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Lt Governor launches ‘J&K Sambhaav Utsav -2024’ in New Delhi

Lt Governor launches 'J&K Sambhaav Utsav -2024' in New Delhi


LG Manoj Sinha Inaugurates various new projects undertaken by J&K’s Resident Commission
The 7-day long vibrant exhibition ‘Sambhaav Utsav’ will represent the very best of cultural artistic heritage, cuisine, agriculture and handicraft products of J&K UT: LG
Sambhaav Utsav to put the spotlight on future of J&K which is readying to contribute in Viksit Bharat: LG Sinha
It is a perfect occasion to reiterate our resolve to revive the ancient heritage and preserve it for the generations to come: LG

  • LG launches Information-cum-facilitation hub ‘Hello J&K’, Digital competitions on the theme “Know Jammu Kashmir”
  • DIPR’s Naya Jammu Kashmir Short Film Making competition also launched
    NEW DELHI, FEBRUARY 13: On the eve of Basant Panchami, the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha launched ‘J&K Sambhaav Utsav-2024’, organized by Resident Commission Jammu Kashmir at J&K House, New Delhi today.
    The Lt Governor also launched Information-cum-facilitation hub ‘Hello J&K’; Digital Photography, Painting and Singing competitions for Youth on the theme “Know Jammu Kashmir” and inaugurated various new projects undertaken by J&K’s Resident Commission.
    The Lt Governor congratulated the officials of the Resident Commission Jammu Kashmir and all the associated departments of J&K Government.
    He said the 7-day long vibrant exhibition will represent the very best of cultural artistic heritage, cuisine, agriculture and handicraft products of J&K UT.
    “Sambhaav Utsav also put the spotlight on the future of J&K which is readying to contribute in Viksit Bharat. It is a perfect occasion to reiterate our resolve to revive the ancient heritage and preserve it for the generations to come,” the Lt Governor said.
    He said the new beginning by the J&K Resident Commission will provide glimpses of a new and resurgent J&K to the visitors.
    The Lt Governor said the ‘Hello J&K’ initiative launched today will connect the youth of Jammu Kashmir with domain experts from various fields, both online and offline, facilitating a rich exchange of knowledge, insights and opportunities.
    It will be a one-stop center for education, entrepreneurship, livelihood, health and wellness, tour and travel guidance, safety & security of citizens of Jammu Kashmir living outside the UT, he said.
    At the inaugural ceremony, the Lt Governor shared the transformation of Jammu Kashmir, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.
    In last few years, the UT of Jammu Kashmir has witnessed a complete turnaround in the development scenario. A big section of the population in J&K who were neglected earlier, have been empowered. People’s participation is now shaping the future of J&K’s growth journey, he said.
    Today, J&K is seen as a model in urban transformation, innovation, start-ups, agriculture, industrial development and has created a niche in tourism. The achievements of the youth, women and farmers of J&K are inspiring the country, the Lt Governor observed.
    Now, the UT of Jammu Kashmir is seen as a hot-spot of tourism and not the hotspot of terrorism. Last year, a record 2.11 crore tourists visited Jammu Kashmir. The arrival of foreign tourists in the UT has also increased manifolds. Gurez and Lolab Valley were chosen as the most beautiful offbeat destinations of the country in last two years, he added.
    The Lt Governor also highlighted the key initiatives of the UT Administration including Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), GI tagging for niche products, better market linkage, capacity building of farmers and promotion of local products. I am confident that in the next 4 years, J&K will be number one in terms of farmers’ income in the county, he said.
    A number of departments including Tourism, JKTPO, Agriculture, Horticulture, Information and Technology are showcasing their activities in different ways to a wide array of stakeholders during the exhibition.
    Products of diverse range, featuring ODOP items, Handmade GI-tagged carpets, GI-tagged Pashmina shawls, silk sarees, chain stitches, authentic Kashmiri suits, paper mache, crewel woodcarving items etc have been put to display for the visitors and the potential buyers.
    On the occasion, Naya Jammu Kashmir Short Film Making competition by Department of Information & Public Relations J&K was also launched.
    The Information department invited the filmmakers and citizens of J&K to participate in the competition and submit their short films highlighting development in Jammu Kashmir over the last four years. The Winners will have the opportunity to interact with leading filmmakers in Mumbai. The contest will remain open till February 28, 2024.
    The facilities inaugurated by the Lt Governor today include Officers’ Transit Accommodation at Rajaji Marg, Office- cum- Utility Area at J&K House, Chanakyapuri and Fitness Centre at JK House, 5- Prithviraj Road.
    Sh Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Sh Satish Chandra, Chairman RERA; Dr Rashmi Singh, Principal Resident Commissioner; senior officials of J&K Government; members of business and trade associations, representatives of SIDBI, PHD Chamber, ASSOCHAM, FICCI, Invest India, NGOs; artisans, entrepreneurs, artists and citizens of J&K living in the national capital and other parts of the country were present.

Khelo India Winter Games fervour takes over J&K

Khelo India Winter Games fervour takes over J&K

SRINAGAR, FEBRUARY 12: Even as the scheduled date of one of the most exciting sports events is approaching, the J&K Sports Council is organizing road shows in and around all prominent places in J&K to make the public averse to the sorts of extravaganza that is going to be held in the world-famous ski resort Gulmarg.
In the past week, the J&K Sports Council organized several road shows attracting crowds from all walks of life. The first show was organized at the iconic Ghanta Ghar in Lal Chowk Srinagar to make the masses aware of the arrival of the upcoming 4th edition of Khelo India Winter Games-2024. The effort was widely applauded by all and sundry.
During the road show the cut-out and dummy of the mascot, the snow leopard was displayed attracting many people including a good number of kids taking selfies with the effigy.
Secretary YSS, Sarmad Hafeez also led a road show in Civil Secretariat Jammu. He was flanked by the Chief Sports officer Muhammad Haneef besides other officials from the Sports Council and YSS department and a large number of trainees from Sports Council.
While speaking on the occasion Sarmad Hafeez highlighted the importance attributed to the event and how it can be a harbinger of international Winter Games events in the union territory of J&K, especially in picturesque Gulmarg. He also shed light on the past editions of the Khelo India Winter Games and how the administration is committed to promoting excellence in sports.
Sarmad Hafeez also stressed the exhaustive promotional campaign of the Winter Games to generate enthusiasm among sports lovers and tourists.

Transport Commissioner inspects Driving License Test Ground

Transport Commissioner inspects Driving License Test Ground


JAMMU, FEBRUARY 13: In a concerted effort to enhance road safety and ensure the well-being of motorists, Transport Commissioner, J&K, Rajinder Singh Tara conducted a rigorous inspection of driving skill tests and the fitness of vehicles at DL skill test ground, Khanpur- Nagrota here today.
Regional Transport Officer, Jammu, Pankaj Bhagotra also accompanied the TC on the occasion.
During the inspection, the Transport Commissioner closely observed the ongoing tests, providing valuable insights into the processes. Notably, the Commissioner issued crucial directions and instructions aimed at improving facilities at the ground and ensuring greater transparency in the evaluation procedures.
The comprehensive inspection that took about one hour involved meticulous assessments of driver competence and the roadworthiness of vehicles.
The TC urged the ARTO and MVIs to take into consideration drivers’ adherence to traffic rules, ability to handle various road conditions, and overall driving proficiency while conducting the DL skill test.
Simultaneously, a meticulous examination of vehicles took place, focusing on essential components such as brakes, lights, tyres, and overall mechanical condition. The goal was to identify potential safety hazards and ensure that vehicles met the required standards for roadworthiness.
The Transport Commissioner emphasizes the importance of such inspections in fostering safer roads and reducing the likelihood of accidents.
ARTO Board of Inspection, Esha Chib, MVIs Surinder Kumar and Jasbir Singh were also present during the inspection.

Sea plane operations in Manasbal, Dal Lakes to become major attraction for tourists

Aijaz Asad reviews construction of Helipads in hilly districts

Aijaz Asad reviews construction of Helipads in Gurez, Kishtwar, hilly districts
Sea plane operations in Manasbal, Dal Lakes to become major attraction for tourists
JAMMU, FEBRUARY 13:- Secretary, Civil Aviation Department (CAD), Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today chaired a meeting of senior officers here at Civil Secretariat Jammu to review ongoing development works of the department besides assessing progress achieved, so far, pertaining to construction of six helipads in various locations of Gurez area of Bandipora district.
The meeting had detailed review of other issues including status of Kishtwar Airstrip under RCS- UDAN, upgradation of Katra (Panchi Helipad) PTB under RCS-UDAN and sea-plane operations under RCS-UDAN Manasbal Lake.
While reviewing the current status of Kishtwar Airstrip and helipad, the Secretary directed the district administration to submit the documents about action taken and further course of action at the earliest. The concerned authorities gave details about various aspects of the said project and assured full co-operation in this regard.
The Secretary also reviewed and discussed the proposal from Ministry of Civil Aviation under RCS-UDAN for up gradation and development of heliport at Panchi Katra.
Joint Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, informed that requisite land free from all encumbrances for up gradation of Panchi Helipad shall be provided at the earliest.
The Secretary also reviewed the present status of Sea-plane Operations at Manasbal Lake, a new mode of transportation under flagship scheme of UDAN.
He gave directions to Chief Executive Officer, Manasbal Lake Development Authority and VC, LCMA to take up the pending issues, in this regard, with Irrigation and Flood Control Department, Srinagar. He stressed upon them to remove all bottlenecks so that the work could be completed in a stipulated time frame.
Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, ADC Kishtwar, Director Finance CAD, Additional Secretary CAD, CEO Manasbal Lake Authority and other concerned officers from Civil Aviation Department attended the meeting online and in person.

Chairman IFFCO & Head National Cooperative Union of India call on Lt Governor

Chairman IFFCO meets LG Manoj Sinha


JAMMU, FEBRUARY 07: Sh Dileep Sanghani, Chairman, IFFCO, GUJCOMASOL and National Cooperative Union of India Head along with key stakeholders from Cooperative Sector met the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan today.
The meeting discussed several interventions to enhance the efficiency of Primary Agricultural Credit Societies and membership of national federations.
Deliberations were held on utilising the experience and expertise of retired army personnel in Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), formation of new Farmers Producers Organisations and Co-operative Societies for promotion of tourism.
The Lt Governor appreciated the vital role being played by the different stakeholders in strengthening the cooperative sector.
“The UT Administration will ensure the cooperative movement brings prosperity to farmers and our villages,” he said.
Dr. Krishan Bir Chaudhary, Member, MSP committee and National President, Bharatiya Krishak Samaj; Sh Praveen Sharma, Chairman, Citizens Cooperative Bank Ltd; Sh Vikrant Dogra, Chairman, JK Dairy Cooperative Federation; Sh Khalid Lone from Sarhad Tourism Cooperative, Uri and other prominent members from cooperative moment were also present during the interaction.

Commissioner State Taxes stresses on revenue augmentation, proper scrutiny, tracking of E-way bills

State Tax Commissioner conducts review meeting


JAMMU, FEBRUARY 07: Commissioner State Taxes department, P K Bhat today chaired a meeting with all State Tax Officers (STO’s) of Jammu division here at Excise and Taxation Complex here to review the functioning of the department.
Additional Commissioner State Taxes Administration & Enforcement, Jammu, Namrita Dogra; STOs of Jammu district attended the meeting in person while as STOs of outer districts joined the meeting through video conferencing.
During the meeting, the focus was laid on revenue augmentation, proper scrutiny and tracking of E-way bills, optimal use of technology for assessment of red flags, tax evasion and input tax credit mismatch cases.
Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner States Taxes instructed officers to regularly use the technology drive system to detect cases for revenue augmentation. He said there is lot of scope in the system and many indicators were floated regularly on the portal dashboard, which could be further used for revenue augmentation.
Underlining the massive infrastructural expansion undertaken by government in Jammu and Kashmir with several under construction national projects, the Commissioner directed officers to pay special attention on work contracts and construction sector to ensure that Jammu and Kashmir gets its share of revenue.
He also asked the officers to intensify their field visits in their respective circles under ‘Know Your Dealer’ campaign for better understanding of issues and concerns of stakeholders. He also laid special stress on proper tracking of E Waybills and scrutiny of ITC cases.
During the meeting, Namrita Dogra apprised the Commissioner regarding status of various activities and presented circle wise report. She stressed on inter circle coordination to detect tax evasion and revenue leakage cases. The officers were directed to ensure compliance by banquets, restaurants and adopt innovative approaches to identify tax evasions. Noticing noncompliance by contractors, the additional commissioner directed all STOs to approach the various departments to block payments if non-compliant contractors.
The case study of brick kilns, ITC fraud were also discussed in details and directions were passed to initiate action.

Terrorists shot dead non local resident in Srinagar

Terror attack in Srinagar

On Wednesday, terrorists targeted a worker from Punjab in the Habba Kadal area of the city, resulting in the fatal shooting of Amritpal Singh and inflicting injuries on another individual. The assailants, armed with an AK rifle, shot Singh at close range in the Shalla Kadal locality of Habba Kadal around 7 pm. Sadly, Singh succumbed to his injuries on the spot. The injured individual, identified as Rohit, a 25-year-old non-local worker, was evacuated for medical attention.

The incident prompted the Kashmir Zone Police to take swift action, cordoning off the affected area. In their official statement on X, the police reported the firing on Amritpal Singh at Shaheed Gunj in Srinagar, noting his unfortunate demise due to the inflicted injuries. Additionally, they highlighted that Rohit, the other victim, is in critical condition and has been evacuated for necessary medical care. Further details on the incident are expected to be provided later.

DM Srinagar sanctions Rs 10.39 lakh in favour of victims of militancy-related incidents

A meeting of the District Level Screening cum Coordination Committee (DLSCC) was held under the Chairmanship of District Magistrate (DM)/Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat here at Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex to discuss the cases of militancy-related incidents.
Additional Deputy Commissioner, Syed Ahmad Kataria, Superintendent of Police, Umer Shah, District Social welfare Officer, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, Deputy CMO, Dr Nighat, District Health Officer, Dr Asifa, besides officers of BSF, Army and other concerned were present in the meeting.
During the meeting, as many as 06 cases of victims of militancy-related incidents came up for discussion.
The Committee held a detailed deliberations and after thorough screening an amount of Rs.10, 39, 359/= was sanctioned in favour of the 05 cases including cases of death/missing/injured/ property damage and SRO-43 cases of the District Srinagar.
The Committee also recommended one case related to SRO-43 for re-verification.
On the occasion, the DM/DC stressed upon the Officers to ensure time-bound clearance of the cases to provide relief to the affected families.

Lt Governor inaugurates Atomic North Private Ltd’s Complex

Expansion of IT services

Lt Governor inaugurates Atomic North Private Ltd’s Complex at Durang Village of Billawar, Kathua
Expansion of leading IT services company like Atomic North in rural J&K is a testimony of government’s commitment to revive the economy of villages: LG Sinha
Atomic North’s venture will put customer service at the heart of the company, reduce the physical distance in today’s globalised world: LG
The initiative will give new impetus to rural transformation and inspire other IT companies to set up their businesses in the hinterland to create rural technology hubs in J&K: LG Sinha
LG asks Atomic North management to skill and reskill the youth of Billawar and nearby areas and give preference to local talent in recruitment
• In 1st phase, Atomic North will start BPO operation with 100 executives including more than 90% of local youth
• In the next phase, the leading IT services company will build a Data Center, a Network Operations Center and a Security Operations Center to provide employment to 1500 youth and further drive economic growth
BILLAWAR, KATHUA, FEBRUARY 06: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated the new office Complex of the Atomic North Private Limited at Durang Village, Billawar, Kathua today.
The Lt Governor congratulated the IT Services Company, the youth and residents of Billawar and adjoining areas on the momentous occasion. He commended the Atomic North for its commitment to creating large job opportunities and fostering technological innovation in the region.
“Atomic North is a leading IT services company with offices in India, Canada, USA, United Kingdom and its expansion in rural J&K is a testimony of government’s commitment to revive the economy of villages,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor suggested the Atomic North management to skill and reskill the youth of Billawar and nearby areas and give them preference in recruitment so that the local talents can be utilised and this venture gives new impetus to rural transformation. In 1st Phase, Atomic North will start BPO operation with 100 executives. More than 90% are local youth. In the next phase, the Company will build a data center, a Network Operations Center and a Security Operations Center which will provide employment to 1500 youth and further drive economic growth.
The Lt Governor said the State-of-the-Art facility, equipped with cutting-edge technology and innovative facilities, is poised to give new momentum to the capacity building of young talent pool of Jammu Kashmir.
The initiative aligns with the vision of J&K Administration to empower local communities and promoting sustainable growth in the IT-enabled services sector, he further added.
I am confident that Atomic North’s venture will put customer service at the heart of the company, and reduce the physical distance in today’s globalised world. It will inspire the other IT companies to set up their businesses in hinterland to create rural technology hubs in J&K, the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor also reiterated the resolve of the J&K Administration to facilitate the on-ground implementation of industrial investments in the UT.
He assured every support from the administration for the setting up of new ventures of IT and IT-enabled services sector companies in the Union Territory.
Sh Sanjeev Sapolia, Managing Director, and Sh Arun Prakash CEO, Atomic North Private Limited, reaffirmed the commitment of Atomic North to supporting economic growth in rural areas and contributing to the overall development of the region. They also expressed gratitude to the UT Administration for the support and cooperation.
Col. Mahan Singh (Retd), DDC Chairman Kathua; Sh Anand Jain, ADGP Jammu; Sh Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce Department; Sh Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Sh Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Kathua and senior officers, prominent citizens and youth in large number were present.

Veteran broadcaster and writer Farooq Nazki passes away

Farooq Nazki is no more

Farooq Nazki, the Sahitya Academy award-winning poet and former Director of Doordarshan and AIR Srinagar, passed away on February 6, 2024. His demise occurred at Narayana Hospital in Katra Jammu.

Farooq Nazki, a multifaceted personality hailing from Jammu and Kashmir, not only made significant contributions as a poet but also excelled in the realms of broadcasting and media. He held the position of Director at Doordarshan & AIR Srinagar operating under the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting in India.

In addition to his prominent roles in media, Farooq Nazki was an ace poet and writer who won Sahitya Acamedy award also for his exemplary contribution in the filed of literature.

Beauty of Jammu & Kashmir