Srinagar, Jan 22: Three more cases of 'mysterious illness' have been reported in the Badhaal area of Rajouri district of Jammu, who are being shifted for advanced medical attention.
An official said that on Tuesday, Aijaz Ahmad a 25-year-old youth had some symptoms of the mysterious disease, who was later taken to GMC Jammu from where he was shifted to PGI Chandigarh.
"Today two more cases of the same sickness have been reported from Badhaal and these two are also being shifted for advanced medical attention," the official said.
Meanwhile, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar visited the Koteranka area for proper monitoring and supervision.
As already reported by Kashmir Square, 17 persons have so far lost their lives in the area in the last 50 days while the government is yet to ascertain the reasons for the deaths.
Investigation at various levels has been going on to ascertain the cause of these deaths.
Amid the government claims that there is no virus or infection, the Badhaal area has been declared a containment zone and the houses of affected families have been sealed and their close contacts have been shifted to GMC Rajouri for check ups.
The teams have been deployed to the village. (KNO)
'Results likely to get delayed in absence of Chairman' Jammu, Jan 7: The Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE) on Wednesday said the result of the class 10th examinations will be declared soon after the appointment of the Chairman of the Board. The statement comes amid the uncertainty about the declaration of the results by JKBOSE. In an official handout issued here, JKBOSE has advised students not to pay heed to fake links and websites announcing declaration of class 10 results. "Result of class 10th will be declared within few days soon after the appointment of new Chairman," the statement reads. The JKBOSE has stated that the results of annual examination of class 10 of Kashmir valley and winter zone areas of Jammu Division are almost ready. "But its approval by Result Declaration Committee headed by BOSE Chairman is a pre- requisite before its declaration. In absence of the Chairman the results are likely to get a little delayed," it reads. The JKBOSE officials have advised the students to wait for the formal declaration on the official website of the Board- www.jkbose.nic.in. "Students should not get misled by scamesters and fake narratives circulated by some mischievous elements, whose sole aim is to create confusion in the innocent student community," the statement reads.
Suhail Khan Baramulla, Jan 6: A young aerospace engineer from Sopore in north Kashmirās 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). āAbout a year ago, I conducted research on the gravity of black holes and cosmology, which has now been published in IJSR,ā 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.āIf we observe a black hole, it seems to contradict thermodynamic principles,ā he said. Using the frameworks of Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and Conformal Field Theory (CFT), Raqeebās research proposes a theoretical model that reconciles black hole mechanics with thermodynamics. āIn this paper, I have explained how a black hole can function without violating thermodynamic laws,ā he said. He described the achievement as both personal and symbolic. āIt is a proud moment for me to represent my state, especially Sopore, on an international platform,ā 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,ā 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. āMy parents not only supported me morally but also created an environment where I could pursue my dreams freely,ā he said. He emphasized the role of family in nurturing talent. āJust as my parents supported me, it is the responsibility of all parents to help their children follow their dreams.ā āYoung people should avoid wrong practices. They must dream of a beautiful tomorrow but work hard today to make their parents proud,ā he further added.
Srinagar, Jan 8:Ā The University of Kashmir (KU) has made the biometric attendance mandatory for the students of its affiliated colleges from Academic session 2026-27. The development comes in wake of the complaints about the thin attendance of the students in various private B.Ed colleges affiliated with the Kashmir University. A circular in this regardĀ has been issued by the Assistant Registrar Dean Colleges Development Council (DCDC) of the University. "All the Chairpersons and Principals of private affiliated colleges of the University of Kashmir are hereby informed that biometric attendance for all the enrolled students and staff has been made mandatory from the year 2026-27," the KU circular reads. The Principals of all the affiliated colleges have been directed to install biometric attendance machines in their respective institutions on or before the commencement of the Academic year 2026-27 under intimation to the Dean College Development Council of the University. "The college shall also ensure proper upkeep, maintenance, and systematic preservation of all biometric attendance records for future reference and verification," it reads. The Colleges have been directed to comply with this directive "without fail." The move comes in wake of the inspections conducted last year by the DCDC of KU in various B.Ed colleges where most of the students were found absent. An official said that there were complaints about the poor attendance of the students in B.Ed colleges. "The students do not attend their B.Ed classes regularly which defeats the purpose of the course," the official said. Earlier, DCDC of KU earlier barred the B.Ed students to appear in teh semester exams for falling short of attendance. The decision was taken in wake of the surprise inspection conducted by Dean College Development Council (DCDC) in various B.Ed colleges of Kashmir in June-July month of 2025 and several students were found absent from the classes. Following this, the students were directed to attend supplementary classes to complete the recommended attendance for appearing in their exams. Also, the exam of these students was deferred by few months.
Srinagar, Jan 8: The Director of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has pulled up the officers vested with the powers of Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) as their additional assignment, for indulging in administrative works, beyond their domain. As per the order issued by the Director School Education Kashmir Naseer Ahmad Wani, the officers having additional DDO powers, have been reprimanded for going beyond their role of duties. "It has come to the notice of the DSEK that many officers of the department vested with DDOs powers are affecting transfers and doing administrative works having no authority to do so," the order reads. As per the order, all these DDOs holding charge in additional capacity have been asked to utilise the powers for the purpose of drawing and disbursing salary and other financial matters within the limits of the authority. "The officers shall not exercise any administrative powers particularly with respect to the transfer of staff," it reads. The DSEK has warned of disciplinary action in case of violation of the order by any officers. "Any deviation from the instant order shall be viewed seriously and invite disciplinary action," it reads.
Baramulla, Jan 9: Deputy Commissioner Baramulla on Thursday said that the situation caused by the landslides on Ur-Baramulla was temporary and would be resolved once the excavation process of the road is completed. The statement comes amid the concerns over recurring landslides on the UriāBaramulla road due to ongoing road widening project being executed by the Border Roads Organisation (BRO). Talking to Kashmir Square, Deputy Commissioner Baramulla Minga Sherpa said that such issues are common during the construction of hill roads and should not be viewed as an unusual development. āThere is no major issue. Whenever a hill road is constructed or widened, such problems are recurrent,ā he said. He further said that the slopes usually take time to stabilise after excavation. "The excavation process affects the natural stability of the hillside and it generally takes one to two years for slopes to fully stabilise," he said. Minga Sherpa said several slope stabilisation measures are already in place to minimise risks. āGrouting has been done and protective walling has also been constructed at several points,ā DC Baramulla told Kashmir Square. He further said that around 200 metres of excavation work is still pending on the stretch and the remaining cutting work is expected to be completed within a month. āOnce the excavation is finished, the BRO and concerned agencies will carry out full-fledged slope stabilisation measures. After that, such incidents will not occur again,ā he said. Over the past few weeks, the UriāBaramulla road, a vital link connecting the border town of Uri with Baramulla district witnessed intermittent traffic disruptions due to landslides triggered by excavation work, raising safety concerns among commuters. The BaramullaāUri National Highway remained closed on Thursday after another landslide struck the stretch - the third such incident reported in the last 20 days, causing severe inconvenience to commuters. A fresh landslide hit the highway on Thursday afternoon, forcing authorities to immediately halt traffic movement on the route as a precautionary measure. It was the third such incident in just 20 days on the BaramullaāUri National Highway, following two earlier slides that also triggered full traffic halts and diversions through alternate routes. Only emergency vehicles were allowed to pass, while all routine traffic was stopped to avoid any untoward incident. An official said the road clearance operations were launched soon after the incident, with personnel and machinery mobilised to remove debris and stabilise the affected area. "The highway was made motorable again from the evening hours," he said. The closure of the main BaramullaāUri National Highway compelled authorities to divert vehicles through the dilapidated KhadniyarāGantamulla road.
Calls for streamlining procedures, removing bottlenecks delaying appointments and posting of specialist doctors Jammu, Jan 9: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakina Friday emphasized on the need for timely referral of vacant posts to address shortages of doctors, paramedics and other support staff in healthcare institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. Ā The Health Minister made these remarks while chairing a meeting at Civil Secretariat here to review the status of vacancies of different categories of posts atĀ various levels and progress on referral ofĀ posts in Government Medical Colleges (GMCs) andĀ Health and Medical department across Jammu and Kashmir. The review meeting was convened to assess the existing manpower gaps and expediting recruitment process to strengthen healthcare delivery at all levels. During the meeting, the minister emphasised on the need for timely referral of vacant posts to address shortages of doctors, paramedics and support staff in hospitals and medical institutions. She sought detailed updates on sanctioned posts, vacancies and the status of selections being processed through recruiting agencies. She stressed that efficient human resource forms the backbone of the healthcare system and directed officials to streamline procedures and remove bottlenecks delaying appointments as well as posting of specialists in deserving areas. āCancel attachments of all doctors and paramedics and post them in areas facing acute shortage of staff," Sakina Itoo directed the officers. She further asked all Principals of GMCs and Directors to ascertain the requirement of doctors and specialists in their respective medical institutions and make a proper plan for posting of required staff at these places. She also stressed on both Directors for rationalisation of staff in order to fill necessary manpower gaps of specialists in far flung areas. She further directed the Principals for timely finalisation of recruitment rules for all categories of posts so that the process of recruitment is expedited and the vacant posts are filled timely. The minister also laid special emphasis on adopting a proactive and compassionate approach towards victims of drug abuse and highlighted the need to strengthen de-addiction and rehabilitation services. She also stressed early identification of substance abuse cases and providing comprehensive medical, psychological and social support to affected individuals. "Drug abuse need to be addressed as a serious public health as well as societal issue. The officers must enhance awareness programmes, expand counselling services and improve infrastructure at de-addiction centres to facilitate effective treatment and rehabilitation of victims," she said. She reiterated the governmentās commitment to a people-centric healthcare system saying that timely recruitment, robust institutional support and a humane approach towards vulnerable sections, including drug abuse victims, remain top priorities of the government. She said government was committed to improving patient care and ensuring equitable health services, particularly in peripheral and underserved areas. She underscored that strengthening GMCs and health institutions with adequate staff would enhance health care service delivery across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Principals of all GMCs (Srinagar, Jammu, Anantnag, Baramulla, Rajouri, Kathua, Doda, Udhampur and Handwara), Principal SKIMS Medical College, Director Health ServicesĀ Jammu and Kashmir besides the senior officers of the department, either in person or through video conferencing.
KS News DeskJammu, March 23: J&K Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo Sunday held a detailed review of infrastructure and services upgradation in health sector across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir.The meeting thoroughly analysed the action taken upon progress on key construction projects, introduction of specialization courses like MD/MS, DM/MCH, and DNB, increase of 50 MBBS seats in new medical colleges, status of faculty recruitment besides addressing the challenge of shortage of doctors in remote areas along with reviewing the action plan for strengthening tertiary care services in all the newly established GMCs.Besides Secretary H&ME, the meeting was attended by Secretary, PWD, Secretary Technical H&ME, Director SKIMS, DG Budget, MD JKPCC, Principals of all GMCs, MD JKMSCL, Director Health, Jammu and Kashmir besides other concerned officers.During the meeting, Chief Secretary impressed upon the Principals of new GMCs to create an augmentation plan of their own to reduce the referrals from these health institutions. He asked them to dovetail the existing resources for making a comprehensive strategy to enhance the capacity of their medics in coordination with SKIMS and GMCs of Srinagar and Jammu.He stressed on taking swift measures to augment critical care services to save lives of the patients by making timely interventions.He impressed upon them to receive the requisite handholding from the SKIMS or GMC Jammu/Srinagar with respect to training of staff besides acquiring the small equipments, necessary consumables to deal with such emergencies.The Chief Secretary further enquired from each Principal of the medical college about the new specialized courses like MD/MS,DM/MCH, and DNB they had made applications for as per past directions.He made out that such applications needs to be vigorously pursued as per set norms so that the NMC approval is secured in favour of all of them.As far as the introduction of additional 50 MBBS seats are concerned, he stressed on securing the requisite faculty.He urged them to fill all the entry level posts besides taking steps like hiring of staff on academic arrangement where no feasible candidates are available to fill higher positions of Professors and Associate Professors.Moreover, while taking note of the availability of doctors in remote areas, he asked for encouraging the doctors to join such places by offering them the Hardship Allowance or Non-Practising Allowances.He directed for identifying all such healthcare institutions which are lying in far off areas and deficit in medical staff.In his presentation, Secretary, H&ME, Dr Syed Abid Rasheed Shah informed the meeting that a total of 333 applications have been submitted to enhance seat availability for MD/MS, DM/MCH, and DNB programs across various medical colleges here.He added that the approval has been received for two DM Neurology seats in GMC Srinagar and three Public Health Dentistry seats in IGGDC Jammu.Regarding the enhancement of additional 50 MBBS seats in new medical colleges, he made out that applications have been submitted by all nine medical colleges of the UT and these are waiting for the pre-requisite NMC inspection for their approval of the same.It was also revealed that three-member NMC Coordination Cell has been established under the Chairmanship of the Secretary Technical, H&ME Department to iron out any issues faced by colleges in this pursuit.With respect to faculty recruitment in New Medical Colleges, the meeting was informed that appointment orders have been issued for 50 faculty and gazetted positions.Additionally 51 candidates have received engagement orders under academic arrangements also.As far as the progress on major infrastructure and development projects is concerned, MD NHM, Nazim Zia informed the meeting that the work on key infrastructure projects is being expedited.He made out that the tendering and work allocation under the PM ABHIM scheme has been accelerated with work apace on several of these projects.He also mentioned that the works on all the critical care blocks in DHs, 9 Community Health Centers (CHCs), 236 Block Public Health Units (BPHUs) stands awarded, with 77 already started on the site.Other notable projects include the State Cancer Institutes, where the procurement of a Linear Accelerator (LINAC) is in its final stages for full functionality.The meeting also discussed the pace and progress on the balance works of New Medical Colleges at Kathua, Doda, Anantnag, Baramulla setting deadline for each of them.GMC Udhampur is set for completion by July 2025, with 75% of the work already finished.The progress on relocation of GMC, Handwara to some feasible site was also taken appraisal of. It was said that the relocation is in final stage.About the status of Specialities, the meeting was informed that the Pediatric Hospital in Srinagar is fully operational, providing advanced child healthcare services.The Super Specialty Hospital in Jammu had been provisioned with a state-of-the-art Cath Lab, to offer high-end cardiology services.Regarding augmentation of health services in other areas it was said that a 125-bedded hospital in Reshipora, Budgam, and a 100-bedded Maternal & Child Health Hospital in Lamberi are under construction, set to be completed in 2026.To tackle the shortage of doctors in underserved areas, the government is launching several initiatives including providing special hardship allowances, non-practicing allowance to attract medical professionals to remote locations besides fast-tracking the recruitment of medical officers.The meeting was apprised that over 275 medical officers are set to be appointed, with 582 non-gazetted vacancies referred to the Jammu & Kashmir Services Selection Board for immediate recruitment which would help in tiding over this staff deficit to a larger extent.
Jammu, Feb 04:Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo Tuesday said that Cancer was not just a medical challenge but it also leads to social and economic crisis that affects thousands of families across J&K.In her address during a day-long conference titled Mission Cancer J&K s Fight Against Cancer in the coming Decade at Government Medical College Jammu, the health minister said all the stakeholders should work collectively to enhance screening programs, promote preventive healthcare besides ensuring equitable access to modern treatment facilities across urban and rural areas for patients."There is an urgent need for a multi-faceted approach to tackle the rising incidences of cancer in Jammu and Kashmir," she said and highlighted the significance of early detection, advanced treatment infrastructure and public awareness, in reducing the burden of cancer.She also lauded the efforts of healthcare professionals, doctors and paramedics, acknowledging their role in changing the healthcare landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.She called for greater government support, increased funding for cancer research and expansion of palliative care services.She further said the present Government led by Omar Abdullah was committed to provide all possible assistance to Cancer patients with creation of best advanced facilities at both the State institutes of cancer at Jammu and Srinagar.The conference was organised by GMC Jammu in collaboration with BCPBF-The Cancer Foundation and Friends of GMC Jammu , to commemorate the World Cancer day.Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Dr. Farooq Abdullah, Secretary Health and Medical Education Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Director SKIMS Dr. Ashraf Ganai, Principal GMC Jammu Dr. Ashotush Gupta, noted Oncologist of J&K Dr. Sameer Kaul, Director ASCOMS Jammu, Deans of different specialties, HoDs, doctors and researchers besides large number of medical and paramedical students were present on the occasion.Addressing the gathering, Dr. Farooq Abdullah spoke about the role of medical professionals for the society. He highlighted that the medical is very noble profession which touches numerous lives.Speaking on the occasion, Secretary Health and Medical Education, spoke in length about the affect on families going through the burden of cancer.He also called for organising maximum awareness camps in schools and colleges so that people are made abreast about the cancer disease and myths associated with it.Principal GMC earlier in his welcome address, gave a brief about the evolution of GMC Jammu.