Srinagar, Feb 10: JK Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Tuesday delivered a critical assessment of the recently introduced Jammu and Kashmir budget during his address to the Assembly. He called it the first budget under complete political oversight since 2018. He characterised it as a typical bureaucratic budget lacking the distinctive political imprint that usually accompanies an elected government's fiscal proposals. "When politicians come, when there is an elected government, there is a mark of politics on the budget. That mark is not visible," Lone said. He questioned why the ruling party's manifesto promises had not been translated into concrete budgetary allocations. He suggested this disconnect would become a recurring point of contention from the opposition over the next five years. "So if the mark of the manifesto is there, why is it not in the budget? This is a question that the opposition will ask you repeatedly, for the next five years," he said. Lone pointed to weak execution of previous budgetary assurances, highlighting a significant gap of 13,000 crores between budget estimates and revised estimates. He observed that capital investment had decreased substantially. "In the whole world, people have a problem with money; here, it seems there is a problem with spending. We don't seem to have the capacity to spend money," Sajad Lone said. The budget's composition troubled Lone, with 70 percent allocated to revenue expenditure and only 30 percent to capital expenditure. "This means that long-term assets will not be built, and this reflects a weak internal revenue base," he said. He detailed the territory's financial dependence, noting that of the total receipts of 1,27,000 crores, only 31,800 came from internal tax and non-tax sources while central assistance amounted to approximately 42,000 crores, centrally sponsored schemes 13,000 crores, and borrowing 14,000 crores. "So this limits our fiscal autonomy. When all the money is coming from outside," Lone said. The legislator reserved his sharpest criticism for what he termed the "great rebate grab" surrounding the six cylinder announcement. He methodically broke down the mathematics, explaining that the manifesto had promised 12 cylinders for economically weaker sections. "The exact words in your manifesto are 12 cylinders for economically weaker sections. So, no, thank you will not last long. I think you will have to change it," he said. Lone said there are two lakh AAY families and 14 lakh BPL, now called priority households. "So since when did the poor BPL become economically strong? I didn't understand this. They are also economically weak," he said. He calculated that the manifesto promise would have cost 1,680 crores annually or 8,500 crores over five years, but the government was delivering only 120 to 130 crores annually. "So against a promise of 8,500 crores for five years, what you are paying is 360 crores. Sir, this is pure mathematics, no theory, no history. If I am wrong, I would love to be corrected," Lone added. JKPC President described the funding mechanism as taking from one set of poor to pay another. "Where did this money come from? The money came from reducing the rebate on diesel, which is normally used in public vehicles, in public transport. That will bring in about 250 crores from there. So you took 150 from the pocket of the poor, gave 150 or 120 to other poor people, and 130 still stayed with the government," he said, He called it "a new kind of justice and lamented that no government had ever levied taxes on the top 5 percent of earners in Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly, the promise of free education up to graduation was diluted, with 14 lakh families excluded from the benefit. "So it is a very diluted version of what you promised. Sir, CM Sahab, if you think that instead of 100 you are happy with 5, then fine," Lone said. On employment, Lone challenged the claim of 7,500 jobs created last year, estimating that hardly 2,000 went to Kashmir. He defended his past work on the 3 percent reservation bill. "I am proud of it. I passed the 3% reservation bill in this very hall." He clarified that when he spoke of 60 percent of the population including Pahari brothers, Gujjar brothers, and Kashmiri Pandit brothers having only 25 percent of jobs, this included all these communities. "When I say district and divisional recruitment, I mean it for Pahari and Gujjar brothers living in Kashmir Valley. If you think they want to compete in the general category, it would be better if you ask them," Lone said. The outsourcing of 24,000 jobs drew particularly fierce criticism. "Sir, you didn't do this, to be very honest with you. This was done by the Babus. The system of Babus is centralised, outsourced. May God outsource their jobs too, those who outsourced these jobs, then they would know what it's like to outsource a poor person's job," Lone said. He questioned why the current administration continued this policy. "If you were against everything in the Governor's rule for the last five years, then why are you doing the same today?" Lone warned that outsourcing cannot work in places without Western-style social security nets. "Where it works in the West, there is a social security net. "The government even provides money for children's diapers and milk. This is a societal disaster," he said. He traced a troubling progression from permanent jobs to contractual positions to outsourcing, questioning how private companies could be trusted with quality recruitment when government institutions themselves had suffered major scandals. "The government is about learning curves. It is hire and fire; they can keep anyone, how will the government run?" he said. "Where you said you would create one lakh jobs, forgive me, you converted 24000 government jobs into private ones. So, sir, don't give us 1 lakh, but at least don't make them private. Stop converting government jobs into private ones. This is an economic disaster and a societal disaster. It will wreak havoc in society," Lone said. While not expecting the Chief Minister to produce funds overnight, Lone emphasized that budgets should set an economic tone. "One thing that should attract investorsâlet's go to J&K, it's the next investment destination. Sir, we are one of the most regulated economies in the country. It's like the Soviet Union. NOC culture," he said. He explained that these permissions had become channels for corruption. "The problem is that our CM Sahab, with due respect, has never applied for permission. He doesn't know that this NOC is money. Even if all the papers are there, you still have to give; if not, you have to give four times more," Lone said. He said that this centralization intensified over the last five years as bureaucrats sought to maintain control. "They have done IAS and they think they are the most intelligent, nothing will happen without them. Ask us first." Lone urged the government to review and dilute orders from the past six years that centralized NOCs. He questioned government involvement in homestays. "Why do you have to see? What does the government have to do with homestays? Is the government a housekeeper? Is the government going to see if the room is clean or not? Market forces will decide that if the homestay is good, the person will come again," he said. Despite acknowledging some positive developments like e-office implementation, he said that the tendency toward centralization and high regulation would deter investors. "We are a highly over-regulated economy; that was my assessment that they would fix it, but it didn't happen," he said. The legislator identified tourism and horticulture as potential gold mines if properly recognized. He also made a plea to correct economic misstatements made in the house, noting, "When you want to check a traditional economic theory of whether a country is backward or developed, you look at how many people are in agriculture. The more there are, the more backward it is. The fewer there are, the more it is a high-income country." Throughout his speech, Lone maintained that Jammu and Kashmir desperately needs reform. "I would appeal to all of you that we desperately need to deregulate and decentralize our economy, because otherwise, no investors would be coming here," he said.
Srinagar, Feb 10: The Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) has directed private schools not to charge any transport fee during winter or summer vacations if transport facilities are outsourced or hired from third parties. In a fresh circular issued by chairman FFRC Justice (Retd) Sunil Hali, the schools have been warned of strict action including penalties and de-affiliation, for non-compliance of the instructions. The circular has been issued after the committee received complaints that several private schools were collecting transport charges during vacations despite not owning their transport facilities. "Some schools operating buses through contractual arrangements with third parties are charging up to 50 percent of the transport fee during vacation periods, in violation of existing orders," the fresh circular reads. As per the circular, FFRC through its order issued on June 30, 2025, has stated that the schools that do not own and operate their transport facilities are explicitly barred from collecting any transport fee during vacations. "It is hereby directed that private schools shall charge 50 percent transport fee only where the transport facilities are owned and operated by the school itself," FFRC circular reads. It reads that no transport fee shall be charged during the winter or summer vacations, in case where the transport facilities are outsourced or hired from third parties and are operated under a contractual agreement "Any fee collected by the private school on this behalf shall be refunded to the parents forthwith, failing which appropriate action under law shall be taken against the school, including imposition of a penalty of one percent of the total revenue and also deâaffiliation of the school," the FFRC circular reads. Th instructions must be strictly complied with by the private schools, the FFRC circular reads.
Srinagar, Feb 9: The University of Kashmir (KU) is scheduled to hold its 21st Convocation on February 26, 2026. The Vice President of India, C P Radhakrishnan, is expected to attend as the chief guest on the occasion. The convocation was earlier scheduled in the last week of December 2025 but could not be conducted due to official reasons. Officials said that the Convocation was deferred as there was no confirmation about the availability of the Chief Guest for the event. In wake of this, the varsity earlier deferred the announcement of winter vacations for main campus and the satellite campuses as well. University officials now confirmed to Kashmir Square that 21st convocation will be held on February 26, 2026. âWe have got the confirmation about the availability of the President C. P. Radhakrishnan to attend the convocation. He will deliver the convocation address,â a KU official said. He said the ceremony will be held at the Convocation Complex of the Hazratbal campus. KU also issued a fresh circular and informed the students registered for their felicitation at the event. "All the registered students for the upcoming 21st Convocation of the University of Kashmir, scheduled for 26.02.2026, are hereby informed that they shall collect their respective convocation gowns from February 16 to 20, 2026, at the designated counters in Committee Room No. 204 on the 2nd Floor of the New Administration Block, during working hours," a KU circular reads. It reads that the convocation gowns shall be issued by the Estates Department (University of Kashmir) against valid identity proof (preferably Aadhaar Card) and a refundable security deposit of Rs. 500 per student. "The security deposit shall be refunded upon proper return of the issued gowns from March 2 to 3, 2026," the circular reads. The concerned students have been further advised to strictly adhere to the above instructions to avoid any inconvenience. The KU officials said the preparations for the event were in full swing. "The ceremony will include the conferment of degrees to students who have successfully completed their academic programmes, along with medals and awards for outstanding academic performance," a KU official said. University authorities are coordinating with civil administration and security agencies to ensure the smooth conduct of the event. Logistical arrangements, including seating, traffic management, security, and hospitality, are being meticulously planned in view of the high-profile visit.
Srinagar, Feb 09: The Railway authorities have announced the extension of the local train service up to Katra with effect from February 11, 2026. The move is expected to bring a major relief to commuters, tourists and pilgrims. The train will operate with one reserved coach. As per the schedule issued by the Jammu Railway Division, the train will depart Banihal at 10:10 am and reach Katra at 1:00 pm. On the return journey, it will leave Katra at 1:45 pm and arrive at Banihal at 5:30 pm, and then further proceed towards Budgam. The train will halt at all intermediate stations between Banihal and Katra, including Khari, Sumber, Sangaldan, Sawalkote,Duga , Bakal, Kori, Reasi, and Katra Railway Station. The extension of the service is expected to significantly benefit daily commuters, students, employees, tourists and pilgrims visiting the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine, besides improving rail connectivity between the two divisions Jammu and Kashmir.
Srinagar, Feb 10: JK Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Lone on Tuesday delivered a critical assessment of the recently introduced Jammu and Kashmir budget during his address to the Assembly. He called it the first budget under complete political oversight since 2018. He characterised it as a typical bureaucratic budget lacking the distinctive political imprint that usually accompanies an elected government's fiscal proposals. "When politicians come, when there is an elected government, there is a mark of politics on the budget. That mark is not visible," Lone said. He questioned why the ruling party's manifesto promises had not been translated into concrete budgetary allocations. He suggested this disconnect would become a recurring point of contention from the opposition over the next five years. "So if the mark of the manifesto is there, why is it not in the budget? This is a question that the opposition will ask you repeatedly, for the next five years," he said. Lone pointed to weak execution of previous budgetary assurances, highlighting a significant gap of 13,000 crores between budget estimates and revised estimates. He observed that capital investment had decreased substantially. "In the whole world, people have a problem with money; here, it seems there is a problem with spending. We don't seem to have the capacity to spend money," Sajad Lone said. The budget's composition troubled Lone, with 70 percent allocated to revenue expenditure and only 30 percent to capital expenditure. "This means that long-term assets will not be built, and this reflects a weak internal revenue base," he said. He detailed the territory's financial dependence, noting that of the total receipts of 1,27,000 crores, only 31,800 came from internal tax and non-tax sources while central assistance amounted to approximately 42,000 crores, centrally sponsored schemes 13,000 crores, and borrowing 14,000 crores. "So this limits our fiscal autonomy. When all the money is coming from outside," Lone said. The legislator reserved his sharpest criticism for what he termed the "great rebate grab" surrounding the six cylinder announcement. He methodically broke down the mathematics, explaining that the manifesto had promised 12 cylinders for economically weaker sections. "The exact words in your manifesto are 12 cylinders for economically weaker sections. So, no, thank you will not last long. I think you will have to change it," he said. Lone said there are two lakh AAY families and 14 lakh BPL, now called priority households. "So since when did the poor BPL become economically strong? I didn't understand this. They are also economically weak," he said. He calculated that the manifesto promise would have cost 1,680 crores annually or 8,500 crores over five years, but the government was delivering only 120 to 130 crores annually. "So against a promise of 8,500 crores for five years, what you are paying is 360 crores. Sir, this is pure mathematics, no theory, no history. If I am wrong, I would love to be corrected," Lone added. JKPC President described the funding mechanism as taking from one set of poor to pay another. "Where did this money come from? The money came from reducing the rebate on diesel, which is normally used in public vehicles, in public transport. That will bring in about 250 crores from there. So you took 150 from the pocket of the poor, gave 150 or 120 to other poor people, and 130 still stayed with the government," he said, He called it "a new kind of justice and lamented that no government had ever levied taxes on the top 5 percent of earners in Jammu and Kashmir. Similarly, the promise of free education up to graduation was diluted, with 14 lakh families excluded from the benefit. "So it is a very diluted version of what you promised. Sir, CM Sahab, if you think that instead of 100 you are happy with 5, then fine," Lone said. On employment, Lone challenged the claim of 7,500 jobs created last year, estimating that hardly 2,000 went to Kashmir. He defended his past work on the 3 percent reservation bill. "I am proud of it. I passed the 3% reservation bill in this very hall." He clarified that when he spoke of 60 percent of the population including Pahari brothers, Gujjar brothers, and Kashmiri Pandit brothers having only 25 percent of jobs, this included all these communities. "When I say district and divisional recruitment, I mean it for Pahari and Gujjar brothers living in Kashmir Valley. If you think they want to compete in the general category, it would be better if you ask them," Lone said. The outsourcing of 24,000 jobs drew particularly fierce criticism. "Sir, you didn't do this, to be very honest with you. This was done by the Babus. The system of Babus is centralised, outsourced. May God outsource their jobs too, those who outsourced these jobs, then they would know what it's like to outsource a poor person's job," Lone said. He questioned why the current administration continued this policy. "If you were against everything in the Governor's rule for the last five years, then why are you doing the same today?" Lone warned that outsourcing cannot work in places without Western-style social security nets. "Where it works in the West, there is a social security net. "The government even provides money for children's diapers and milk. This is a societal disaster," he said. He traced a troubling progression from permanent jobs to contractual positions to outsourcing, questioning how private companies could be trusted with quality recruitment when government institutions themselves had suffered major scandals. "The government is about learning curves. It is hire and fire; they can keep anyone, how will the government run?" he said. "Where you said you would create one lakh jobs, forgive me, you converted 24000 government jobs into private ones. So, sir, don't give us 1 lakh, but at least don't make them private. Stop converting government jobs into private ones. This is an economic disaster and a societal disaster. It will wreak havoc in society," Lone said. While not expecting the Chief Minister to produce funds overnight, Lone emphasized that budgets should set an economic tone. "One thing that should attract investorsâlet's go to J&K, it's the next investment destination. Sir, we are one of the most regulated economies in the country. It's like the Soviet Union. NOC culture," he said. He explained that these permissions had become channels for corruption. "The problem is that our CM Sahab, with due respect, has never applied for permission. He doesn't know that this NOC is money. Even if all the papers are there, you still have to give; if not, you have to give four times more," Lone said. He said that this centralization intensified over the last five years as bureaucrats sought to maintain control. "They have done IAS and they think they are the most intelligent, nothing will happen without them. Ask us first." Lone urged the government to review and dilute orders from the past six years that centralized NOCs. He questioned government involvement in homestays. "Why do you have to see? What does the government have to do with homestays? Is the government a housekeeper? Is the government going to see if the room is clean or not? Market forces will decide that if the homestay is good, the person will come again," he said. Despite acknowledging some positive developments like e-office implementation, he said that the tendency toward centralization and high regulation would deter investors. "We are a highly over-regulated economy; that was my assessment that they would fix it, but it didn't happen," he said. The legislator identified tourism and horticulture as potential gold mines if properly recognized. He also made a plea to correct economic misstatements made in the house, noting, "When you want to check a traditional economic theory of whether a country is backward or developed, you look at how many people are in agriculture. The more there are, the more backward it is. The fewer there are, the more it is a high-income country." Throughout his speech, Lone maintained that Jammu and Kashmir desperately needs reform. "I would appeal to all of you that we desperately need to deregulate and decentralize our economy, because otherwise, no investors would be coming here," he said.
Srinagar, Feb 9: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday informed the JK Legislative Assembly that Gurez was witnessing a steady rise in tourist arrivals over the past few years. The government further informed the House that several measures taken to strengthen sanitation and waste management in the ecologically sensitive region. The details were shared by the Minister in-charge, Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj in response to a question raised by MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan. As per the government figures, tourist footfall in Gurez has increased consistently, with 40,105 visitors in 2022, 48,797 in 2023, and 1,11,613 in 2024. In 2025 so far, the destination has already recorded 54,675 arrivals. About the concerns over sanitation, the government informed the House that it has undertaken considerable and sustained efforts to improve waste management infrastructure. "These include construction of community compost pits, soakage pits and waste segregation sheds, alongside regular door-to-door solid waste collection," the minister informed the House. A Plastic Waste Management Unit is under construction, while twin-pit dustbins have been installed at key locations - including along the banks of the River Kishenganga - to ensure scientific disposal and discourage littering. The government said that dumping of garbage into the Kishenganga was strictly prohibited, and no such practice is allowed by residents, hotels or commercial establishments. The department said it remains committed to safeguarding the fragile ecology of Gurez through strengthened waste collection and segregation systems, expanded sanitation interventions in and around Dawar town, installation of dustbins at high-footfall points, and creation of durable community assets. "Regular awareness and sensitization programmes are also being conducted for residents, shopkeepers and tourists to promote responsible waste disposal and maintain environmental cleanliness in the region," the reply 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.
Bengaluru, Jan 9: BGS Bloomfield School celebrated its Annual Day 2026 with a grand cultural evening showcasing creativity, talent, and holistic learning. The event, held on the school campus, featured vibrant performances by students from Nursery to Grade 10, reflecting the institutionâs commitment to academic excellence, character-building, and co-curricular development. Member of Parliament from Bangalore Central Parliamentary Constituency, P C Mohan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest, while renowned Kannada stand-up comedian Gangavathi Pranesh was the Guest of Honour. Their presence added inspiration and enthusiasm to the celebrations, encouraging students to pursue their aspirations with confidence and dedication. The programme began with the ceremonial lighting of the lamp, followed by a series of captivating cultural performances, including classical dance, theatre, musical ensembles, and thematic presentations centred on unity, gratitude, and nation-building. Each performance reflected months of preparation and the dedicated guidance of the schoolâs faculty. Addressing the gathering, Chairman Dr B Gurappa Naidu expressed pride in the studentsâ achievements. âAnnual Day is a reflection of our studentsâ creativity, discipline, and teamwork. At BGS Bloomfield, we strive to nurture every childâs potential by offering a balanced environment that promotes academic excellence alongside cultural enrichment,â he said. He added that the performances stood as a testament to the collective efforts of students, teachers, and parents. Chief Guest P C Mohan lauded the schoolâs holistic approach to education, saying it was inspiring to see young students display confidence, discipline, and creativity on stage. âInstitutions like BGS Bloomfield play a vital role in shaping responsible and empowered citizens of the future,â he said. He congratulating the management, faculty, and students for the impressive celebration. Guest of Honour Gangavathi Pranesh brought a touch of humour to the occasion while appreciating the studentsâ heartfelt performances and the schoolâs emphasis on value-based education. The event concluded with a vote of thanks, acknowledging the contributions of teachers, parents, and partners in making the celebration memorable. "The Annual Day reinforced BGS Bloomfieldâs vision of nurturing confident, compassionate, and future-ready learners," the handout reads.
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
Srinagar, Feb 9: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday informed the JK Legislative Assembly that Gurez was witnessing a steady rise in tourist arrivals over the past few years. The government further informed the House that several measures taken to strengthen sanitation and waste management in the ecologically sensitive region. The details were shared by the Minister in-charge, Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj in response to a question raised by MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan. As per the government figures, tourist footfall in Gurez has increased consistently, with 40,105 visitors in 2022, 48,797 in 2023, and 1,11,613 in 2024. In 2025 so far, the destination has already recorded 54,675 arrivals. About the concerns over sanitation, the government informed the House that it has undertaken considerable and sustained efforts to improve waste management infrastructure. "These include construction of community compost pits, soakage pits and waste segregation sheds, alongside regular door-to-door solid waste collection," the minister informed the House. A Plastic Waste Management Unit is under construction, while twin-pit dustbins have been installed at key locations - including along the banks of the River Kishenganga - to ensure scientific disposal and discourage littering. The government said that dumping of garbage into the Kishenganga was strictly prohibited, and no such practice is allowed by residents, hotels or commercial establishments. The department said it remains committed to safeguarding the fragile ecology of Gurez through strengthened waste collection and segregation systems, expanded sanitation interventions in and around Dawar town, installation of dustbins at high-footfall points, and creation of durable community assets. "Regular awareness and sensitization programmes are also being conducted for residents, shopkeepers and tourists to promote responsible waste disposal and maintain environmental cleanliness in the region," the reply reads.
Srinagar, Feb 7: Awami Itihaad Party (AIP) Chief Spokesperson Inam Un Nabi on Saturday welcomed the approval of a major horticulture project in Kupwara district, terming it a positive outcome of sustained political intervention and follow-up. In a statement, Inam Un Nabi said that the Development of Model OrchardâcumâNursery (Public Sector) at Watayan, Chogal, Kupwara has been approved at a cost of âč17.20 crore, with funding committed under the NABARD scheme. He said the project was initially taken up by Er Rashid, Member of Parliament from Baramulla, who consistently pushed for strengthening public-sector horticulture infrastructure in the region. He added that the project was later actively pursued at multiple levels by Sheikh Khursheed, MLA Langate, whose follow-up ensured that the proposal moved from approval to tendering. âThis project will play an important role in improving quality nursery production, supporting orchardists, and creating employment opportunities for local youth. It reflects what focused representation and continuous follow-up can deliver for people,â Inam Un Nabi said.
Srinagar, Feb 04:Â The Jammu and Kashmir government Wednesday informed the Legislative Assembly that as many as 20 government offices in Budgam district were functioning from rented premises. The government further informed the House that there was no proposal under consideration for constructing a unified government office complex at the sub-district level. In a written reply by minister in-charge Public Works (R&B) Department, the House was informed that as on date, 20 government offices of different departments in District Budgam are functioning from rented buildings. "There is no such proposal under consideration for construction of a unified Government Office Complex at sub-district level either with this Department or with the Revenue Department," the minister in-charge informed the House.
Srinagar, Feb 4: The district administration Kupwara launched an overnight rescue and evacuation operation at Sadna Top after heavy snowfall left dozens of vehicles stranded in the high-altitude stretch. The officials said that despite adverse weather conditions and poor visibility, coordinated teams were pressed into service late night who worked through the early hours to evacuate vehicles stuck due to intense snow accumulation. Officials said at least 35 stranded vehicles were safely evacuated during the operation. The rescue effort was carried out on a war footing, with snow clearance machinery and field teams deployed to prevent further distress to commuters and avert any medical or weather-related emergencies. Authorities said priority was given to clearing vulnerable stretches and ensuring the safety of passengers. They said the situation at Sadna Top had deteriorated rapidly following fresh snowfall, leading to disruption of vehicular movement. Timely intervention by the administration, they said, helped restore partial movement and prevented escalation of the situation. The administration has advised travellers to avoid unnecessary movement towards high-altitude areas and urged strict adherence to traffic advisories until weather conditions stabilise. Authorities said weather conditions were being closely monitored and further action would be taken as required to ensure road safety and public convenience.
Suhail Khan Baramulla, Jan 6: A young aerospace engineer from Sopore in north Kashmirâs Baramulla district is proving that dedication and ambition can propel one to global heights. Munaf-ul-Raquib who holds a B.Tech in Aerospace Engineering, has gained international recognition for his research on black holes and cosmology. Munaf-ul-Raquib revealed that his paper on the thermodynamics of black holes was recently published in the International Journal of Science and Research (IJSR). âAbout a year ago, I conducted research on the gravity of black holes and cosmology, which has now been published in IJSR,â he said. He said that since his research was published in the international journal, he has been receiving opportunities from various countries to participate in research dialogues. Raquib added that in the coming months he is scheduled to participate in international conferences in Paris on April 16 and later in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Sopore aerospace engineer noted that he is also participating in various conferences across different countries. Speaking about his research, Munaf-ul-Raquib addressed a fundamental paradox in astrophysics: how black holes can appear to violate thermodynamic laws, particularly concerning entropy.âIf we observe a black hole, it seems to contradict thermodynamic principles,â he said. Using the frameworks of Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and Conformal Field Theory (CFT), Raqeebâs research proposes a theoretical model that reconciles black hole mechanics with thermodynamics. âIn this paper, I have explained how a black hole can function without violating thermodynamic laws,â he said. He described the achievement as both personal and symbolic. âIt is a proud moment for me to represent my state, especially Sopore, on an international platform,â he said. Raqeeb shared that Astrophysics was his childhood dream, and his grandfather encouraged me immensely. "After my grandfather passed away during the Covid-19 pandemic, my parents continued to champion my aspirations. My parents left no stone unturned in helping me pursue my dreams,â he said. He said that his academic path included taking the JEE and later the AME CET entrance exams, through which he secured a seat in aerospace engineering at the Nasik Research Centre. âMy parents not only supported me morally but also created an environment where I could pursue my dreams freely,â he said. He emphasized the role of family in nurturing talent. âJust as my parents supported me, it is the responsibility of all parents to help their children follow their dreams.â âYoung people should avoid wrong practices. They must dream of a beautiful tomorrow but work hard today to make their parents proud,â he further added.
