Baramulla, Apr 1: Political leader Touseef Raina on Wednesday asked Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Baramulla Javid Hassan Baig to apologise for his remarks about women he made during a speech in the Legislative Assembly. Raina termed the remarks âregrettableâ and âhurtful to public sentiment.â In a video message, Touseef Raina took strong exception to Baigâs reference to Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone, wherein he described Loneâs stance as having a âwomenistic attitude,â which he linked to âcrying over everything.â Raina said a public representative having such ideology reflects a âdemeaning mindsetâ towards women which was unacceptable in public discourse, especially within a legislative forum. âIt is a matter of great shame and regret that an elected representative has used such words saying that women are prone to crying. These remarks have deeply hurt the sentiments of women,â he said. Raina emphasised the role and contribution of women in society saying that these days women stand as equal partners in all spheres of life. âWomen are a source of inspiration. There is no place for gender inequality in todayâs world. Our mothers and sisters contribute immensely whether at home or in workplaces and deserve respect, not ridicule,â he added. Referring to Islamic teachings, Raina reminded MLA about the high status accorded to women, stating that a personâs character is reflected in how he treats women, particularly within his family. He further questioned Baigâs commitment to womenâs rights, saying such remarks raise concerns about the seriousness of leader who seek votes on promises of empowerment but resort to âinsensitive languageâ in Assembly debates. He expressed his personal anguish over the issue and said he was felt âdeeply hurtâ by the comments made by MLA Baramulla. "MLA Baramulla should tender an unconditional apology to women. Such statements, even if made in haste, cannot be justified. An apology is necessary to address the hurt caused to women across society,â he said.
Srinagar, Mar 31: The J&K government has admitted that the residents of Baramulla were currently receiving water supply facilities from the existing system at a low service level owing to inadequate infrastructure and intermittent power supply. This was revealed in a reply of minister in-charge for Jal Shakti department to a question raised by MLA Baramulla Javid Hassan Baig. Baig asked the government whether residents of Baramulla town continue to suffer due to scarcity of same despite dozens of water supply scheme exists there. "The residents of Baramulla town are currently receiving water supply facilities from the existing system at a low service level owing to inadequate infrastructure and intermittent power supply," the government informed the House. The government further said that to address the issue, under AMRUTâ2.0 the old / existing electro mechanical equipmentâs is proposed to be replaced by newly designed pumping equipmentâs for which the work is in process. "Moreover for improvement in quality of water in Baramulla town, Gas Chlorination plants at two main rapid sand beds viz 1.6 MGD RSFP Azadgunj, 1.6 MGDRSFP Baag-e- Islam is under construction," the government said. About the details of households in Baramulla town and rural areas of District provided functional tap connections under JJM along the details of areas yet to be covered, the government said 23298 households in the town and 129664 households in rural areas have been provided with Functional Tap Connections (FTCs) under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). As per the government figures, some wards and areas in the rural parts are yet to be covered and/or covered but with low service levels under JJM due to paucity of funds and issues related to forest/land clearance or source failure. These areas include Zithen, Waripora, Darina, Scamblan, Sheeri, Mirgund, Chinnibal, Hartreh, Devel, Yakmanpora, Gund Ibrahim, Dislpora, Dargam, Khushalpora Chinned, Chopan Mohallah Delina, Milat Colony, University Colony, Shaipora, areas under WSS Abu Bakar Colony Hamray. "Approximately 21,000 households in these areas are either partially connected or are being supplied water through tanker services," the government said. The House was informed that these areas shall be covered fully once JJM funds are made available, as the schemes remain incomplete due to paucity of funds. "Under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the district has 229 schemes for rural areas and one scheme under AMRUT-2.0. Out of these, 110 schemes stand completed as on date and the remaining 120 Schemes are at different stages of execution which shall be completed as per JJM timeline subject to availability of funds," the government informed the House. About the reasons for the repeated failure of Water Supply Schemes in Baramulla, the government said there was no repeatable failure water supply in the said town. "However, power outages sometimes cause temporary disruptions, and the affected areas are being covered with available tanker services," the government said. The government said that at present, the total installed capacity of water treatment plants is 29.7155 MGD (million gallons per day). "The existing infrastructure is being wellâmaintained under yearly maintenance and repair (M&R); there is no loss of water due to lack of maintenance," the government said.
Srinagar, Mar 31: The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC) on Tuesday approved a series of high-level appointments and transfers of IAS officers across key ministries of the Government of India, as per a release issued by the Secretariat of the ACC. As per the order, Nivedita Shukla Verma Secretary Department of Chemicals and Petro-Chemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, as Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, with additional charge of the post of Secretary, Department of Pensions and Pensioners Welfare, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Chanchal Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, as Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, vice Sanjay Jaju, upon his appointment as Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region. Narendra Bhooshan, presently in the cadre, as Secretary, Department of Land Resources, Ministry of Rural Development. Chandra Sekhar Kumar, Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, as Chief Executive Officer, National Rainfed Area Authority, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, in the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India. Sanjay Jaju, Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, as Secretary, Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, vice Chanchal Kumar, upon his appointment as Secretary, Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. Srivatsa Krishna, Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, as Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs, vice Chandra Sekhar Kumar, upon his appointment as Chief Executive Officer, National Rainfed Area Authority, Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare. Tejveer Singh, presently in the cadre, as Secretary, Department of Chemicals and Petro-Chemicals, Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, vice Ms. Nivedita Shukla Verma, upon her appointment as Secretary, Department of Administrative Reforms and Public Grievances, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, with additional charge of the post of Secretary, Department of Pensions and Pensioners Welfare, Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions. Sanjay Lohiya, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Mines, as Special Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, by temporarily upgrading a vacant post of Joint Secretary in the Department. The officer will take over as Secretary, Department of Financial Services, Ministry of Finance, vice Shri Nagaraju Maddirala, upon his superannuation on 31.05.2026. Rohit Kansal, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Textiles, as Secretary, Department of Rural Development, Ministry of Rural Development, vice Shri Shailesh Kumar Singh upon his superannuation on 31.03.2026. Bharat Harbanslal Khera, Additional Secretary, Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, as Officer on Special Duty, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, in the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India. The officer will take over as Secretary, Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises, vice Shri Subhas Chandra Lal Das, upon his superannuation on 30.04.2026. Abhishek Singh, Director General, National Informatics Centre, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, as Director General, National Testing Agency, Ministry of Education, in the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India by temporarily upgrading the post. Bhuvnesh Kumar, Chief Executive Officer, Unique Identification Authority of India, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, as Secretary, Ministry of Tourism, vice Srivatsa Krishna, upon his appointment as Secretary, Ministry of Minority Affairs. The ACC has also approved in-situ upgradation of the following officers to the level of Special Secretary in the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India as a measure personal to them by temporarily upgrading the posts held by them: Sanjay Rastogi, Director General, National Archives of India, Ministry of Culture, as Director General, National Archives of India, Ministry of Culture, in the rank and pay of Secretary to the Government of India. Sajjan Singh Yadav, Additional Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance, as Special Secretary, Department of Expenditure, Ministry of Finance.
Slams Mehbooba Mufti over âmishandlingâ this vital project in past Srinagar, Mar 31: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari Tuesday welcomed governmentâs decision of approving flyover connecting Rajbagh to Sangarmal in Srinagar city. He said that the long much-awaited decision will certainly help reduce traffic congestion in the Srinagar city. In a post on micro-blogging site X (formerly Twitter), Bukhari welcomed and appreciated the governmentâs decision to approve the flyover connecting Rajbagh to Sangarmal in Srinagar. "This was a long-awaited and much-needed decision. Once completed, the flyover will certainly help reduce the growing traffic congestion in the area," he wrote on X. Bukhari slammed PDP President and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti over mishandling this vital project in the past. âAt the same time, it is important to recall how this vital project was mishandled in the past. During her tenure in government, Mehbooba Mufti, exhibiting her typical Nadirshahi behaviour, altered the very nature of the project," he wrote on X. "Ignoring expert advice and reasonable voices, she changed the plan and converted the proposed motorable bridge into a footbridge, even though it had originally been designed and its foundation laid as a bridge meant for vehicles,â he said on X. He cited shifting of Batamaloo bus stand to Parimpora area of Srinagar, as âfoolishâ one and âdeeply damagingâ. âSadly, this was not the only decision during her time in power that caused hardship for people in Srinagar. Another glaring example was the shifting of the Batamaloo General Bus Stand to Parimpora in Srinagar. This decision proved to be foolish and deeply damaging. Batamaloo, which was once a thriving economic hub, suffered greatly, and thousands of traders, transporters, and local residents were pushed into serious financial distress,â he said. He said that similarly, the ban on stone mining in the Athwajan and Pantha Chowk areas on the outskirts of Srinagar deprived hundreds of labour-class families of their livelihoods. "Again, this decision brought misery and economic hardship to a large section of the population," he said. He said these are only a few examples that show the poor judgment and disregard for public welfare that marked Mehbooba Muftiâs time in government. "Without mincing words, today I want to tell Mehbooba Ji directly that the damage she caused to Srinagar during her tenure is unforgettable," he said. "I understand that some unelected representatives in your party at that time further influenced you to intensify the anti-city sentiments that you already harbored. However, the fact remains that you personally left no stone unturned to undermine the interests of Srinagar and its people,â he added on X. âNow, mark my words: the people of Srinagar will neither forget nor forgive the harm you caused them, and history will ultimately judge the consequences of the damage that was done. Any ways , I hope that the work on flyover construction begins without any further delay so that the people can finally get relief from the severe traffic congestion in the city centre and adjoining areas,â he further added on X.
Baramulla, Apr 1: Political leader Touseef Raina on Wednesday asked Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Baramulla Javid Hassan Baig to apologise for his remarks about women he made during a speech in the Legislative Assembly. Raina termed the remarks âregrettableâ and âhurtful to public sentiment.â In a video message, Touseef Raina took strong exception to Baigâs reference to Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone, wherein he described Loneâs stance as having a âwomenistic attitude,â which he linked to âcrying over everything.â Raina said a public representative having such ideology reflects a âdemeaning mindsetâ towards women which was unacceptable in public discourse, especially within a legislative forum. âIt is a matter of great shame and regret that an elected representative has used such words saying that women are prone to crying. These remarks have deeply hurt the sentiments of women,â he said. Raina emphasised the role and contribution of women in society saying that these days women stand as equal partners in all spheres of life. âWomen are a source of inspiration. There is no place for gender inequality in todayâs world. Our mothers and sisters contribute immensely whether at home or in workplaces and deserve respect, not ridicule,â he added. Referring to Islamic teachings, Raina reminded MLA about the high status accorded to women, stating that a personâs character is reflected in how he treats women, particularly within his family. He further questioned Baigâs commitment to womenâs rights, saying such remarks raise concerns about the seriousness of leader who seek votes on promises of empowerment but resort to âinsensitive languageâ in Assembly debates. He expressed his personal anguish over the issue and said he was felt âdeeply hurtâ by the comments made by MLA Baramulla. "MLA Baramulla should tender an unconditional apology to women. Such statements, even if made in haste, cannot be justified. An apology is necessary to address the hurt caused to women across society,â he said.
Srinagar, Feb 25: Vice-President C P Radhakrishnan arrived in Srinagar on Wednesday evening on his maiden visit to Jammu and Kashmir, marking his first official engagement in the Union Territory since assuming office. The officials said the Vice-President was received at Srinagar Airport by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdulah and other senior officials. âDelighted to welcome Honâble Vice-President of India, Shri C P Radhakrishnan Ji at the Srinagar Airport,â LG Sinha wrote on X.     Office of the J&K Chief Minister wrote on X that the CM received Honâble Vice-President of India upon his arrival at Srinagar Airport today. After landing in Srinagar, the Vice-President drove to Lok Bhavan where LG Sinha presented him with a souvenir, said an official.  He said the Vice-President will attend the 21st convocation of the University of Kashmir as a chief guest at its Hazratbal campus on Thursday. âThe programme is scheduled to begin in the forenoon with the academic procession, followed by the Vice-Chancellorâs annual report highlighting the Universityâs academic achievements, research output and institutional milestones,â said the official, adding, âVice-President Radhakrishnan will then deliver the convocation address and formally confer degrees upon graduating students.â He said that Lieutenant Governor and KU Chancellor, Manoj Sinha, will preside over the convocation, while Chief Minister and Pro-Chancellor, Omar Abdullah, will attend the event as a guest of honour. âA total of 59,558 degrees â 44,910 graduates, 13,545 postgraduates, 461 MD/MS, four MCH, 18 MPhil and 620 PhDs â will be conferred at the convocation,â said an official. KU Vice-Chancellor Nilofer Khan said the convocation "celebrates the academic accomplishments of our students and reaffirms our commitment to quality education, research and public engagement." She added that the presence of the Vice-President of India at the event reflects the growing national recognition of the university's academic and research contributions. Elaborate and multi-layered security arrangements have been put in place across Srinagar, particularly in and around the HazratbalâNishatâHarwan axis. Senior police and civil administration officers have reviewed the security and logistical preparations to ensure smooth conduct of the event. Meanwhile, authorities have also issued a detailed traffic advisory for parts of Srinagar tomorrow, with restrictions to remain in force from 7:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
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
Baramulla, Apr 1: Political leader Touseef Raina on Wednesday asked Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Baramulla Javid Hassan Baig to apologise for his remarks about women he made during a speech in the Legislative Assembly. Raina termed the remarks âregrettableâ and âhurtful to public sentiment.â In a video message, Touseef Raina took strong exception to Baigâs reference to Peoples Conference leader Sajad Lone, wherein he described Loneâs stance as having a âwomenistic attitude,â which he linked to âcrying over everything.â Raina said a public representative having such ideology reflects a âdemeaning mindsetâ towards women which was unacceptable in public discourse, especially within a legislative forum. âIt is a matter of great shame and regret that an elected representative has used such words saying that women are prone to crying. These remarks have deeply hurt the sentiments of women,â he said. Raina emphasised the role and contribution of women in society saying that these days women stand as equal partners in all spheres of life. âWomen are a source of inspiration. There is no place for gender inequality in todayâs world. Our mothers and sisters contribute immensely whether at home or in workplaces and deserve respect, not ridicule,â he added. Referring to Islamic teachings, Raina reminded MLA about the high status accorded to women, stating that a personâs character is reflected in how he treats women, particularly within his family. He further questioned Baigâs commitment to womenâs rights, saying such remarks raise concerns about the seriousness of leader who seek votes on promises of empowerment but resort to âinsensitive languageâ in Assembly debates. He expressed his personal anguish over the issue and said he was felt âdeeply hurtâ by the comments made by MLA Baramulla. "MLA Baramulla should tender an unconditional apology to women. Such statements, even if made in haste, cannot be justified. An apology is necessary to address the hurt caused to women across society,â he said.
Srinagar, Mar 31: The J&K government has admitted that the residents of Baramulla were currently receiving water supply facilities from the existing system at a low service level owing to inadequate infrastructure and intermittent power supply. This was revealed in a reply of minister in-charge for Jal Shakti department to a question raised by MLA Baramulla Javid Hassan Baig. Baig asked the government whether residents of Baramulla town continue to suffer due to scarcity of same despite dozens of water supply scheme exists there. "The residents of Baramulla town are currently receiving water supply facilities from the existing system at a low service level owing to inadequate infrastructure and intermittent power supply," the government informed the House. The government further said that to address the issue, under AMRUTâ2.0 the old / existing electro mechanical equipmentâs is proposed to be replaced by newly designed pumping equipmentâs for which the work is in process. "Moreover for improvement in quality of water in Baramulla town, Gas Chlorination plants at two main rapid sand beds viz 1.6 MGD RSFP Azadgunj, 1.6 MGDRSFP Baag-e- Islam is under construction," the government said. About the details of households in Baramulla town and rural areas of District provided functional tap connections under JJM along the details of areas yet to be covered, the government said 23298 households in the town and 129664 households in rural areas have been provided with Functional Tap Connections (FTCs) under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM). As per the government figures, some wards and areas in the rural parts are yet to be covered and/or covered but with low service levels under JJM due to paucity of funds and issues related to forest/land clearance or source failure. These areas include Zithen, Waripora, Darina, Scamblan, Sheeri, Mirgund, Chinnibal, Hartreh, Devel, Yakmanpora, Gund Ibrahim, Dislpora, Dargam, Khushalpora Chinned, Chopan Mohallah Delina, Milat Colony, University Colony, Shaipora, areas under WSS Abu Bakar Colony Hamray. "Approximately 21,000 households in these areas are either partially connected or are being supplied water through tanker services," the government said. The House was informed that these areas shall be covered fully once JJM funds are made available, as the schemes remain incomplete due to paucity of funds. "Under Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM), the district has 229 schemes for rural areas and one scheme under AMRUT-2.0. Out of these, 110 schemes stand completed as on date and the remaining 120 Schemes are at different stages of execution which shall be completed as per JJM timeline subject to availability of funds," the government informed the House. About the reasons for the repeated failure of Water Supply Schemes in Baramulla, the government said there was no repeatable failure water supply in the said town. "However, power outages sometimes cause temporary disruptions, and the affected areas are being covered with available tanker services," the government said. The government said that at present, the total installed capacity of water treatment plants is 29.7155 MGD (million gallons per day). "The existing infrastructure is being wellâmaintained under yearly maintenance and repair (M&R); there is no loss of water due to lack of maintenance," the government said.
Slams Mehbooba Mufti over âmishandlingâ this vital project in past Srinagar, Mar 31: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party (JKAP) president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari Tuesday welcomed governmentâs decision of approving flyover connecting Rajbagh to Sangarmal in Srinagar city. He said that the long much-awaited decision will certainly help reduce traffic congestion in the Srinagar city. In a post on micro-blogging site X (formerly Twitter), Bukhari welcomed and appreciated the governmentâs decision to approve the flyover connecting Rajbagh to Sangarmal in Srinagar. "This was a long-awaited and much-needed decision. Once completed, the flyover will certainly help reduce the growing traffic congestion in the area," he wrote on X. Bukhari slammed PDP President and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti over mishandling this vital project in the past. âAt the same time, it is important to recall how this vital project was mishandled in the past. During her tenure in government, Mehbooba Mufti, exhibiting her typical Nadirshahi behaviour, altered the very nature of the project," he wrote on X. "Ignoring expert advice and reasonable voices, she changed the plan and converted the proposed motorable bridge into a footbridge, even though it had originally been designed and its foundation laid as a bridge meant for vehicles,â he said on X. He cited shifting of Batamaloo bus stand to Parimpora area of Srinagar, as âfoolishâ one and âdeeply damagingâ. âSadly, this was not the only decision during her time in power that caused hardship for people in Srinagar. Another glaring example was the shifting of the Batamaloo General Bus Stand to Parimpora in Srinagar. This decision proved to be foolish and deeply damaging. Batamaloo, which was once a thriving economic hub, suffered greatly, and thousands of traders, transporters, and local residents were pushed into serious financial distress,â he said. He said that similarly, the ban on stone mining in the Athwajan and Pantha Chowk areas on the outskirts of Srinagar deprived hundreds of labour-class families of their livelihoods. "Again, this decision brought misery and economic hardship to a large section of the population," he said. He said these are only a few examples that show the poor judgment and disregard for public welfare that marked Mehbooba Muftiâs time in government. "Without mincing words, today I want to tell Mehbooba Ji directly that the damage she caused to Srinagar during her tenure is unforgettable," he said. "I understand that some unelected representatives in your party at that time further influenced you to intensify the anti-city sentiments that you already harbored. However, the fact remains that you personally left no stone unturned to undermine the interests of Srinagar and its people,â he added on X. âNow, mark my words: the people of Srinagar will neither forget nor forgive the harm you caused them, and history will ultimately judge the consequences of the damage that was done. Any ways , I hope that the work on flyover construction begins without any further delay so that the people can finally get relief from the severe traffic congestion in the city centre and adjoining areas,â he further added on X.
Kupwara, Mar 28: The Indian Army Saturday organized a free medical-cum-veterinary camp at Wader Rajwar in Handwara Sub District, benefiting a large number of local residents and livestock owners. A team of doctors from GMC Handwara, along with medical team from the Indian Army and veterinary specialists, participated in the camp. During the programme, more than 350 medical patients were examined and provided with free medical consultation and medicines. In addition, veterinary doctors conducted health check-ups of dozens of animals, offering treatment and distributing medicines free of cost to livestock owners. The initiative was widely appreciated by locals, who expressed gratitude to the Indian Army and the medical teams for bringing essential healthcare services to the remote area.
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.
