the Chief Guest at the occasion while other and senior army officers and officials from civil administration were also present at the occasion. The event was declared open by the by GoC Dagger Division for the public. "Weather did not dampen the spirit of the enthusiastic locals and children who thronged the event in large numbers to witnessed the display," an official handout reads. Major highlights of the celebrations were an impressive capability display of Swarm of Drones, martial arts by Army and children of Chinar Yuva. "Children witnessing the event were enthralled by the mesmerising show of the Canine companions of soldiers," the handout reads. The people present at the occasion were entertained by vibrant, energetic and melodious Kashmiri renditions of famous songs sung by the local band, Strings of Baramulla of Chinar YUVA Center.  A captivating display of state of the art weapons and military equipment found favour with the youth. The event witnessed by approximately 1500 spectators, including Army and government officials besids the students from schools and colleges. The event received widespread appreciations from students and the local community, who expressed admiration for the discipline, dedication and combat readiness of the Indian Army. "Event successfully strengthened public confidence in the armed forces and fostered a renewed sense of patriotism among the youth of Baramulla," the handout reads.
Jammu, Mar 8: The Jammu and Kashmir Congress protested against the LPG price hike here on Sunday, saying this "anti-poor" decision by the government will add to the financial burden on the common man. Led by PCC president Tariq Hamid Karra and working president Raman Bhalla, the protesters also criticised the Indo-US trade deal, alleging that it will adversely impact the country's economy, according to a party spokesperson. The protesters gathered in Model Town, Digiana, near here, raised slogans against the ruling BJP and criticised what they described as the government's "surrender" in the Indo-US trade negotiations. The price of domestic cooking gas LPG was hiked on Saturday by a steep Rs 60 per cylinder, the second increase in less than a year, as the spike in global energy rates following the West Asia crisis weighed on the world's third largest energy consumer. Non-subsidised LPG -- the one that common households use in kitchens -- will now cost Rs 913 per 14.2 kg cylinder in Delhi as against Rs 853 previously, according to the Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) website. The protesters said the continued rise in the prices of essential commodities, particularly cooking gas, has added to the financial burden on ordinary households. Addressing the protesters, Karra termed the LPG price hike "cruel". Many rural households still do not have access to piped gas supply and rely entirely on LPG cylinders. This will force them to plan their monthly budgets more carefully, he said. He demanded an immediate rollback of the price hike. The Congress leader described the Indo-US trade deal as a "major blow" to the country's economic interests. Instead of safeguarding the nation's economic and strategic priorities, the Centre "bowed to pressure" from the United States, he charged. He also expressed concern over the possible implications of the trade deal on India's agriculture and dairy sectors, and claimed that orchardists and dairy farmers in Jammu and Kashmir will be severely affected if safeguards are not put in place. "Our apple growers, walnut producers and small dairy farmers could face serious challenges if cheap imports enter the market without minimum support guarantees," Karra said. He demanded that the government present a white paper on the trade deal in Parliament. PCC working president Bhalla also strongly condemned the "unprecedented" hike in LPG prices and said poor and middle-class families will be badly affected by this decision of the Union government. He called for an LPG relief package for families belonging to the BPL (below poverty line) category, along with a special subsidy buffer for Jammu and Kashmir, citing the higher transportation and logistics costs in hilly regions. (PTI)
Srinagar, Jan 15: After the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (BOSE) declared the result of the class 10th and 12th annual (regular) examinations, the whole focus shifted to the achievers, particularly the toppers. Amidst the appreciation and celebrations for the successful candidates, a stark reality has emerged in society that none of the stakeholders talk about those students who could not pass the examination. This emerging trend has become dangerous for the young students particularly the average performers or those who do not pass the exam in their first attempt. Amid this, a government school teacher has put forth a clear message for the parents of those children who could not qualify the JKBOSE exams. Aasima Jan, a government school teacher from Baramulla district said that expectations of the parents should not make the students victim of depression. She believes that the parents must stand by their children who could not qualify the JKBOSE exams or qualified it with average grades. After the announcement of the results, some students qualified the exams with good marks in class 10th and 12th exams while qualified with average grades while some could not qualify the exams. "Those parents whose children either took less marks or could not qualify for the exam, must be a little upset with their children. As a parent, it is natural to feel disappointed when your child does not come up to your expectations," Aasima Jan said. She however said that the high expectations of parents should not make the child a victim of depression. "Class 10th exam is just a first step in the educational journey of these children. This is not the end of life. Life will provide more opportunities, with more chances and more ways to excel," Aasima Jan said. She said the parents must support their child at this time deal with this setback. "If parents support their child at this time, their kids will bounce back more stronger in future. Parents must tell their children that failures are not opposite to success but are actually part of success," she said. She said there were many people who did not qualify normal exams but proved their worth in life after facing setbacks. "Parents must put in their efforts. Embrace their child, support them instead of letting them down," she said. As the JKBOSE declared the result of class 10th and 12th class examination, the stakeholders and society at large pour praise and attention on the top performers while there was a deafening silence surrounding those who do not pass the examination. The move raised a serious concern, particularly about the way children are being brought up. It raised big question that: âAre we preparing our students to be strong enough to cope with the failure?â
'As we taught communities to vaccinate against bacteria or viruses, will partner with religious leaders, social groups to create community immunisation initiative against drugs in high-risk hotspot areas per district' Srinagar, May 12: The J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Tuesday joined the Drug-Free Jammu-Kashmir campaign in Baramulla and engaged with citizens and participated in a Padyatra. The Lieutenant Governor announced the launch of two innovative pillars under the campaign for the next 69 days- the Community Immunization Program against drugs and the Family Fortress Initiative. Speaking on the occasion, LG Sinha said that just as we have taught communities to vaccinate against bacteria or viruses, we will partner with religious leaders and social groups to create Community Immunization initiative against drugs in 5-10 high-risk hotspot areas per district. âI urge schools, mosques, temples, gurdwaras, and NGOs to dedicate one hour weekly to strengthen this initiative through awareness. It will deliver real results, acting like an early warning system, monitoring hotspots while building them into fully drug-free zones," LG Manoj Sinha said. He said the second pillar is the family fortress initiative, which will rely on the strong family and community bonds for the ultimate shield against drug addiction. "Over the next 69 days, every school, college, and place of worship in Jammu Kashmir should host a weekly family dialogue on drugs. These dialogues should be open, honest paired with local campaign audits to spot and fix gaps," the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that in the past 31 days, over 2.35 lac awareness and outreach events have been conducted across Jammu Kashmir. "More than 44,000 OPD patients have been treated, nearly 700 drug smugglers and peddlers arrested, and stringent action has been taken against the drug supply chain," he said. He said that action has targeted every financial transaction of drug cartels, seizing crores in properties built from drug money by major smugglers. "Across Jammu and Kashmir divisions, 300 driving licenses and over 400 vehicle registrations linked to drug smugglers have been recommended for cancellation. Enforcement agencies have ensured massive drug hauls. We have inspected more than 3,300 drug stores, and 150 licenses have been suspended for violating the norms," he said. He further said that nearly 3,000 CCTV cameras are now installed at the drug stores across Union Territory. "Over two dozen smugglers have been nabbed under PIT-NDPS Act. I assure the people that we will chase every rupee, every asset, and shell company of drug traffickers, ensuring the harshest punishment for those who are destroying our youth's future,â the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor said that fueled by public support, this people's movement is setting historic records in Jammu Kashmir and no past social campaign has seen such massive participation. âWe have received nearly 3,000 calls for tele-manas counselling and support in the past 31 days. I want our response to drugs to be rooted in science. We don't shame diabetes patients into health or cure cancer victims through stigma. Likewise, we must treat and rehabilitate addicts with dignity, reconnecting them to society's mainstream through resolve and compassion. Government officials and citizens must unite for surveillance, rally against drugs, and foster drug-free villages and towns,â the Lieutenant Governor said.
Baramulla, May 10: Young Politician and a social activist from Baramulla, Touseef Raina Sunday conducted a meeting with supporters in Baramulla regarding the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan. Hundreds of youngsters and senior citizens participated in the gathering and extended their support to the campaign against drug abuse. Addressing the gathering, Touseef Raina urged people from all walks of life to come together and protect society from the growing drug menace. He appealed to the public to cooperate with the administration and help rehabilitate affected youth instead of merely making videos or reels. He stressed the importance of guiding those trapped in addiction towards proper de-addiction and rehabilitation centres. Touseef Raina further urged people to participate in the anti-drug padyatra scheduled on May 12 of 2026 at Prof Showkat Ali Stadium of Government Degree College (GDC) Boys Baramulla. The Padyatra will be led by J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha as part of the ongoing awareness drive under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyan. People present during the meeting appreciated Touseef Rainaâs efforts towards ending the drug menace and supporting the rehabilitation of youth affected by addiction.
Srinagar, May 8: Shahid Ahmad Shah, Law student at the School of Law, University of Kashmir, has been appointed as the President of the Law Society for the academic session 2026â2027. The appointment has been made on the basis of academic merit, teacher feedback, and the recommendations of the Selection Committee, reflecting a recognition of his leadership abilities and academic commitment. As President, Shahid Ahmad Shah will lead the Law Society in organizing academic and co-curricular activities, including moot court competitions, seminars, workshops, and legal awareness initiatives aimed at enhancing the practical and professional skills of law students. The Law Society plays a significant role in fostering a dynamic academic environment within the institution, and his leadership is expected to further strengthen student engagement and institutional excellence. Shahid Ahmad Shah is set to assume charge with a vision to promote innovation, collaboration, and excellence in legal education.
Srinagar, May 7: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Crime Branch has filed a chargesheet against 11 people in a financial fraud case linked to an HDFC Bank branch in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, officials said on Thursday. The case, registered under the relevant provisions of the BNS and the IT Act, pertains to alleged financial irregularities at the Shopian branch of the bank, an official said. The matter came to light following a written complaint alleging financial fraud, after which the case was transferred to the Crime Branch for an in-depth investigation, he said. During the probe, several individuals were identified for their alleged involvement in fraud, he said. The accused include branch managers Adil Ayoub Ganai, a resident of Memendar, Shopian, and Irfan Majeed Zargar, a resident of Shopian. Others named in the case include Mubashir Hussain Sheikh, a resident of Karena, Kulgam and then an employee of bank; Zaid Manzoor, a resident of Anantnag and a bank employee; and Javaid Ahmad Bhat, a resident of Below Rajpora, Pulwama, also employed with the bank. The accused were arrested on February 18 and have remained in judicial custody since then, officials said. Upon completion of the investigation, the chargesheet was filed against them in court. (PTI)
Srinagar, Jan 8: Contractual faculty members working in government degree colleges of Jammu and Kashmir Higher Education Department (HED) have expressed strong resentment over what they term as a glaring disparity in salaries, demanding revision of their pay in line with University Grants Commission (UGC) norms and regularisation of their services. The faculty, many of whom hold PhDs and are qualified through NET, SET and JRF, said they have been denied UGC-recommended pay scales despite discharging academic responsibilities equivalent to their regular counterparts. âHundreds of highly qualified scholars have been pushed into silent suffering. For years, we have been assured that our pay revision is under consideration, but nothing has materialised so far,â said Dr Ishfaq Gowhar, a contractual faculty member. Earlier, Director Colleges J&K had acknowledged the legitimacy of the facultyâs demand, stating that while the issue was genuine, its implementation involved significant financial implications due to the large number of contractual appointments. âWe are aware that they deserve salary enhancement, but the number of contractual faculty is huge and it has financial implications,â he earlier said. Dr Gowhar pointed out that contractual lecturers, who form the backbone of the higher education system, continue to work on a fixed monthly honorarium of Rs 28,000, which has remained unchanged for nearly a decade. âThe irony is that a Class IV employee with a Class 10 qualification draws a salary exceeding Rs 50,000, while doctorate-holding teachers engaged in teaching, mentoring and academic research are paid a fraction of that,â he said. He added that institutions such as SKUAST-K, University of Kashmir and Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) have implemented revised UGC pay scales, but the Higher Education Department has failed to extend similar treatment to its contractual faculty. Dr Gowhar said the demand for âequal work, equal payâ gets prominently featured in election campaigns, raising hopes among contractual teachers. âPromises were made and slogans echoed during elections, but once the process ended, our voices were reduced to silence. Even meeting officials now feels impossible,â he said. He said contractual faculty were not seeking privileges but dignity, fairness and recognition for their service. The faculty appealed to the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and the Education Minister to intervene and take concrete steps towards addressing their long-pending demands. âThis issue is not merely about salaries. It is about survival, justice and dignity in the classrooms of Jammu and Kashmir,â he said.
