Shri Raghunath Ji Ki Jammu Aarti will be a major attraction for tourists, seekers and definitely bolster the local economy: LG

#JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended Shri Raghunath Ji Ki Jammu Aarti, at Shri Raghunath Ji Mandir Chowk, Jammu.

The Lieutenant Governor commended the efforts of Shree Raghunath Ji Corridor Vikas Council for bringing this sacred and divine ceremony to Jammu, which has been going on at Ganga Ghats of Varanasi and Haridwar.

Shri Raghunath Ji Ki Jammu Aarti will be a major attraction for tourists, seekers and definitely bolster the local economy, he said.

The Lieutenant Governor said, “Jammu is not only a city of temples, but it is also the axis of our eternal culture. Jammu is a symbol of our faith in Sanatan Sanskriti. Jammu is a pilgrimage for seekers. It is the divinity and self-confidence of India. It is the centre of our heritage and the soul of our traditional values.

The sanctity of Jammu is attached to the soul of every Indian. Therefore, I believe that the initiative of Shree Raghunath Ji Corridor Vikas Council will bring a huge change in Jammu and usher joy and happiness in the lives of common citizen”.

The Lieutenant Governor reiterated that all-round development of Jammu and the progress of its business class, shopkeepers, workers, entrepreneurs and transporters is the top priority of administration.

“The last 5 years have been the golden period of Jammu. Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister, we are working with a long-term vision for the rejuvenation of Jammu and prosperity of its people,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor also spoke on the key initiatives of the government including beautification of Mubarak Mandi to Raghunath Bazaar Heritage Trail, development of Spiritual Tourism Circuit, and augmentation of facilities at tourist and religious places in the region.

He further called upon every section of the society to identify and isolate the divisive elements who are posing threat to peace and harmony.

In view of the heavy rush of the people at Raghunath Bazar, the Lieutenant Governor suggested for exploring the possibility for organizing Shri Raghunath Ji ki Jammu Aarti at the banks of the Tawi river and make it a daily event. He further asked the Municipal Commissioner Jammu to reserve a spot in Tawi River front and Tawi Barrage Project for the people for regularly organizing Aarti programmes.

#KATRA: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today addressed the Convocation Ceremony of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU).

The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Vice-President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar for blessing the graduating students of SMVDU at University’s 10th Convocation. Today’s moment will remain etched in students’ memories for a lifetime, he said.

Addressing the gathering, the Lieutenant Governor called upon the youth to carry forward the country’s development and make it the largest economy of the world.

“The strength of our nation will be determined by the values, innovation and knowledge and I strongly believe the young men and women graduating in this Amrit Kaal will shape the destiny of our nation. Those stepping out today into the real world have a unique opportunity of nation building,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said the advances in humanities, arts, science and technology have opened new areas of opportunities and the knowledge and learning of the graduating students will help them achieve success.

“Today our youth are equipped with special knowledge and skills that can be properly utilised to transform rural areas. This mission calls for dedication and determination. Above all, our youth needs to be rooted in ancient culture and must have faith in their abilities and wisdom of our culture,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the skills and knowledge must contribute in improving the lives of people.

To seize future opportunities in science and technology, we need to take a fresh look at our teaching-mentoring system because it will have a direct bearing on the journey of Viksit Bharat, the Lieutenant Governor further said.

The Lieutenant Governor asked the teaching community to focus on harnessing the capacities of our students and transform the educational institutions into the most potent instrument to build a prosperous India.

It is the responsibility of our teachers and educational institutions to initiate innovative educational programmes and nurture curiosity, promote critical thinking, creativity, innovation. Teachers should share their own life experience to inspire students for Lifelong Learning Skills that will shape the future, he said.

The Lieutenant Governor extended his best wishes for a productive and a bright future to all the graduating students. He also congratulated the girl students for outshining the boys in the medal tally, and also remained ahead in Certificate of Distinction and Infosys Foundation Prize.

Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University also conferred Honoris Causa degrees on writer & historian Padma Shri Pt Shiv Dutt Nirmohi, and former CEO National Health Authority Dr Ram Sewak Sharma.

Dr Sudesh Dhankhar, wife of Hon’ble Vice President; Sh Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister; Ms Sakina Itoo, Minister for Higher Education; Sh Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member of Parliament; Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor SMVDU; Vice-Chancellors of various Universities; HoDs of different educational institutions, senior officials of Civil and Police administration, faculty members, students and their parents were present.

#JAMMU: Nitish Rajora, assumed the charge of Director Information here today.

After assuming the charge, the Director held a brief introductory meeting with the officers and officials of the department. He had an overview of working of each section of the department from the concerned officers.

He expressed hope that all the employees would deliver their assigned services with utmost efficacy and proficiency while assuring complete support to them regarding their issues and concerns.

He emphasised the need for further streamlining the social media platforms with the advanced technological innovations keeping pace with the emerging media trends.

The Director highlighted the significance of timely dissemination of accurate and objective information to the public, fostering transparency and enhancing communication channels between the government and the citizens of Jammu and Kashmir.

The officers, present on the occasion, reaffirmed their commitment towards performing their assigned tasks with added zeal and zest.

Joint Director Headquarters, Vivek Puri, Deputy Director PR/AV, Deepak Dubey, Deputy Director Central, Sunil Kumar and other senior officers and officials were present.

NEW DELHI: Though the AAP has rejected the exit poll predictions which says BJP will get the maximum seats, it looks like the party will have to eat its hat. In fact, Atishi and Manish Sisodia are trailing in their respective seats. #DelhiElectionResults

#JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, along with Minister for FCS&CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, today held a public outreach programme in Chowki Choura, Jammu and took stock of people’s grievances and demands.

The event aimed to provide immediate solutions to the issues faced by the local residents besides ensuring on the spot redressal of certain development issues.

During the programme, the Deputy Chief Minister and Transport Minister addressed various issues raised by the local deputations, led by the DDC, BDCs and PRIs of Chowki Choura.

The issues mainly pertained to road connectivity, irregular power and water supply, better health services, inadequate staff in various  departments especially schools.

The locals also demanded two degree colleges in Chowki Choura and Maira Mandrian, Guest house, ITI college, upgradation of high schools, fire station, ambulance service and other vital utilities.

The Deputy CM issued strict instructions to the officers to resolve the concerns promptly and implement all directives in letter and spirit for the welfare of public.

He personally met with the individuals, listened to their grievances ensuring prompt action on the same.

Surinder Choudhary directed the officers to conduct frequent visits to rural areas to ensure effective implementation of government schemes. He said that holding these public outreach programmes is a testament to government’s commitment towards directly addressing and resolving the grievances of public at their doorsteps.

The Deputy CM emphasised that the government’s initiative of organising village-level camps to provide citizen-centric services, is a step towards making governance more efficient and people-friendly.

 Speaking on the occasion, Satish Sharma expressed gratitude to Deputy CM for visiting his constituency and listening to people’s genuine issues and also resolving them.

He asked the officers of the line departments to put in their sincere efforts in rendering prompt services to the people. He urged them to work in synergy so that people don’t face any kind of inconvenience.

Satish Sharma said that the Government is committed to fulfill developmental aspirations of people while taking care that no one is deprived of his basic requirements and all are served equally.

#GANDERBAL: In a landmark development for winter sports, the snow-laden and picturesque destination of Sonamarg hosted its inaugural skiing training course here today.

The programme was inaugurated by Minister for FCS&CA, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma.

This pioneering initiative has introduced skiing to schoolboys from various educational institutions across the Kashmir division.

In his address, Satish Sharma extolled the natural allure of Sonamarg, describing it as a magnificent locale ripe for introduction of winter sports. He emphasized that exploring such opportunities in hitherto uncharted areas would not only enrich the local cultural tapestry but also bolster tourism.

The Minister expressed his commitment towards ensuring that aspiring athletes receive skiing training that meets international standards and is delivered with a highly professional approach.

Satish Sharma heralded the inauguration of the skiing course as an auspicious beginning, envisaging it as a launchpad for transforming Sonamarg into a premier winter destination. He remarked that, in alignment with the directives of Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, the Department is earnestly committed towards nurturing winter sports activities in Sonamarg. He assured that the Government would invest in state-of-the-art infrastructure to elevate Sonamarg’s status to the next level.

The Minister laid emphasis that the Sports Department and District Administration Ganderbal will work out the modalities for creating sports infrastructure in Sonamarg. He further emphasised that this event shall be made an annual feature and organised every year in the month of February.

Acknowledging the role of sports in youth development, Satish Sharma underscored its importance in combating drug abuse and enhancing mental health. He also announced that a Winter Carnival will soon be held in Sonamarg, featuring cultural programs and various winter sports activities to showcase the breathtaking winter charm of Sonamarg.

District Development Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore, in his address, underscored the significance of introducing training in a globally renowned sport such as skiing. He expressed optimism that this initiative would act as a catalyst for boosting winter tourism in the area, thereby offering a transformative opportunity for the local community.

Director General YS&S, Rajinder  Singh Tara, while welcoming the distinguished guests, reiterated that the initiative to conduct skiing training at Sonamarg is the brainchild of the Chief Minister of J&K. He urged the Minister to support efforts in developing the necessary infrastructure, thereby ensuring that such programmes become a regular feature in Sonamarg, similar to the well-established model in Gulmarg.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the Joint Director Kashmir of YS&S.

Adding to the cultural richness of the ceremony, local folk singer Anjum Mujhtar mesmerised the audience with a captivating Gojri song, which was met with enthusiastic applause.

Additionally, engaging snow-based activities were organised by the Department of YS&S employees.

ADC Ganderbal, Gulzar Ahmed and other officers and officials were present on the occasion.

Festival showcases a blend of folk culture, local cuisines, sports, leaving visitors spellbound

#KATHUA: In a significant stride to promote tourism and highlighting the scenic beauty of the region, the District Administration organized the first-ever Winter Festival at the breathtaking Sarthal Valley in the Bani Subdivision.

The festival was inaugurated by Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, amidst an electrifying atmosphere with over 3500 visitors gathered to celebrate the occasion.

The festival showcased an array of engaging activities. The Marquee event ‘Bani Got Talent’ show received an overwhelming response with youngsters displaying their skills. The event provided a perfect platform for showcasing local talent and engaging the community.

Speaking on the occasion, Divisional Commissioner Jammu Ramesh Kumar expressed his admiration for the initiative, emphasizing the importance of such festivals in promoting lesser-explored tourist destinations like Sarthal Valley. He said, ‘The Winter Festival is not just a celebration of culture and adventure but also a step towards realizing the immense tourism potential of this region. We aim to put Sarthal Valley on the map as a sought-after destination for nature and adventure lovers.”

The Divisional Commissioner informed that the Sarthal Winter Festival now on will be a calendar event which will gradually get larger in coming years. He further disclosed that Bani is going to host inaugural Summer Festival in Dhagger; another picturesque valley of Bani which ultimately will give huge fillip in the tourists footfall of the region.

The highlight of the festival was a spellbinding performance by internationally acclaimed singer Sonali Dogra, who captivated the audience with a soulful blend of Dogri Hindi, Punjabi folk songs. Her performance left the crowd mesmerized, setting the tone for an unforgettable event.

Adding to the charm was the authentic Pahadi cuisine, which offered visitors a taste of the region’s culinary heritage. From tug-of-war contests to thrilling varied fun activities, the vibrant atmosphere was further enhanced by fun-filled activities against the backdrop of snow-clad mountains.

MLA Bani, Dr. Rameshwar Singh, lauded the efforts of the district and sub-divisional administration in organizing the maiden festival. He remarked, “This initiative will go a long way in showcasing the rich cultural heritage and natural beauty of Sarthal Valley while boosting the local economy through increased tourism.”

Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Dr Rakesh Minhas in his address, highlighted the collaborative efforts of various stakeholders and assured the public that more such events would be organized to promote the region. He stated, “This festival is just the beginning of our journey to transform Sarthal Valley into a hub for winter tourism. We are committed to developing the infrastructure needed to attract tourists from across the country.”

The mela also featured Paragliding, Snowskating, Volleyball and other sports activities besides the Sarthal Valley buzzing all day with a host of fun activities.

The Winter Festival at Sarthal Valley marked a perfect blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty, leaving visitors with cherished memories and a renewed appreciation for the region’s tourism potential. The event is expected to be a cornerstone for future tourism initiatives in the district.

Director Tourism Jammu, Vikas Gupta, ADC Kathua Ranjit Singh, CEO LSDA Ajit Singh, SDM Hiranagar Rakesh Kumar, SDM Bani Gias ul Haq, Prateek Anil, CPO Ranjit Thakur and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

#JAMMU: The Union Minister of State for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and MoS for PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh announced the establishment of a Regional Meteorological Centre at #Jammu.

That this significant move is set to bolster meteorological services in Jammu and Kashmir, further enhancing disaster preparedness and climate resilience in the region.

The announcement of the Regional Meteorological Centre for Jammu is seen as a significant step in this journey, underscoring the government’s commitment to strengthening scientific infrastructure and empowering citizens with reliable weather services.

Dr. Singh elaborated on the historical importance of the Srinagar Meteorology Centre, recognized as a Centennial Centre by the World Meteorological Organization, and expressed confidence that the upcoming Regional Meteorological Centre in Jammu would replicate its success.

Dr. Singh said this new centre will cater to the unique geographical and climatic challenges of the Jammu region, contributing to IMD’s mission of delivering accurate and timely weather forecasts across the country.

Dr. Singh also announced upcoming MoUs between the Srinagar Meteorology Centre and institutions such as the University of Jammu, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST), and Islamic University of Science and Technology, Awantipura.

These collaborations will promote research and innovation in meteorological sciences, fostering a new generation of weather experts. Jammu and Kashmir alone now boasts double the number of Automated Weather Stations (AWS) compared to a decade ago, alongside the installation of advanced X-band Radars in Jammu, Srinagar, Manihal, and Leh.

These developments have been pivotal in ensuring accurate weather predictions for critical events, including Amarnath Yatra and Vaishno Devi pilgrimages. Dr. Singh was addressing a landmark event “Stakeholders Workshop on Weather & Climate Services” on the eve of IMD’s 150th anniversary yesterday.

The celebrations for IMD’s 150th anniversary will culminate in a grand event in Delhi on January 15, 2025, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as the chief guest. The event will not only honor the department’s rich legacy but also unveil its strategic roadmap for the future.

#JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today launched the Jammu & Kashmir Right to Information (RTI) Online Portal at the Civil Secretariat, marking a significant step towards enhancing transparency and accountability in governance.

The launch event was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Cabinet Ministers Sakeena Itoo, Javed Ahmad Rana, and Javed Ahmad Dar. Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, administrative secretaries and senior officers were also present.

In his address, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah congratulated the officers involved in developing the portal, emphasizing its transformative potential in simplifying the RTI application process for citizens.

“This initiative will provide easy access to government information under the RTI Act, empowering citizens with a faster, more transparent, and cost-efficient mechanism,” he stated.

The Chief Minister also urged the concerned authorities to ensure widespread publicity of the initiative so that citizens across Jammu & Kashmir become aware of its benefits.

Developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) Jammu and Kashmir, the portal introduces a shift from manual to online RTI applications. This transition enables citizens to submit RTI requests, track their status, and receive responses electronically, eliminating the need for physical visits to government offices.

Earlier, Secretary General Administration Department (GAD), M. Raju, delivered a presentation on the portal’s features, highlighting its accessibility, convenience, speed of processing, cost efficiency and role in promoting accountability.

He outlined the portal’s key functionalities, including its user-friendly interface, streamlined RTI workflow, and robust documentation features.

A unique feature of the portal is the issuance of a registration number to applicants via SMS and email for future reference, enabling easy tracking of RTI applications.

The portal integrates 61 government departments, 272 nodal officers/public authorities, 720 First Appellate Authorities (FAAs), and 3,419 Central Public Information Officers (CPIOs) and Public Information Officers (PIOs), ensuring comprehensive coverage and making the citizens informed about the activities of the Government.

Lieutenant Governor expresses gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister #NarendraModi for making Jammu Railway Division a reality

New division is very important from strategic point of view. It will also stimulate economic growth, employment generation, infrastructure development and creation of new tourist circuits: LG

For Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Railways is spearheading a new era of development and integration: LG Sinha

Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) will seamlessly connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari, boosting tourism, trade, and employment opportunities in the region: LG

Enhanced connectivity is already unlocking the potential of Jammu and Kashmir. Improved transportation efficiency is stimulating trade, encouraging industrialization, and enabling the movement of raw materials and finished goods: LG

LG highlighted that with better access to markets, the socio-economic upliftment of the region is being realized, and tourism is receiving a much-needed boost

By connecting Kashmir to the national railway network, Indian Railways has laid the foundation for a prosperous and integrated future for Jammu and Kashmir: LG

LG Says, several transformative projects are in the pipeline for Jammu and Kashmir, demonstrating Indian Railways’ unwavering commitment to improving regional connectivity and fostering socio-economic development

Surveys are ongoing for the Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam (78km) and Awantipora-Shopian (28kms) rail lines: LG Sinha

DPR is under examination for new line between Baramulla-Uri (46kms), Baramulla-Kupwara (39kms), Jammu-Poonch via Akhnoor, Rajouri (223kms), Manwal-Talra via Ramkote, Billawar and Dunera (117kms), Sopore-Kupwara (37kms), Pathankot-Leh (664kms), Bilaspur-Manali-Leh (489kms) and doubling of Baramulla-Banihal line: LG

By linking key towns and regions, these projects promise to unlock the region’s untapped potential and boost local economies: LG Sinha

#JAMMU: Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today inaugurated the new Jammu Railway Division, through virtual mode.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for dedicating the new Jammu Railway Division.

“This new division is very important from strategic point of view. It will also stimulate economic growth, employment generation, infrastructure development and creation of new tourist circuits” he said.

Speaking on the remarkable progress achieved in developing a comprehensive railway-network in the UT, the Lieutenant Governor said the Indian Railways stands at the forefront of our journey toward a developed and self-reliant J&K.

“For Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Railways is spearheading a new era of development and integration. Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) will seamlessly connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari, boosting tourism, trade, and employment opportunities in the region,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said, by connecting Kashmir to the national railway network, Indian Railways has laid the foundation for a prosperous and integrated future for Jammu and Kashmir.

The Lieutenant Governor observed that, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the infrastructure development across the sectors has set new benchmarks in the UT of J&K.

“With a strong emphasis on infrastructure, sustainability, and innovation, we are laying the foundation for a future where economic growth and improved livelihoods go hand in hand and everyone is empowered to make this vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 a reality,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said, the enhanced connectivity is already unlocking the potential of Jammu and Kashmir. Improved transportation efficiency is stimulating trade, encouraging industrialization, and enabling the movement of raw materials and finished goods.

The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that with better access to markets, the socio-economic upliftment of the region is being realized, and tourism is receiving a much-needed boost.

The Lieutenant Governor also spoke on several transformative railway projects in the pipeline for Jammu and Kashmir, demonstrating Indian Railways’ unwavering commitment to improving regional connectivity and fostering socio-economic development.

Surveys are ongoing for the Anantnag-Bijbehara-Pahalgam (78km) and Awantipora-Shopian (28kms) rail lines. DPR is under examination for new line between Baramulla-Uri (46kms), Baramulla-Kupwara (39kms), Jammu-Poonch via Akhnoor, Rajouri (223kms), Manwal-Talra via Ramkote, Billawar and Dunera (117kms), Sopore-Kupwara (37kms), Pathankot-Leh (664kms), Bilaspur-Manali-Leh (489kms) and doubling of Baramulla-Banihal line, he said.

By linking key towns and regions, these projects promise to unlock the region’s untapped potential and boost local economies, the Lieutenant Governor further added.

In view of the rapid industrialization taking place in J&K and emergence of Jammu, Samba and Kathua as industrial hubs, the Lieutenant Governor emphasized that Indian Railways should explore possibilities for establishment of Railways’ Private Freight Terminal to facilitate the transportation of goods and products of traders and industries of these areas.

The Lieutenant Governor lauded the efforts of every stakeholder and also recalled the contribution of Late Shri Devender Singh Rana for a new Jammu Railway Division.

He further informed that the Z-morh tunnel will be inaugurated by the Hon’ble Prime Minister soon.

The creation of the Jammu Railway Division, with 742.1 KM comprising Pathankot – Jammu – Udhampur – Srinagar – Baramulla, Bhogpur Sirwal – Pathankot, Batala – Pathankot and Pathankot to Joginder Nagar sections, will significantly benefit Jammu and Kashmir and surrounding regions, fulfilling the long pending aspiration of the people and improving connectivity to other parts of India. It will create employment opportunities, infrastructure development, promote tourism and lead to overall socio-economic development of the region.

Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology, Earth Sciences (Independent Charge), MoS PMO, DoPT Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Atomic Energy, Space, Dr Jitendra Singh; Chief Minister, Shri Omar Abdullah; Member of Parliament, Shri Jugal Kishore Sharma; Members of Legislative Assembly Shri Sunil Sharma and Shri Vikram Randhawa; Chief Secretary, Shri Atal Dulloo; General Manager Northern Railways, Shri Ashok Kumar Verma; senior officials, political leaders and prominent citizens from all walks of life were present during the UT level function at Railway Station Jammu.