Is privatization of power distribution on the cards in J&K? Chief Secy to discuss the matter on Feb 5 Srinagar, Feb 02: The Jammu and Kashmir government appears to be moving forward with plans to privatize power distribution in the Union Territory, following the implementation of smart metering. Chief Secretary Atal Duloo has scheduled a meeting on February 5, 2025, which will include the agenda item of “privatization of power distribution” among other power sector reforms. This meeting is set to cover several critical aspects impacting the power sector, including…
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KCCI Reacts to Union Budget 2025: Mixed Bag of Optimism and Concern
Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) on Union Budget 2025-26 The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) has expressed a blend of optimism and concern following the Union Budget 2025-26 announcements. While the budget includes several commendable initiatives that promise to enhance economic activity, KCCI highlights the pressing need for a special revival and infrastructural development package tailored to the unique challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir, especially considering the huge unemployment problem facing the region. Concerns Raised KCCI expresses concern over the absence of a special revival package…
Read MoreDelhi Meeting: Ruhullah Mehdi and Mirwaiz Address Post-2019 Kashmir Issues
The two discussed about a joint effort for the rejection of Waqf Amendment Bill inside and outside Parliament -legislatively and politically – by meeting important political players National Conference (NC) Member of Parliament Ruhullah Mehdi and Hurriyat chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq held a surprise meeting in New Delhi and discussed the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, religious freedom of Muslims in the country, the situation in Jammu and Kashmir post 2019 and the plight of youth of Kashmir who are in jails. The two discussed about a joint effort for the…
Read MoreGovernment Orders Major Transfers and Postings in Civil Administration
Govt orders transfers, postings in civil administration; Shantmanu assigned additional charge of Administrative Secretary School Education, Saurabh Bhagat to IT Dept Srinagar, Jan 29: The J&K Government on wednesday ordered transfer and posting of three IAS and one KAS officers in the general administration department. As per an order issued by the General Administration Department (GAD), it is hereby ordered that Shantmanu, IAS (AGMUT:1991) Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Higher Education Department (additional charge of the post of Administrative Secretary, Information Technology Department) shall hold the charge of post of…
Read MoreAdministrative Shake-Up: 22 JKAS Officers Get New Roles
Govt orders transfers, postings of 22 JKAS officers Srinagar, Jan 27: The Jammu and Kashmir government today ordered an administrative reshuffle of 22 officers in Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services (JKAS). The order was issued by Commissioner/ Secretary to the Government, M Raju. As per the order Munir-ul-Islam, JKAS, Chief Executive Officer/Secretary, J&K Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, has been transferred and posted as Secretary in the Information Department. Ajaz Abdullah Saraf, JKAS, Additional Transport Commissioner, J&K, who has been transferred and posted as Chief Executive Officer/Secretary, J&K…
Read MoreEducation Neutrality: Omar Govt Prohibits Student Participation in Rallies
Omar Government Bans Education Department from Ordering Students to Attend Rallies In a significant move, the Jammu and Kashmir government, led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, has banned the Education Department from directing students or staff to participate in political programmes or rallies. This decision comes in response to widespread criticism following a controversial circular issued by the Poonch Chief Education Officer, which mandated the participation of students and teachers in a Tiranga rally organized by the RSS-affiliated ABVP. The ban, issued through a circular by the School Education Department,…
Read MoreOpposition, Students Criticize J&K Govt’s Mandatory ABVP Rally Order
The Opposition as well as students’ bodies urged that education must remain “neutral, free from coercion or external influence” A government order asking educational heads to send students and teachers to a Tiranga Rally organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP) in the Pir Panjal valley’s Poonch has come under criticism from political parties and students’ bodies in Kashmir. According to an order of the Additional District Magistrate, Poonch, permission was granted to a rally on January 23 to mark respect and celebrate Republic Day. The order was also…
Read MoreJ&K on High Alert: NDMA Issues Warning for Forest Fires Due to Dry Weather
NDMA warns of high forest fire risk in J&K amid prolonged dry spell Srinagar, Jan 23: Amid a prolonged dry spell, the (NDMA) has issued a warning of a very high risk of forest fires in Jammu and Kashmir over the next seven days, particularly in the Jammu region. “Very High Forest Fire Risk is likely to occur over forest areas in J&K in the next seven days. In case of emergency, dial 112,” said NDMA. The warning is valid until 11 am on January 30. Chief Conservator of Forests (CCF),…
Read More300 Villagers Quarantined in Rajouri After Mysterious Deaths
46 relatives of three affected families are under special observation and an 11-year-old girl with illness symptoms has been hospitalised. Baffled by the 16 deaths in Badhaal village of Rajouri district, the Jammu and Kashmir government has quarantined nearly 300 villagers at a government nursing college, a government higher secondary school and the Government Medical College (GMC) in the district. Deputy commissioner Abhishek Sharma said, “Over 250 people from Badhaal village have been shifted to government nursing college and government higher secondary school in Rajouri where they are being provided…
Read MoreOmar Abdullah Advocates for Rapid Development of J&K Hydropower Infrastructure
At another event in Bari Brahmana area of Samba district, Omar asserted the importance of a land and its people in forging their identity and exhorted them to never let it go. Chief minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday asked Jammu and Kashmir State Power Development Corporation Limited (JKSPDC) to assess the progress made in execution of new hydro- electric projects and the expected enhancement in power generation from these projects. During a meeting, Omar emphasised the need for timely execution of these projects to ensure their public utility and stressed…
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