Srinagar, Jan 8: At least 1257 two-wheeler riders across Jammu and Kashmir have been identified for repeated violations of helmet norms, with over 1000 cases reported from the Kashmir division alone. The figures emerged during a data-driven traffic compliance review, highlighting a growing trend of habitual non-compliance with road safety regulations despite sustained enforcement and awareness campaigns. As per the official data revealed by Regional Transport Office (RTO) Kashmir, Srinagar district has topped the list with 1051 repeat offenders, making it the worst-performing region in terms of helmet compliance. Other districts recorded significantly lower numbers, including Budgam (52), Baramulla (19), Samba (19) and Pulwama (17). Smaller figures were also reported from Anantnag, Kupwara, Ganderbal and Bandipora. The RTO Kashmir on Thursday issued a public notice directing all two-wheeler owners in the Valley to clear pending challans within seven days, failing which strict legal action will be initiated under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. The measures include suspension of registration certificates and driving licences, besides seizure of vehicles. “It has come to the notice of the undersigned that several two-wheeler vehicles registered in districts under the Kashmir division are being plied on public roads in violation of the provisions of the Motor Vehicles Act, particularly riders and pillion riders not wearing helmets,” the notice reads. The data further reveals that many riders in Srinagar have been booked between five and eight times for the same offence, pointing to habitual violations. Officials said the trend reflects a serious disregard for road safety norms, especially in urban areas. “This is not merely occasional non-compliance but a pattern of repeated violations, particularly in city limits,” an official said. The RTO has warned that failure to clear outstanding challans within the stipulated timeframe will result in immediate enforcement action without any further notice. (KNO)

KS News Desk Baramulla, Jan 6: Drug abuse has emerged as the biggest challenge in Jammu and Kashmir after terrorism, Deputy Inspector General of Police, North Kashmir Range (NKR), Maqsood Ul Zamaan said on Tuesday, asserting that police are taking sustained and strong action to curb the menace. Talking to reporters here, the DIG said police in North Kashmir have made significant progress against drug trafficking, with large quantities of narcotic substances recovered and several people arrested in recent months. He said many of the accused involved in drug-related offences have also been detained under the Prevention of Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (PIT NDPS) Act. “The J&K Police cannot fight this battle alone. Public cooperation is crucial. Without the support of common people, achieving the desired success against drugs is not possible,” Maqsood Ul Zamaan said. The DIG said police have also begun attaching and seizing properties of drug traffickers as part of efforts to dismantle the entire network and cut off financial links. Responding to a question on the use of virtual private networks (VPNs), Ul Zamaan said such tools are often misused to conceal illegal activities and that their misuse is being closely monitored as it could pose a threat to national security. On infiltration attempts in North Kashmir, the DIG said the region being a border area remains sensitive, but security agencies have put robust arrangements in place. “The situation is under constant surveillance, and security forces are fully alert,” he said. Zamaan reiterated that police would continue to intensify operations against drug trafficking while simultaneously seeking cooperation from the public to address the problem effectively. (KNS)

Addresses teachers convention at Udhampur, hails then CM Dr. Farooq Abdullah’s decision of introducing ReT scheme KS News Desk Udhampur, Jan 5: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo Monday addressed the One Day Convention of Teachers here, underscoring the pivotal role of teachers in shaping a progressive and enlightened society. Director School Education Jammu Naseem Javaid Choudhary, ACR Udhampur, Joint Director School Education Udhampur/Reasi, DSWO Udhampur, CMO Udhampur, CEO Udhampur, other senior officers of Education department and large number of teachers were also present on the occasion. Speaking to a large gathering of educators, the education minister lauded teachers as the true architects of building progressive society, stating that their contribution goes far beyond classrooms and textbooks. “Teachers play a decisive role in nurturing responsible citizens and strengthening moral and intellectual fabric of society”, she said. The education minister called upon teachers to adapt to evolving educational challenges and adopt innovative teaching methods to meet the aspirations of the younger generation. She stressed that continuous professional development and value-based education are essential to keep pace with changing times. She lauded the teachers for their contribution to education sector and said that under the visionary leadership of then Chief Minister, Dr. Farooq Abdullah, the revolutionary step of introducing Rehbar-e-Taleem (ReT) scheme was initiated which changed the dynamics of school education sector in J&K.   She added that due to ReT scheme, students of far-flung areas, who couldn’t afford to move to cities for educational purposes, received education in their respective areas. She highlighted that the teachers need to be acknowledged for their contribution to the society, adding that the large number of IAS, IPS and JKAS officers have studied from government schools for which their teachers need to acknowledged. She emphasised the need to reform and strengthen the teacher–student relationship saying the mutual respect, trust and understanding must form the foundation of all educational institutions. She highlighted that some positive reforms need to be initiated for improving student-teacher relationship in educational institutions. She reiterated the government’s commitment to improving the education sector and assured that sustained efforts are being made by the Omar Abdullah led government to upgrade infrastructure, enhance teaching standards and promote holistic learning across educational institutions of J&K. Addressing the gathering, Director School Education Jammu said the government has worked tirelessly from last one year for the development of education sector, particularly the change of Academic session, timely updation of seniority lists, conduct of DPCs and other related issues have been solved and some are under active consideration of the government. He highlighted that various reformative steps for the betterment of education sector are under process of the government, which will significantly improve the educational standards across Jammu and Kashmir. On the occasion, various teachers spoke and lauded the efforts of Government, especially education minister for various path breaking initiatives in education sector. They expressed gratitude to Minister for various decisions like change in academic session, regularisation of CPWs, posting of Principals and other teachers in various schools which was long pending issue, availability of textbooks in schools, timely updation of seniority lists as well as regular conduct of DPCs at all levels. On the occasion, the teachers also put forth some demands before the minister like provision of leave salary to teachers at the time of retirement, restoration of Old Pension Scheme (OPS), withdrawal of teachers from non teaching assignments in other departments like Census, Surveys and others as well as timely disbursement of dues for Mid Day Meal (MDM) scheme. On the sidelines of the Convention, the education minister distributed sewing machines among women beneficiaries of Social Welfare department.   She also distributed bicycles among school children for their outstanding performance in various National sports championships and academic activities.

Department saves property worth Rs 5,000 crore, fire incidents decline 25 percent,KS News DeskJammu, Jan 01: The Fire and Emergency Services (F&ES) Jammu and Kashmir responded to 6,039 fire calls, 59 rescue calls and 53 false alarms across the Union Territory in 2025, officials said.As per the official figures, the department deployed 322 fire tenders and Quick Response Vehicles (QRVs) supported by 2,157 personnel, saving property worth approximately ?5,000 crore while limiting losses to around ?300 crore.The number of fire incidents declined to 6,039 in 2025 from 8,033 in 2024, a reduction of about 25 percent, attributed to intensified prevention drives and public awareness campaigns.Director Fire and Emergency Services, Alok Kumar, said the department continued its Har Ghar Fire Fighter campaign, conducting 9,887 awareness programmes across schools, hospitals, nursing homes and other establishments, reaching over 10.3 lakh people.Officials said fire tenders, QRVs and fire pumps were pre-positioned at vulnerable locations during extreme weather, and local volunteers were trained in basic firefighting. Institutional audits were conducted at 3,728 hospitals, hotels, schools, government offices and commercial establishments, with recommendations issued to improve fire safety infrastructure.The department also supported flood operations in Anantnag and Srinagar, rescue operations in border districts under Operation Sindoor, and fire safety during the Amarnathji Yatra by establishing more than 30 temporary fire stations.A new Fire Training Centre at Bari Brahmana trained two batches in Basic Firemanship and six batches in refresher courses.Officials said the achievements reflect a holistic approach combining operational readiness, prevention, training and community participation to safeguard lives and property across the Union Territory. (KNS)

20 startups to get Rs 5 lakh seed funding KS News Desk Srinagar, Jan 01: The IT Innovation Park, Directorate of IT&SS, University of Kashmir (KU) has invited eligible innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs to apply for the IT Innovators Incubation Programme under RUSA 2.0. The programme aims to nurture innovative ideas and transform them into scalable, technology-driven startups. It is designed to support early-stage startups and innovators working in emerging areas of information technology. Under the IT Innovators Incubation Programme, a total of 20 startups will be selected for incubation and will receive seed funding of Rs 5 lakh per startup. "This financial support is intended to facilitate prototype development, proof-of-concept creation, and early-stage scaling of innovative solutions," a handout reads. The IT Innovation Park offers a comprehensive support ecosystem, including dedicated workspace, high-speed internet connectivity, access to data centre facilities, meeting and collaboration spaces, technical assistance, and structured mentorship from experienced professionals and domain experts. The programme focuses on key technology domains such as Software Development, Networking Technologies, Artificial Intelligence, and Cyber Security, aligning with emerging industry requirements and national digital priorities. "Eligible innovators and aspiring entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply and leverage this opportunity to transform their ideas into impactful and sustainable technology solutions through the state-of-the-art facilities at the IT Innovation Park, University of Kashmir," it reads.

VC sets sight on top spot among SAUsKS News DeskSrinagar, Jan 1: On New Years Day, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir held a special celebratory event to mark the start of 2026 by honouring the scientists, students, and university staff whose efforts propelled the institution to its current standing as the third-best state agricultural university(SAU) in the country.Addressing a packed audience, Vice Chancellor Prof Nazir Ahmad Ganai set a high bar for the coming year. While presenting the Achiever of the Year awards, Prof Ganai credited the university's upward growth trajectory to the relentless hard work of its staff."It is your dedication that has made this university the third-best in the country," Prof Ganai remarked. "The surge in externally funded projects, patents, innovations, and startups is a testimony to your labour. We are a brand university now, and every initiative we take must be for the upliftment of our stakeholders. Our vision is clear: to emerge as a global transdisciplinary university, a strategic policy thinktank, and target J&K as a model bioeconomy for the nation."Registrar, SKUAST-K, Prof Azmat Alam Khan, provided an overview of the previous years milestones, highlighting how the university has become central to the sustainable agriculture and economic development of Jammu and Kashmir.The event also saw the high-profile launch of the SKUAST-K Calendar for 2026. Describing the publication as more than just a datebook, the Vice Chancellor noted that each page was designed to depict the institution's uniqueness and growth story. "Sky is our limit," he told the gathering, "and this calendar invites everyone to be a part of our transformative journey." Alongside the calendar, the December 2025 edition of Shalimar AgriTalk was released, featuring various happenings at the university, success stories and the Vice Chancellors roadmap for the New Year.In a move toward further industrial integration, the university held an e-launch for 550 MSME skill programs aimed at fostering skill development and entrepreneurship among the youth pf Jammu and Kasshmir.The awards ceremony itself was diverse, recognizing a wide spectrum of contributions. "Achiever of the Year" certificates were handed out for innovations, academic excellence, community outreach, and Human Resource Development. Recipients included faculty and student startup founders, Research Station and KVK heads, and Principal Investigators leading major projects like HADP and JKCIP. Scientists who developed groundbreaking technologies and new crop varieties stood alongside administrative staff from various directorates, all recognized for their role in the university's ecosystem.The proceedings were marked by a sense of community and a poignant farewell. Prof. Haroon R. Naik welcomed the faculty and officials, while Prof. Nasir Ahmad Dar conducted the days events. The ceremony concluded with a vote of thanks by Joint Registrar Pervaiz Ahmad Bhat. Bhat, who is set to superannuate next month, received a warm acknowledgement from his colleagues for his years of service to the university administration. Vice Chancellor Prof Ganai thanked Bhat for his dedicated service as an astute administrator and a pillar of institutional integrity, whose tireless efforts significantly strengthened the universitys governance during his long and distinguished tenure.Director Extension, Prof Raihana Habib, Director Education Mohammad Altaf Bhat, Deans of various faculties, Comptroller SKUAST-K, Controller Examinations, and other officers of the university were also present at the occasion.

Houseboats float in silence as tourists skip lakes, prefer Gulmarg, PahalgamRehan Qayoom MirSrinagar, Jan 3: Once the pride of Kashmir s tourism and a floating symbol of its charm, Srinagar s houseboats, often called the jewel in the crown are quietly sinking into neglect as visitors are bypassing the lakes.Houseboat owners said that occupancy has dropped to as low as 10 15 percent this winter, leaving most rooms empty, heaters off and livelihoods adrift."We are watching the rush in Gulmarg and Pahalgam on television. But here, our boats are empty, said Ghulam Nabi, a houseboat owner from Dal Lake. It feels like tourists have forgotten that Srinagar exists, he added.Notably, despite a packed tourist season in Gulmarg and Pahalgam, where hotels are running full, Dal and Nigeen lakes narrate a different story.The charm of the floating hotels, once popular with couples, filmmakers and other people from different parts of the world has faded amid changing travel trends and the winter chill."Tourists are preferring snow-covered resorts, which could be one of the reasons for the emptiness of Dal Lake," said a houseboat owner. Running a houseboat in winter is costly, with high expenses for heating, frozen water pipes and maintenance, said Manzoor Ahmad, who has been in the business for over decades. When guests don t come, it s a double loss. Pertinently, Srinagar s houseboats have long been the face of Kashmir s tourism, offering visitors a unique experience of living on the serene Dal and Nigeen lakes.Once numbering over 3,000, only around 750 remain operational today due to decades of restrictions on repairs, declining water quality and shifting tourist preferences. (KNO)

Stresses role of Imams, community leaders in curbing menace; DC Srinagar highlights rehabilitation, deterrence measuresRehan Qayoom MirSrinagar, Jan 3: The Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg on Saturday called for a united social response to tackle the growing challenge of substance abuse. He termed it one of the gravest social issues facing Jammu and Kashmir.Speaking at an Orientation-cum-Capacity Building Workshop for Masjid Imams and Religious Scholars held at the Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS), Rainawari, the Divisional Commissioner said the problem has intensified rapidly, with cases of drug abuse having "tripled in the last three years". Drug addiction is a major warning signal and has become a big problem for all of us. This issue has multiplied three times in the last three and a half years. This is alarming, he said.The programme, organised by the District Administration Srinagar, aimed at highlighting the pivotal role of religious scholars in creating awareness and eradicating the menace of drug abuse.It was attended by over a hundred prominent Imams and Ulemas from across the Valley, besides senior officials, mental health experts and civil society members.In his address, the Divisional Commissioner said the government has adopted a three-stage approach to fight substance abuse, with awareness campaigns, early identification of victims and professional counselling for rehabilitation.He stressed the importance of involving all stakeholders, religious leaders, educators, parents and youth volunteers to build a coordinated network for early intervention and prevention. A massive awareness campaign is going on in J&K under the close monitoring of the Chief Secretary. Religious leaders have a huge influence in shaping public behaviour, and their participation is vital in spreading the message that drug consumption is not only prohibited in all religions but also destroys families and society, he said.Garg added that helpline numbers of de-addiction and counselling centres are being widely circulated to assist those seeking help and that similar training and awareness programmes will soon be extended to all districts of Kashmir. We are trying to involve all religious leaders of Srinagar in this fight so they can inform society about this problem. They have already been part of the campaign, but we are giving new energy to it, he said.The Divisional Commissioner further pointed out that the administration is focusing on strengthening the community counselling network through five-day training sessions for counsellors across health and educational institutions. Our goal is to make every section of society an active partner in building a drug-free Kashmir, he said.Expressing concern over the increasing involvement of youth, he said, We have found that young people, whether in schools, coaching centres, or colleges, are getting trapped in addiction. Heroin use, in particular, is rising. This is a serious concern for the entire society. Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, who attended the event as the Guest of Honour, termed the rising drug addiction a matter of "grave concern".He called for collective efforts from all sections of society to uproot the menace.The DC said the administration has rolled out a rehabilitation policy to bring back drug victims into the social fold and has strengthened deterrence measures to break the supply chain and crush drug peddling in the district. While the administration is taking strong measures to curb the supply and support rehabilitation, religious scholars and parents have a moral responsibility to play their part. Drug abuse not only destroys the life of an addict but also tears apart families, Labroo said.Medical experts, including Prof (Dr) Iffat Hassan and Prof (Dr) Arshad Hussain, Head of Psychiatry, IMHANS-GMC Srinagar, spoke on the growing burden of substance use disorders in Kashmir and stressed the need for early intervention, stigma reduction, and community participation. Imams are trusted figures in our community, and their sermons can be powerful tools in prevention and awareness, Prof Iffat said.Earlier, mental health professionals delivered detailed presentations on the medical, psychological and social dimensions of drug abuse, highlighting existing policies, treatment protocols, and preventive services available in Kashmir.They urged sustained, community-based awareness efforts and timely identification of symptoms to save lives.The Divisional Commissioner appealed to citizens to view drug addiction as a shared social responsibility. As a society, we must come together. Every parent, teacher, Imam and youth must be part of this movement. Only a collective effort can make Kashmir drug-free, he said.Principal GMC Srinagar, Prof Iffat Hassan Shah, Administrator GMC Mohammad Ashraf Hakak, Additional Deputy Commissioner Aadil Fareed, Tehsildar Khanyar Syed Shahid, Tehsildar Waqf Board Ishtiyaq Ahmad and Nodal Officer ATF IMHANS Dr Arshid were among those present. (KNO)

Deputy CM, Health Minister jointly inaugurate Blood Donation Camp, Full Body Profile testing facility at National Hospital JammuKS News DeskJammu, Jan 4: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary and Minister for Health and Medical Education Sakeena Itoo Sunday jointly inaugurated the Blood Donation Camp for Thalassemia children and Full Body Profile Testing Facility at National Hospital, Karan Bagh here.Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Chief Minister said that the health sector in Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant improvement over the past year and the Government remains committed to its further strengthening.He said that under the present Government, healthcare services have improved considerably, particularly after the Health Minister assumed charge, though sustained efforts are required to bridge remaining gaps.The Government, he added, is pursuing pro-people policies in both the education and health sectors to ensure better services for citizens.The Deputy Chief Minister noted improvements in hospital infrastructure, responsiveness and sanitation, and said the Government is focusing on addressing challenges such as filling vacant posts and strengthening healthcare facilities, especially in Jammu region.He urged doctors from both government and private sectors to work collectively to make the healthcare system more robust. He said though the both Government and Private health sector has witnessed significant improvement in Kashmir, however, health sector in Jammu has a long way to go.He urged doctors to work with more dedication for better patient care.Need is to work collectively to ensure better Healthcare service delivery to the people, he said.He also appreciated the organizers of the blood donation camp and the hospital management, including Dr Jasveer Kour and Dr Harvinder Singh, for their initiative. He said that providing full body profile testing at nominal charges would greatly benefit the public.Addressing the gathering, Minister Sakeena highlighted the critical role of voluntary blood donation in saving lives, particularly during medical emergencies, surgeries and for patients suffering from chronic illnesses. Blood donation is very noble work and a simple yet powerful act of humanity. One unit of blood can save multiple lives, she stated.The Minister further said that blood donation is also very good for the health of donor. She also lauded the initiative taken by this hospital administration for organizing this camp and encouraged citizens to participate in this noble cause. The Minister also appreciated the hospital for launching full body profile tests at nominal rate, adding that such noble initiatives will benefit the common people in long run.The Minister further highlighted that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, the Government has upgraded the medical infrastructure facilities across length and breadth of Jammu and Kashmir in last 12 months. Cath Labs MRI facilities, CT Scan lab and other advanced facilities are being established in GMCs and District Hospitals to provide advanced medical care services to people near their vicinities, Minister Sakeena said.She added that the Government is committed to strengthen the healthcare infrastructure and ensure that every advance medical facility is available to people in their nearby hospitals.The Deputy Chief Minister and Health Minister, on the occasion , also extended Gurupurab (Prakash Purab) greetings to the people, especially the Sikh community.Director Health Services Jammu, Dr Abdul Hamid Zargar and other concerned officers were also present on the occasion.

Chairs Annual Crime Review Meeting of Kashmir Zone at PCR KashmirKS News DeskSrinagar, Dec 28: Inspector General of Police (IGP) V K Birdi on Saturday chaired an annual crime review meeting at Police Control Room, Kashmir.The meeting was attended by all Range DIGs of Kashmir Zone, all District SSPs of Kashmir Zone, JDP ZPHQ, and other senior officers.During the meeting, the participating officers briefed the IGP Kashmir about the overall crime situation in the Kashmir Zone and highlighted their efforts in preventing crime and improving the quality of investigation."Besides general crime, the meeting revolved around the investigation of cases falling under the UAPA, the status of property attachment in UAPA cases, terror-related and terror-financing cases, detention under the PSA, NDPS/narco-terror cases, and POCSO cases," a Police handout reads.In addition, action taken under preventive measures, pending inquest proceedings, and the arrest of absconders were also discussed in the meeting.The District SSPs gave detailed presentations for their respective districts, highlighting their crime prevention efforts, registration of FIRs and e-FIRs, the status of investigations, and the disposal of cases in their jurisdictions.IGP Kashmir reviewed the general crime investigation and appreciated the efforts of the district heads in crime prevention. He stressed the need to further strengthen the quality of investigations and underlined the importance of improving conviction rates through better investigation practices, greater use of scientific tools, and a stronger follow-up (Pairvi) system, particularly in narcotics and terror-related cases.He directed the officers to devise a robust system to ensure convictions in NDPS and UAPA cases so as to break the narco-criminal and terror ecosystem.The status of preventive actions and pending inquest proceedings was also reviewed during the meeting.V K Birdi issued clear directions to all participating officers on key agenda points related to crime control, investigation, prosecution, and the timely disposal of cases."These directions were aimed at strengthening accountability, improving investigation quality, and ensuring the prompt delivery of justice," it reads.IGP Kashmir instructed the district heads to conduct regular capacity-building workshops for investigation officers aimed at enhancing investigative proficiency and strengthening legal acumen through the effective use of information technology.Special emphasis was laid on NDPS cases to address pendency in drug-related offences.He further urged the district heads to play a proactive role by personally monitoring and chairing periodic crime review meetings within their respective districts.Latee, IGP Kashmir reaffirmed the J&K Polices unwavering commitment to transparency, accountability, and the expeditious disposal of cases, ensuring timely justice and the overall well-being of the public.

Srinagar, Budgam remain incident-freeKS News DeskSrinagar, Dec 28 (KNC): Fire and Emergency Services Kashmir Division attended several fire incidents across different districts of the Valley during the last 24 hours, while Srinagar and Budgam districts recorded zero fire calls, officials said.According to details shared by Fire and Emergency Services, the incidents were reported between 10 am on December 27 and 10 am on December 28. The absence of fire incidents in Srinagar and Budgam was attributed to improved preparedness, heightened public awareness, and effective fire prevention measures.Elsewhere in the Valley, a fire incident involving a haystack (cow grass fodder) was reported at Yashpora in Anantnag district. In Tangmarg area of Sopore, a fire broke out in a double-storied Tehsil Office building; however, timely intervention by fire personnel prevented further damage.In Mir Mohalla, Hajin area of Bandipora district, a fire involving an electricity transformer was successfully controlled, averting a major risk to the locality. Another fire incident in Rajpora, Pulwama caused damage to poplar trees and around 2,000 bundles of hay grass. In Gulshan Abad, Rajpora, Pulwama, two wooden sheds were damaged in a fire, which was brought under control without further spread.Fire and Emergency Services personnel displayed exemplary professionalism and bravery while responding to the incidents, working relentlessly and, in some cases, risking their lives to save property and prevent the fires from spreading.Officials said that under the leadership of ADGP Fire and Emergency Services, Alok Kumar, a noticeable decline in fire incidents has been recorded across the Kashmir Division.This positive trend, they added, is the result of sustained fire safety awareness campaigns, regular mock drills, and prompt response mechanisms.The department has once again appealed to the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any fire-related emergencies to ensure swift response and the safety of life and property. (KNC)

KS News Desk Srinagar, Dec 30: The Rajbhasha Cell of the Central University of Kashmir (CUK) Tuesday inaugurated a four-day training programme on Rajbhasha.The programme is aimed at strengthening the practical use of Hindi in official work and is designed for the administrative staff of the University, enrolled in various courses.The courses include Prabodh, Praveen ,Pragya and Parangat offered by Ministry of Home Affairs, Department of Official languages, Government of India.  Speaking on the occasion the Chief Guest and resource person for the programme Dr. Rameshvar Lal Meena who is Assistant Director, Department of Official Language, Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India lauded the efforts of the Central University of Kashmir towards the effective implementation of Rajbhasha.He elaborated on the constitutional provisions, rules, and guidelines governing the use of Hindi in official work and shared practical insights to facilitate its effective implementation across administrative offices. Addressing the gathering, Registrar CUK Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir reaffirmed the Universitys commitment in promoting the use of Hindi in official communication.He assured full support and cooperation from the administration to ensure the systematic and effective implementation of Rajbhasha in the functioning of the University.He said the Vice Chancellor Prof A Ravinder Nath is very keen to strengthen the use of Rajbasha and Kashmiri language in the University.  Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Nazir Ahmad Bhat, University Librarian, underscored the importance of continuous learning and capacity-building initiatives for university staff.He stated that acquiring practical proficiency in Hindi enhances professional competence and enables staff members to efficiently read, comprehend, and handle official communications in line with government guidelines. Dr. Arif Khan, Finance Officer, emphasized the role of sincerity, ethics, and discipline in official functioning. He stressed that cultivating critical and positive thinking among employees is vital for strengthening institutional efficiency and ensuring effective service delivery.Earlier in her welcome address, Dr Sakina Akhter, Hindi Adhikari and Coordinator of the programme, informed that the training programme is designed to provide hands-on exposure and practical understanding of Hindi usage in official correspondence, noting, drafting, and day-to-day administrative work.She presented an overview of the objectives of the programme and highlighted the structure of the sessions scheduled over the four days.The inaugural session concluded with a vote of thanks presented by Assistant Registrar Ajaz Ahmad Bhat who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, resource persons, and participants for their active involvement in making the event a success.