Says core values, principles, ideals of our forefathers, values of good governance will guide us to navigate present challenges to build prosperous future
KS News Desk
Jammu, Dec 17: Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor (LG) Manoj Sinha on Wednesday addressed the Strategic Management Forum Conference on Policy Making and Strategic Planning for achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047, at IIM Jammu.
The 3-day conference is being organised by the Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Jammu, in collaboration with Strategic Management Forum (SMF), and the NITI Aayog.
In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the challenges and opportunities for India in a rapidly evolving world and the critical role of policy makers and business leaders.
Our focus should be on macroeconomic stability and high investment in education and health. Digital tools, participatory governance, transparency, accountability, speedy project implementation and effective public services for growing population will be key for all round development, the Lieutenant Governor said.
He said the core values, principles, ideals of our forefathers and values of good governance will guide us to navigate the present challenges to build a prosperous future.
He emphasized that the policies must be formulated in accordance with the needs of the people, industry, trade, and business, and it must be ensured that their voices are heard.
"There is also a need to maintain the balance between industrial growth and social welfare initiatives," he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said the rapid growth, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi was unprecedented in Indian history.
Wherever I go, I see that our great nation is on the move towards progress and prosperity. Our manufacturing and services sectors are showing impressive growth and there is a renewed confidence among industry leaders to take on the challenge of the rest of the world. I also see our village industries, Handloom and Handicraft sector competing with the best. Prime Minister Narendra Modis clarion call for Swadeshi has given fresh impetus to this sector.
He said the inclusive and equitable growth lies at the core of the Prime Ministers vision.
"The government policies have focused on job creation, support for small businesses, increased public investment, and financial empowerment of the middle class and entrepreneurs, ensuring that the economic progress benefits every citizen, he said.
The Lieutenant Governor reaffirmed his resolve to ensure that the benefits of programs like Modern India and Digital India reach the citizens on the last ladder of development.
Decentralized governance has brought about significant positive change, and continuous efforts are being made to ensure that policies are not merely on paper but are responsive, morally sound, and action-oriented, thereby shaping the commitment to a people-first approach, the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor underlined the need to boost revenue by tapping into Jammu Kashmir UTs vast but underutilized mining sector.
"J&K holds immense potential in Limestone, Sapphire, Lithium and other minerals. With strategic planning, in the next 5-7 years, we can generate an additional annual revenue of Rs 15,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore," the Lieutenant Governor said.
He also called for maximizing the Hydro Power sector, and suggested necessary amendments to the Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) to ensure it meets evolving economic needs.
The Lieutenant Governor stated that the divisive "insider-outsider" narrative must be put to an end.
Those spreading such narrative are creating hurdles in the development process, he said.
The Lieutenant Governor also said that the terrorists hiding in rugged terrains, mountains and dense forests will be eliminated soon.
On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor unveiled the Basohli Painting Exhibition. The event also marked the valedictory session of Basohli Painting workshop and felicitation of Basohli Painting artists by the Lieutenant Governor.
Basohli Painting is our priceless artistic heritage which holds immense value for present and future generations. I commend IIM Jammu and the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) for the unique initiative, the Lieutenant Governor said.
Director IIM Jammu Prof. B S Sahay, Chairman Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission J&K and Ladakh R K Chaudhary, Economic Advisor NITI Aayog Subash Chandra Meena, Founding Chairman, Strategic Management Forum (SMF) Prof. Arunaditya Sahay, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar, Regional Director IGNCA Shruti Awasthi, academicians, policymakers, researchers, industry leaders, artists and students attended the inaugural session.
'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 Kashmir’s 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). “About a year ago, I conducted research on the gravity of black holes and cosmology, which has now been published in IJSR,” 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.“If we observe a black hole, it seems to contradict thermodynamic principles,” he said. Using the frameworks of Anti-de Sitter space (AdS) and Conformal Field Theory (CFT), Raqeeb’s research proposes a theoretical model that reconciles black hole mechanics with thermodynamics. “In this paper, I have explained how a black hole can function without violating thermodynamic laws,” he said. He described the achievement as both personal and symbolic. “It is a proud moment for me to represent my state, especially Sopore, on an international platform,” 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,” 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. “My parents not only supported me morally but also created an environment where I could pursue my dreams freely,” he said. He emphasized the role of family in nurturing talent. “Just as my parents supported me, it is the responsibility of all parents to help their children follow their dreams.” “Young people should avoid wrong practices. They must dream of a beautiful tomorrow but work hard today to make their parents proud,” he further added.
Srinagar, Jan 8: 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 regard 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.
KS News Desk Srinagar, Jan 7: Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Wednesday said that growing depression and frustration among youth is pushing them towards taking the wrong steps. She said this while referring to the recent Red Fort blast incident. Mehbooba Mufti while speaking at a function marking the 10th death anniversary of her father and former Chief Minister Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, Mehbooba said the younger generation is grappling with uncertainty and lack of opportunities, which is having serious social consequences. Overcome with emotion during her address, Mehbooba Mufti broke down while remembering her father, describing him as a statesman who believed in peace, courage and people-centric politics. “On the 10th death anniversary of Mufti Mohammad Sayeed Sahab, we honour a leader whose legacy of reconciliation, courage and commitment to the people continues to inspire us,” she said. She reiterated the need to address the concerns of youth and restore hope, stating that only meaningful engagement and inclusive politics can prevent alienation. (KNC)
Srinagar, Jan 8: Minister for education, Sakina Itoo on Thursday said that politics in the name of religion was unfortunate and warned against such attempts aimed at dividing people for political gains. She said that such practices have weakened the region over time. Sakina Itoo said that society was increasingly witnessing divisions being created under various pretexts, including religion and professional identities. “Sometimes people are divided in the name of religion, sometimes in the name of education, doctors or other issues. This kind of politics is unfortunate,” she said. She said that political engagement should remain issue-based and constructive. “There are many areas where politics can be done. We can have standardised criticism, talk about development and discuss education-related issues. But religion should not be brought into politics,” the education minister said. She expressed concern over the present situation and said such divisions were rarely seen in the past. Referring to the political status of the region, she said Jammu and Kashmir had historically remained united as a State. “Jammu and Kashmir has been one state. Today it is a Union Territory, which is unfortunate. We do not have a State, though it should have been one even today,” she said. She further added that internal divisions had contributed to the erosion of powers once enjoyed by the region. She said repeated attempts to divide people harmed Jammu and Kashmir’s unity and status. “Because we wanted to divide people, we destroyed many of our powers and damaged an old state,” she said. She called for unity and humanity and urged people to keep religion separate and move forward collectively. She also highlighted the responsibility of the education sector in shaping young minds. “The education department—both school and higher education—must ensure quality education and promote positive thinking among children, not negative thinking,” Itoo said.
KS News DeskJammu, Dec 30: The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) Jammu of Crime Branch Jammu and Kashmir registered 67 new FIRs in 2025, the highest in last 25 years.As per the official figures, the cases chargesheeted during the year involved an approximate monetary value of Rs 20 crore while 22 accused persons involved in different FIRs were arrested as well.The EOW wing of Crime Branch disposed of a record number of cases in 2025 and complaints involving serious economic offences, while restoring crores of rupees to victims through sustained investigations and timely legal action.According to official figures, the EOW Jammu registered 67 new FIRs during the year the highest number in the last 25 years and disposed of a record number of cases involving complex financial crimes.The cases chargesheeted during the year involved an approximate monetary value of Rs 20 crore.As part of enforcement action, 22 accused persons involved in different FIRs were arrested."Multiple teams of the EOW Jammu were deputed not only across the Jammu zone but also to other states for searches and arrests," he official document reads."These investigations required meticulous scrutiny of documentary and digital evidence and close coordination with government departments, banks and other financial institutions," it reads.The EOW also played a significant role in public grievance redressal during the year.As many as 1186 complaints were resolved after careful examination on factual and legal grounds, providing relief to complainants and strengthening public confidence in the system.During 2025, the wing investigated a wide spectrum of offences, including land frauds, high-profile cheating cases, impersonation, visa frauds, misuse of official position, misappropriation of government funds and illegal job consultancies operating in the Jammu zone.Organized networks of land brokers, habitual offenders and professional fraudsters involved in systematic economic crimes were identified and booked under law, sending a strong deterrent message, it reads.Also, Photo sections of EOW Jammu established in different districts of the Jammu zone provided extensive photographic documentation of crime scenes."These units covered 3,599 crime scenes across various cases registered at police stations in the zone, helping in the collection and preservation of crucial evidence," it readsThe EOW Jammu also undertook awareness initiatives on new criminal laws and reiterated its commitment to preventing and detecting economic offences.
Highlights MACP, regularization, vacational status issuesKS News DeskSrinagar, Dec 27: The Jammu & Kashmir Employees Coordination Committee (JKECC), under the leadership of its Chairman Shah Fayaz has drawn the attention of the concerned authorities towards long-pending service-related issues of Gazetted Officers of the School Education Department, particularly Principals.JKECC has reiterated its demand for the implementation of the Modified Assured Career Progression (MACP) scheme for gazetted officers of school education department in Jammu and Kashmir, on the pattern of UT Ladakh, as per DoPT, office Memorandum No. 35034/3/2015-Estt(D) dated 22 October 2019.JKECC noted that prolonged stagnation has affected morale and career growth despite the constitution of several committees in the past.JKECC has further expressed its concern over the delay in regularization of Look-After principals and lecturers, many of whom have been performing higher duties for the last 34 years. "JKECC emphasized the need for timely action so that deserving officers receive due recognition and service benefits," the official handout reads.JKECC also highlighted the issue of vacational status for Principals during winter vacations, stating that principals continue to perform essential administrative and academic duties during this period and deserve equitable treatment.Chairman Shah Fayaz appealed to the government to consider these issues sympathetically and expeditiously, in the interest of institutional stability and the overall improvement of the education system in Jammu & Kashmir.
