NEW DELHI: The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir has attained third rank among the States/UTs in Food Safety Index 2023-24, being conferred by FSSAI to the states / UTs every year.

The award was presented by Union Minister for Health & Family Welfare, J P Nadda, in presence of Pralhad Joshi, Union Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Minister for New and Renewable Energy at Bharat Mandapam and CEO FSSAI, G. Kamala Vardhana Rao on the eve of second edition of Global Food Regulators Summit 2024 hosted by FSSAI alongside the World Food India, today in New Delhi.

The Food Safety Index is a dynamic quantitative and qualitative benchmarking model that provides an objective framework for evaluating food safety across all States/UTs. The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) began the State Food Safety Index evaluation process for 2023-2024 by undertaking correspondence with Food Safety Commissioners of all UTs/States to furnish the data for statistical evaluation.

The UT of J&K has been awarded 3rd position for performance in implementation of FSS Act, 2006 in the financial year 2023-24.

Commissioner FDA, J&K, has attributed the award to the selfless and committed efforts put in by the functionaries of the department who are empowered to perform statutory duties under FSS Act, 2006 Rules and Regulations 2011, in the UT.

#JAMMU: In Jammu and Kashmir, the campaigning for the first phase of assembly elections will end today. Twenty-four assembly constituencies spread over 7 districts of the Union Territory will go to polls in this phase on the 18th of this month. These districts are Doda, Kishtwar, Ramban of Jammu division and Anantnag, Pulwama, Kulgam and Shopian districts of Kashmir region. Campaigning for eight seats of Doda region which will go to polls in first phase of Assembly elections in Jammu division on September 18 will come to an end today evening with contestants making last ditch efforts to woo electorates.

The BJP is the only party whose senior leaders canvassed vigorously in Doda region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally in Doda while Union Home Minister Amit Shah will address three rallies in the region today including one each at Paddar-Nagseni, Kishtwar and Ramban.

Leader of Opposition (LOP) Rahul Gandhi addressed one rally at Gool falling under Banihal Assembly segment. Excepting him, no senior leader of the Congress visited the region for campaigning. From the National Conference, only Omar Abdullah, former Chief Minister and party vice president campaigned in Doda belt while Dr Farooq Abdullah paid no visit to any of theeight constituencies. PDP president Mehbooba Mufti too didn’t campaigned inDoda region though having fielded candidates. While campaigning will end on all eight seats of Doda belt today evening, the candidates can opt for door-to-door canvassing. Polling will be held on September 18 while counting for all 90seats of the UT will take place on October 4.

Eight seats where campaign will end today include Kishtwar, Paddar-Nagseni and Inderwal in Kishtwar district, Doda, Doda West and Bhaderwah in Doda district; and Ramban and Banihal in Ramban district. In 2014, the Doda region had six Assembly seats—two each in Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban districts. The BJP had won four (Kishtwar, Bhaderwah, Doda and Ramban) and Congress two (Banihal and Inderwal) while NC and PDP had drawn a blank. Sixty four candidates are in fray for eight seats including 27 in Doda district, 22 in Kishtwar district and 15 in Ramban district.

#JAMMU: Upholding the Democratic Principles of Free, Fair and Transparent Elections for the forthcoming Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Election, 73.94% permission requests from the political parties and contesting candidates have been accepted since the electoral process commenced in the Union Territory, the office of the Chief Electoral Officer, J&K said on Tuesday.

A total of 3178 cases of permission requests were received for General Elections to Legislative Assembly in Jammu and Kashmir by various competent authorities, an official statement said, adding that out of these, 2350 permission requests which were completed in all respects were accepted by the Competent Authorities.

Further, 336 requests which were lacking in fulfillment of requisite formalities were rejected, while 241 requests are still under process at the level of various competent authorities to issue the permissions.

“As many as 158 requests are still pending at various levels for want of NOCs etc, while 93 requests were cancelled on the basis of insufficient/incomplete formalities submitted by the applicants in spite of ample time given to them to submit the same,” it said.

Detailing the permissions, the statement said that 217 applications were accepted for door to door canvassing, 28 for Helicopter and Helipad, 33 for Loudspeaker permit, 54 for opening of Temporary Party Office, 20 for pamphlet distribution, 1 for permission of video van (DEO Level), 437 for permission to hold meeting and Loud Speaker, 278 for permission to hold meeting without Loud Speaker, 111 for Permit for Street Corner Meeting and Loud Speaker, 66 for Permit to take out Procession and Loud Speaker, 304 for Rally, 88 for displaying banner and flags, 73 for displaying Poster, Hoarding and Unipole, 79 for Vehicle Permit, 32 for Vehicle Permit (Intra District), and 426 for vehicle with loudspeaker permit.

Additionally, 21 permissions were given for One vehicle for complete assembly area for the candidate, 11 seeking One vehicle for complete assembly area for the candidate election agent, and 6 seeking One vehicle per assembly segment for the party/party worker.

Also, 15 applications seeking Vehicle for star campaigners and party office bearers were accepted, along with 10 Vehicle Permission for transport of campaigning/publicity material by recognized political party and 40 Vehicle Permission for within AC.

Further, Chief Electoral Officer, J&K, Pandurang K Pole has urged upon the candidates and political parties participating in the Assembly Elections to utilize the ‘Suvidha’ application and platform, designed to streamline the application process for various permissions required during election campaigns.

The portal serves as a one-stop solution, empowering the candidates and political parties to apply for and obtain permissions efficiently and conveniently. With a user-friendly interface and robust features, the App simplifies the process, ensuring that all necessary permissions are acquired in a timely manner, thereby enabling seamless campaign activities.

For further information, the candidates and political parties can visit the portal at https://suvidha.eci.gov.in, the statement said.

#KATRA: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today attended the 39th Foundation Day celebration of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board at Matrika Auditorium of SMVD University. The momentous occasion also marked the 14th annual day of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul.

Addressing the gathering, the Lt Governor congratulated all the Members, officials and everyone associated with Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and SMVD Gurukul on their achievements and contribution to inclusive development of Jammu Kashmir.

The Lt Governor, who is the Chairman of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, highlighted the measures taken by the Board for hassle-free pilgrimage and to enhance the spiritual experience of devotees.

Speaking on the need for change in the education sector, the Lt Governor said that moral values and scientific thinking is essential for an enriched knowledge system. He called upon the teachers to eliminate the fear of change and proactively adopt new syllabus to ensure holistic education reaches all sections of society.

“Curiosity is the basis of lifelong learning and to address the future challenges. Character Building is vital to build the nation,” the Lt Governor said.

He lauded the efforts of Gurukul in creating a fine balance between pragmatic curriculum which is responsive to the needs of the modern world and spiritual upliftment through Vedic education.

“The learning traditions of ancient India had emphasised on education to develop the complete personality of students so they can become more creative. Our Gurukul education in the past was considered as a treasure of knowledge in science, mathematics and medicine. Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Gurukul has ensured that education is more practical and also focuses on our values and ideals,” the Lt Governor observed.

The Lt Governor appreciated the contribution of Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Prof. Vishwa Murti Shastri, and teachers of the Gurukul in the growth of this reputed educational institution.

Mahamandleshwar Shri Swami Vishveshvaranand Giriji Maharaj, Member of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and Chairman of the Governing Council for the Gurukul observed the key role of UT Administration for nurturing institution like Gurukul which has kept alive the Vedic and Sanatan traditions in the modern era.

Sh Anshul Garg, Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB, highlighted the initiatives taken by the Board for facilitation of pilgrims.

Dr Dhananjay Mishra, Principal of the Gurukul, presented the Annual Report of the institution while students of the Gurukul staged an impressive Sanskrit play which was highly appreciated by the audience.

On the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor felicitated the meritorious students, staff members of the Board and the Yatra Marg to the Holy Shrine façade lighting project team. He also released Dr Neelam Sareen’s book titled “Shri Mata Vaishno Devi – Ek Alokik Sidh Peeth” and the third edition of Annual Magazine of SMVD Gurukul.

Later, the Lt Governor visited the construction site and inspected the ongoing works of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence.

Members of the Shrine Board – Sh Baleshwar Rai, Dr Ashok Bhan, Dr. Neelam Sareen, Sh Suresh Kumar Sharma and Sh Raghu K. Mehta were present.

Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor SMVDU; Padma Shri Vishwa Murti Shastri, Member SMVD Gurukul Governing Body and officers from Shrine Board and District administration, besides students, faculty members and prominent citizens were also present.

#JAMMU: With the message of “Aadikaro ko pana hai Mashal ka button dabana hai ” , today Shiv Sena (UBT) released the first list of its candidates for the assembly elections of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a program organized today at Jammu Press Club, chief J&K , Manish Sahni Sahni , while announcing the first list of candidates released by the party high command, said that a decision has been taken to field candidates in Kashmir along with Jammu.

In the first list, a total of eight candidates were announced including Meenakshi Chhibber (Jammu West), Mohammad Ramzan Dar (Hazratbal, Kashmir), Vinod Kotwal (Bhaderwah), Tilak Raj (Ramban), Sanjeev Kumar (Udhampur West), Sahil Gandotra (Udhampur East), Raj Singh (Ram Nagar, Udhampur), Rajesh Kumar (Jasrota Kandi, Kathua).

Sahni said that the second list of candidates will be announced very soon. Every candidate of ours will contest the elections with the resolution of better education and health facilities, protection of cultural identity under Section 371, first right of local people on the resources, jobs, educational institutions of the state, free electricity and water, permanent jobs to daily wagers, safe return of Kashmiri Pandits, restoration of old pension scheme, women empowerment and allowances to educated unemployed youth etc.

Party founder vandania Bala Saheb Thackeray has taught us the lesson of life may be lost but promise should not be lost.

#KISHTWAR: The revered 45-day Annual Shree Machail Mata Yatra 2024, which commenced on 25th July 2024, has witnessed an overwhelming participation, surpassing the 2 lakh milestone by 21st August 2024.

This year’s Yatra has been marked by a remarkable turnout, reflecting the deep spiritual significance of the pilgrimage.

Under the exceptional leadership of the Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, the Divisional Administration has been commended for its comprehensive arrangements, ensuring a seamless experience for all pilgrims.

The efforts of the District Administration Kishtwar spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Rajesh Kumar Shavan, JKAS, have been pivotal in meticulously organizing the pilgrimage, in collaboration with local authorities.

On 21st August 2024, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar paid a visit to Machail, offering prayers at the revered Shree Chandi Mata Darbar for the peace and prosperity of the people of Kishtwar. During his visit, he conducted a thorough review of the arrangements made by the district administration for the convenience of the pilgrims attending the Yatra.

The security arrangements, overseen by SSP Kishtwar Abdul Qayoom have been robust, ensuring the safety of all pilgrims enroute.

The enhanced facilities have been widely appreciated by the devotees, who have expressed their satisfaction with the administration’s efforts.

Significant improvements this year include the extension of the road up to Chashoti, reducing the trekking distance and making the journey less strenuous. The availability of 4G connectivity, helicopter services, and online registration has further streamlined the pilgrimage, allowing devotees to focus on their spiritual journey with ease.

The district administration has prioritized the comfort and well-being of the pilgrims by providing clean and hygienic accommodation facilities. The Yatri Bhawan and Sapphire Guest House at Gulabgarh, along with the Yatri Sarai, various tent accommodations, and local stay houses near the Chandi Mata Bhawan in Machail, have been well-equipped to meet the needs of the devotees.

 The administration has also ensured the availability of clean bathrooms, food/ langars by devotees, Medical booths and other essential services.

The administration has appealed to all Yatris to adhere to the guidelines and stay informed by visiting the official website for online registration and updated information.

To ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage, the Deputy Commissioner has urged pilgrims to carry their Aadhar cards and follow the new timing guidelines as issued on the website.

The district administration remains committed to providing a seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience for all devotees participating in the Shree Machail Yatra 2024.

JAMMU: To curb the spread of misinformation and uphold the integrity of the electoral process in the upcoming Assembly Elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Command-and-Control Centres have been set up in the offices of Chief Electoral Officer at Jammu and Srinagar. Similarly, on smaller size, control rooms have been made functional on 24 x 7 basis in all 20 DC offices.

Equipped with state-of-art infrastructure, the Command-and-Control Centre has integrated latest technologies. It would function round-the-clock to keep a close vigil on all the election-related activities ensuring strict and prompt action, including against any suspected case of fake news, a statement from the office of Chief Electoral Officer, J&K said.

The establishment of Command-and-Control Centres would bolster the electoral process in Jammu and Kashmir, and will be a collaborative work space to review the situation in all the 90 constituencies of the Union Territory.

“In addition to electronic channels, the Command & Control Centre is also keeping strict vigil on social media channels and media portals and accounts viz a viz Media Monitoring on such elements who may attempt to build any such narrative which can prove detrimental to the peace and tranquillity in the society, violate ECI norms of MCC applicable to all stakeholders,” the statement said.

It is pertinent to mention here that Chief Electoral Officer of Jammu and Kashmir, has appealed all citizens and all political parties to adhere to the guidelines issued by Election Commission of India in order to maintain sanctity of the democratic process in J&K.

He also appealed to general public to use C-Vigil app for highlighting MCC related violations. He assured to take all such complaints to logical conclusion within the time frame of ECI, that is 100 minutes.