Srinagar, June 20: Jammu and Kashmir Police have intensified its multi-pronged operations across the Valley, targeting drug trafficking networks, illegal mining activities, and unlawful encroachments while simultaneously reviewing security preparedness for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and Kheer Bhawani Mela.
As part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, police conducted extensive anti-narcotics operations in several districts, leading to the destruction of wild cannabis growth, arrest of a drug peddler, and removal of illegal encroachments allegedly linked to narcotics-related activities.
In south Kashmir's Shopian district, police teams carried out a special anti-drug drive in Wachi and Hermain areas, where wild cannabis plants were found growing along roadsides, pathways, agricultural land boundaries, and unattended patches of land.
The plants were uprooted and destroyed on the spot to prevent their misuse for narcotic purposes.
In Ganderbal, police arrested an alleged drug peddler during a naka checking operation at Dar Mohallah Baba-Diryadin and recovered approximately 1.848 kilograms of a ganja-like substance from his possession.
The accused, identified as Mohammad Qudus of Bihar's Madhepura district, was allegedly involved in supplying narcotic substances among local youth. A case under the NDPS Act has been registered and further investigations are underway to trace the larger drug network.
Meanwhile, in Pulwama, police, in coordination with revenue authorities, demolished two illegal encroachments on state land in Qazigund and Kisrigam areas falling under Kakapora jurisdiction.
Officials said the action was part of a broader strategy to dismantle infrastructure allegedly supporting narcotics-related activities and curb the spread of drug trafficking.
The anti-crime campaign also extended to environmental violations, with police launching separate operations against illegal mining.
In Shopian, police seized seven JCB machines and four dumpers allegedly involved in unauthorized extraction and transportation of minerals from the Turkwangam Nallah area.
An FIR has been registered at Police Station Zainapora and investigations have been initiated.
Similarly, in Pulwama's Wasoora area, police seized a JCB machine and a dumper reportedly engaged in illegal sand extraction.
A case has been registered at Police Station Litter under relevant provisions of law.
Police officials said the sustained drive against illegal mining aims to safeguard natural resources and prevent environmental degradation, warning that strict legal action would continue against violators.
Amid these enforcement measures, J&K Police also reviewed security arrangements ahead of the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026 and the annual **Kheer Bhawani Mela-2026.
A comprehensive Advance Security Tasking (AST) exercise was conducted along the Ganderbal-Baltal route and the Kheer Bhawani axis.
Senior police officers, along with personnel from allied security agencies, assessed vulnerable points, deployment plans, traffic regulation measures, crowd management strategies, emergency response mechanisms, and overall preparedness for the two major religious events.
Officials inspected strategic locations en route to Baltal and the Kheer Bhawani shrine and reviewed logistical and security arrangements aimed at strengthening the multi-layered security grid.
Directions were issued to field officers to maintain heightened vigilance and ensure seamless coordination among stakeholders to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims and devotees.
J&K Police reiterated its commitment to combating drug abuse, protecting natural resources, and ensuring peaceful conduct of major religious events, while urging citizens to cooperate by reporting illegal cultivation, drug trafficking, substance abuse, and environmental violations.
New Delhi, May 12: A massive protest organised by the National Students' Union of India (NSUI) broke out near the Shastri Bhawan on Tuesday, against the alleged paper leak in NEET-UG this year. The exam was held on May 3, following which allegations of paper leak surfaced, triggering investigations by the Rajasthan Special Operations Group (SOG) and central agencies. Earlier, the National Testing Agency (NTA) announced the cancellation of NEET-UG 2026, and said the examination will be re-conducted on dates to be notified separately. In a statement, the NTA said the decision was taken with the approval of the Government of India in the interest of maintaining transparency and preserving trust in the national examination system.
Srinagar, Feb 12: Jammu and Kashmir recorded over 15.48 lakh traffic violation cases in 2025, with authorities collecting more than Rs 34.17 crore as penalty under the Motor Vehicles Act, the Centre informed Parliament on Thursday. The information was shared in the Lok Sabha in response to a question raised by MP Janardan Singh Sigriwal. According to the official data, 15,48,525 challans were issued across the Union Territory in 2025, while the penalty amount recovered stood at Rs 34,17,36,740. The figures further show that in 2024, a total of 15,44,105 violations were registered with a penalty collection of around Rs 43.40 crore, while in 2023, 12,38,584 challans were issued and Rs 34.56 crore was collected. For the current year, till February 8, 2026, Jammu and Kashmir has recorded 1,63,531 traffic violation cases, with revenue collection of about Rs 2.11 crore. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways stated that stricter penalties under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, 2019 are aimed at ensuring better compliance and deterrence. It also said that traffic enforcement falls under the jurisdiction of States and Union Territories. The government has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for electronic monitoring and is promoting technology-driven enforcement through Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras integrated with the VAHAN database. Awareness campaigns under the Sadak Suraksha Abhiyan are also being carried out to improve road safety.
New Delhi, Jan 25: The Dental Council of India (DCI) has directed all universities and dental colleges across the country to strictly ensure a minimum of 80 percent biometric attendance for Post Graduate students before allowing them to appear in examinations. The decision has been taken to curb absenteeism among postgraduate dental students. According to a circular issued by the Dental Council of India-a statutory body under the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India, the decision has been taken after multiple complaints were received from dental colleges in Rajasthan, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh regarding non-attendance of PG students. "The matter was examined by the Grievance Sub-Committee of the DCI in its meeting held on November 24, 2025," the circular reads. It reads that after detailed discussion and deliberation, the committee recommended that all universities and dental colleges must ensure compliance with Regulation 18(a)(i) of the DCI Master of Dental Surgery Course Regulations, 2017, which mandates at least 80 per cent attendance. "The recommendation of the Grievance Sub-Committee has been approved by the Executive Committee of the Dental Council of India through circulation and has now been formally communicated for information and necessary action," the circular reads. As per the circular, all the universities and dental colleges have been directed to ensure minimum 80 per cent biometric attendance of all PG students before permitting them to appear in examinations. The order, issued by Deputy Secretary Dental Council of India Mukesh Kumar, is expected to be implemented with immediate effect across the country.
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.
Srinagar, March 6: Around 17 candidates from Jammu and Kashmir have qualified the Civil Services Examination (CSE)-2025, the result for which was declared by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) on Friday. The commission recommended a total of 958 candidates for appointment to the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS), Indian Police Service (IPS) and various central services. Anuj Agnihotri, an MBBS graduate, has topped the civil services examination 2025, while Rajeshwari Suve M and Akansh Dhull have got the second and third ranks respectively. According to the official list released by the UPSC the 17 candidates from J&K who have figured in the final merit list include Suvan Sharma (Rank 148), Sugandha Gupta (207), Towseef Ganie (Rank 254), Ritika (Rank 456), Sooyash Shivam (Rank 572), Muneeb Parrah (Rank 581), Ghulam Din (Rank 683), Dwarka Gaadhi (Rank 721), Akash (Rank 747), Koh E Safa (Rank 763), Yasaar (Rank 811), Abhishek (Rank 820), Pankaj (Rank 856), Mohammad Ajaz (Rank 869), Azhar (Rank 886), Sarfraz (Rank 936), and Irfan (Rank 957). The results were declared after conducting the written examination in August 2025 followed by the personality tests (interviews) conducted between December 2025 and February 2026. As per the result notification issue by the UPSC, a total of 958 candidates have been recommended for appointment against 1087 vacancies reported by the government for the examination cycle. These include 180 vacancies in the IAS, 55 in the IFS, 150 in the IPS, 507 in Central Services Group A and 195 in Group B services. Of the total recommended candidates, 317 are from the general category, 104 from the economically weaker sections, 306 from other backward classes, 158 from scheduled castes and 73 from scheduled tribes. A consolidated reserve list of 258 candidates has also been published in accordance with the rules. The claims of recommended candidates regarding reservation categories will be subject to verification by the concerned authorities. The UPSC has stated that the candidature of 348 recommended candidates has been kept provisional, while the result of the two candidates has been kept withheld. The CSE is conducted annually in three stages- preliminary, Mains and interview by the UPSC to select officers of the Indian Administrative Service (IAS), Indian Foreign Service (IFS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) among others. The civil services (preliminary) examination 2025 was conducted on May 25 of 2025. A total of 937876 candidates applied for this examination, out of which 5,76,793 actually appeared in the test. A total of 14,161 candidates qualified for appearance in the written (Main) examination which was held in August, 2025. Of these, 2736 candidates had qualified for the personality test (interview) of the examination. Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the candidates who qualified the UPSC exam. "Congratulations to all those who have successfully cleared the Civil Services Examination, 2025. Their dedication, perseverance and hard work have led to this significant milestone. Wishing them the very best as they embark on a journey of serving the nation and fulfilling the aspirations of the people," PM Modi wrote on his official X handle. "To those who may not have secured the desired outcome in the Civil Services Examination, I understand that such moments can be difficult. However, this is only one step in a larger journey. Many opportunities lie ahead, both in future examinations and in the many avenues through which you can contribute to our nation. My best wishes for the road ahead," his post on X reads. UPSC chairman Ajay Kumar announced the declaration of the result and congratulated the candidates who qualified the exam. "Congrats to all successful candidates as you begin a career of service to the nation. For those who did not make it-the learning from this journey will guide you in the paths ahead," UPSC Chairman wrote in a post on X. Among the 17 candidates from J&K who qualified UPSC exam inlcude a visually impaired candidate Irfan Ahmad Lone, a resident of Manzpora in the Naidkhai area of Bandipora.
Srinagar, Nov 02: President Private Schools Association Jammu & Kashmir (PSAJK) Dr Nazrul Islam Baba called on J&K Lieutenant Governor of Jammu & Kashmir Manoj Sinha, and briefed him about the wide range of educational, environmental, social and community-oriented initiatives being undertaken by the Association across the Union Territory. During the interaction, Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam highlighted the indispensable contribution of private educational institutions in shaping the educational landscape of Jammu & Kashmir. He observed that schools across the UT, irrespective of their management structures, have consistently served as pillars of peace, social harmony, stability and nation-building. In this larger educational journey, private schools have played a particularly significant role in expanding access to education, raising academic standards, promoting competitive excellence and nurturing responsible citizens. He emphasised that private schools were not merely institutions imparting classroom education but are important stakeholders in social transformation, community development and the creation of an enlightened society. "The contribution of private schools extends beyond academics to character building, value-based education, national integration, leadership development and the promotion of civic responsibility among young learners," he said. Highlighting PSAJK's Green Schools Mission, Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam briefed the J&K LG about the association's commitment to developing environmentally responsible educational campuses across Jammu & Kashmir. He highlighted initiatives such as plantation drives, composting, waste management, biodiversity conservation and the promotion of sustainable practices within school campuses. He also reiterated the vision of transforming schools into centres of environmental awareness, where students become active ambassadors of ecological conservation. The President also apprised the J&K LG of PSAJK's Nasha Mukt Campaign, an important social intervention aimed at creating awareness among students, parents, teachers and communities about the devastating consequences of substance abuse. He emphasised that educational institutions have a moral and social responsibility to contribute towards building a drug-free society. "PSAJK intends to strengthen awareness programmes, student engagement, counselling initiatives and collaborative interventions with government departments and civil society organisations to protect the younger generation from the menace of drugs," he said. Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam further conveyed the willingness of private schools across J&K to emerge as committed knowledge partners in the educational ecosystem of the UT. He stressed that the transformation envisioned under NEP 2020 requires meaningful collaboration between government, private educational institutions, academic bodies, civil society and other stakeholders. He underlined that private schools possess considerable institutional experience, infrastructure, human resources and grassroots outreach that can be constructively leveraged for improving learning outcomes, promoting innovation, strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy, encouraging scientific temper and advancing holistic education. He also emphasised the need to recognise the contribution of thousands of educators, school founders, teachers and educational institution builders who, often despite considerable financial and infrastructural challenges, have dedicated their lives to expanding educational opportunities across Jammu & Kashmir. "The contribution of private schools deserves institutional recognition and encouragement," he added. During the interaction, Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam extended an invitation to the Lieutenant Governor to grace PSAJK's forthcoming felicitation programme dedicated to the Nation Builders of the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. The programme is envisaged as a significant occasion to acknowledge and honour distinguished educators, school founders, educationists and individuals whose lifelong contributions have strengthened the educational and social fabric of the UT. The Lieutenant Governor appreciated the interaction and assured Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam that he would explore the possibility of being present at the felicitation programme. The assurance was received with gratitude by the President PSAJK, who observed that the presence of the LG would provide immense encouragement and recognition to the educational fraternity and those who have devoted their lives to nation-building through education. Dr. Baba Nazrul Islam reiterated that PSAJK remains committed to constructive engagement with the UT administration and all relevant stakeholders. He emphasised that the Association envisions a collaborative educational environment in which every school, irrespective of its management, contributes meaningfully towards peace, prosperity, innovation, environmental sustainability and the larger developmental aspirations of Jammu & Kashmir. Nazrul Baba reaffirmed that PSAJK stands committed to taking forward its mission of making schools centres of knowledge, character, social responsibility and positive transformation. âPrivate Schools are not just providers of education; they are partners in peace, pillars of social transformation and indispensable stakeholders in nation-building," he added.
Jammu, Oct 25: The Pharmacy Council of India (PCI), New Delhi, in association with the Jammu and Kashmir Pharmacy Colleges Association, organised a programme to mark World Pharmacists Day and National Pharmacy Week 2026 on 25 October at SVNS Educational Charitable Trust, Sunderbani, District Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir. The programme was conducted under the theme âSwasth Bharat: Combating Antimicrobial Resistanceâ, highlighting the importance of responsible antibiotic use and the role of pharmacists in strengthening public health. The programme brought together pharmacy educators, students, institutional representatives and members of the pharmacy fraternity to discuss the development of pharmacy education and the need to strengthen awareness about antimicrobial resistance (AMR). An AMR awareness rally was organised from Sunderbani Chowk to SVNS Charitable Trust to encourage responsible medicine use and educate the public about the risks associated with the misuse and overuse of antibiotics. Dr. Montu Kumar M. Patel, President of the Pharmacy Council of India, emphasised the importance of spreading awareness about antibiotics and antimicrobial resistance. He highlighted the need to promote the rational use of medicines and strengthen the role of pharmacists in educating communities about the dangers of taking antibiotics without appropriate medical advice. Discussions also focused on exploring opportunities for introducing additional pharmacy courses in Jammu and Kashmir to expand educational opportunities and support the professional development of students. Sushil Sudan, Central Council Member (Jammu and Kashmir), PCI, highlighted the need for reforms in pharmacy colleges across the Union Territory. Discussions centred on improving pharmacy education, addressing institutional challenges and strengthening the academic framework to support quality education and professional standards. The need to discuss and clarify matters concerning the examining authority for pharmacy institutions in Jammu and Kashmir was also highlighted as an important aspect of strengthening the education system. The programme featured an inaugural function, panel discussion, expert talks, student presentations, a poster presentation and a pharmacy quiz competition, providing a platform for knowledge-sharing and student engagement. Through this initiative, the Pharmacy Council of India reaffirmed the importance of quality pharmacy education, responsible antibiotic use and public awareness in building a healthier India. The programme aimed to encourage collaboration among pharmacy institutions and stakeholders to strengthen pharmacy education and promote the responsible use of medicines across Jammu and Kashmir.
Srinagar, Oct 16:Â Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has taken serious note of the alleged verbal abuse of a woman Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Service (JKAS) officer by a senior IAS officer and written to the Chief Secretary to ensure that she faces no retaliation, National Conference chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq said on Friday. In a post on X, MLAÂ Zadibal as per news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) said, âAccountability must prevail, and no one should be allowed to misuse their position to intimidate or victimise others.â The development comes amid mounting criticism over a purported video showing a senior IAS officer allegedly abusing the woman officer during an official review meeting in Jammu and Kashmir. The incident has triggered demands for an impartial inquiry and accountability, with the JKAS fraternity and an employeesâ organisation calling for safeguards against any retaliatory action against the officer. Peopleâs Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti also condemned the alleged conduct and demanded immediate action against the officer. âHow dare you use such derogatory and demeaning language? Take your god complex and dirty slurs elsewhere. We will not tolerate this in Kashmir,â she said in a post on X. Mufti alleged that since 2019, KAS officers and competent Kashmiri IAS officers had been deliberately sidelined, claiming that local officers in the administration and police were being undermined and made subservient to officers from outside the Union Territory. Addressing Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, she said the officer should be suspended immediately, arguing that the same standards should apply to senior officials as those applied to Kashmiri employees facing disciplinary action. Earlier, Srinagar MP Aga Syed Ruhullah Mehdi also criticised the alleged behaviour, accusing the senior bureaucrat of threatening the woman officerâs career after she sought to finish speaking during the meeting. Ruhullah called on the Lieutenant Governor and Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo to ensure that the woman officer was not victimised for standing up for herself. The senior IAS officer, Kumar Rajeev Ranjan, has reportedly suggested that the video could be âmorphed or AI-generatedâ. The authenticity of the footage has not been independently established. (KNS)
