#KISHTWAR: The sacred Pavitra Charri (Holy Mace) of Shree Machail Mata Yatra accompanied by numerous devotees left for Paddar this morning for onward journey here from Shree Gori Shankar Mandir, Sarkoot, Kishtwar.

Earlier, Holy Mace arrived in Kishtwar on Sunday evening for the Annual Shree Machail  Mata Yatra 2024.

The Pavitra Chhari was ceremoniously received at the Shree Gori Shankar Mandir Sarkoot, where it rested for the night. The procession resumed its journey for Machail, Paddar today amid adequate security arrangement.

#JAMMU: In a poignant display of appreciation and respect, teachers from The Asian School – Jammu tied rakhi’s on the hands of soldiers from the BSF unit during a special program, “Raksha Ka Dhaga”, held at the camp of BSF near International Border ,Suchetgarh.The event, organized to coincide with the festival of Raksha Bandhan, aimed to express gratitude for the selfless service and sacrifices made by the soldiers to protect the nation.

The Asian School’s Principal, Atul M. Saxena, said, “This initiative is a small token of our appreciation for the bravery and dedication of our soldiers. We are proud to acknowledge their unwavering commitment to our country’s safety.”The soldiers, visibly moved by the gesture, thanked the teachers for their support and encouragement. “This rakhi is a symbol of the bond between us and the people we protect. It strengthens us to serve the nation,” said by a representative of the team.

The program included a cultural show, patriotic songs, and speeches highlighting the significance of Raksha Bandhan and the importance of recognizing the soldiers’ contributions.

#KISHTWAR: In a significant step towards enhancing community well-being, the Ladakh Jammu & Kashmir Multipurpose Cooperative Society Limited (LJ&K-MCS Ltd.) with the support of Ladakh Jammu & Kashmir Economic Growth and Development Dialogue (LEAD) has introduced a novel initiative during the Shri Chandi Mata Machail Yatra 2024.

The Co-operative is promoting the making of a local delicacy known as Phimar (Jau-Sattu Laddoo) which is also the traditional offering prepared by local villagers around Shri Chandi Mata Machail Temple and the entire padar region.

The Phimar (Jau-Sattu Laddo) prasad is crafted with a blend of dry fruits and pure Desi ghee, combined with locally sourced Jau Sattu, ensuring a nutritious and delectable offering for the devotees.

A special counter has been established within the temple premises at Shri Machail Mata Bhawan, ensuring that devotees have convenient access to this wholesome Prasad.

This initiative not only emphasizes the importance of healthy Prasad but also creates employment opportunities for local residents, thereby contributing to the region’s economic development.

This initiative is expected to improve both the financial health of farmers associated with millet production and promote a healthier lifestyle through the consumption of such crops.

#BREAKING: The Election Commission of India (#ECI) has announced the schedule for the assembly #elections to J-K. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir will have a three-phase election from September: 18, 25, October 1.

Results: October 4

JAMMU: Paying tribute to freedom fighters and martyrs who made the supreme sacrifice for the independence, Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar hoisted the National Flag on the occasion of 78th Independence Day in M.A. Stadium.

 He inspected the parade and took the salute from the contingents of JKP, JKAP, SSB, IRP, Women contingent, Forest Protection Force, Fire & Emergency Services NCC and various several school contingents, Brass & Pipe Bands and Band Troops (Girl & Boys) of different Schools.

An impressive display of dance performances showcasing the history and heritage of Jammu Kashmir and celebrating the spirit of unity in diversity and national integration were also presented on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, the Advisor paid tribute to the freedom fighters and security forces of J&K, who have made immense sacrifices, laying down their lives for the nation’s integrity and sovereignty.

He said that J&K is witnessing the rise of a new era in the last five years and has undertaken a journey towards peace, progress, harmony, prosperity and development.

He underscored that Jammu and Kashmir is rapidly moving towards comprehensive development in all sectors of life and emphasised that the region is evolving into a realm free from fear and corruption.

Later, winners of National Anthem Singing competition were also felicitated by the Advisor. The competition was conducted by information Department in above 18, below 18 and group category.

MP Jammu- Rajouri Jugal Kishore Sharma, DDC Chairman Bharat Bhushan, Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar, ADGP Jammu Anand Jain, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Sachin Kumar Vaishya, Commissioner JMC Rahul Yadav along with Judges, Ex PRI members, senior officers from Civil and Security forces, former Legislators were present on the occasion

#SRINAGAR: The aspirants who wish to undertake Hajj journey during 1446(H)—2025(CE) have been informed that the Hajj Committee of India (HCI) has invited online application forms with effect from 13 August, 2024.

As per a notification, the aspirants are being informed that before filing the application form online, the aspirants should go through the Haj Policy/Haj Guidelines available for Hajj-2025 at Haj Committee website www.hajcommittee.gov.in.

The aspirants have also been informed that the last date for submission of the application form has been fixed as 9th September, 2024.

Applicants must be in possession of Machine-Readable International Passport issued on or before the closing date of application and valid at least upto15th January, 2026.

Meanwhile, Haj Application form can be submitted online only at the website of HCoI i.e., www.hajcommittee.gov.in or on Haj App through Android Mobile App ‘Haj Suvidha’ available on Google Play Store.

#SRINAGAR: A meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo was held to draw a plan for making Legislative Assembly complexes at both Srinagar and Jammu ready for holding its sessions after holding of elections here in the UT.

Those present includes Principal Secretary, Estates; Principal Secretary, Finance; Commissioner Secretary, IT; JK Resident Commissioner, Delhi; Secretary, R&B; Secretary, Transport; Secretary, Law; Secretary, Legislative Assembly; Director, Estates, Kashmir and other concerned officers.

During this meeting the Chief Secretary impressed upon the concerned to taking immediate steps for renovation/refurbishing of these Assembly complexes at both Srinagar and Jammu in a time-bound manner.

He reiterated that the facilities like functionality of Sound System, Internet Connectivity, fire Safety, functionality of lifts, giving facelift to the buildings and provisioning of allied amenities should also be taken in hand and completed at an earliest.

He asked for looking into the steps to renovate the Chambers of Speaker, Dy Speaker, Leader of Opposition as well besides making provisions for their official vehicles and residential accommodations.

Dulloo also called upon the concerned to carry out repairing works of the MLA Hostels in both the cities. He made out that all the amenities required should be installed within the available time window till culmination of assembly elections, as and when announced by the Election Commission of India.

He observed that pre-emptive steps should be initiated on part of administration to make preparations ahead of the elections so that there are no hindrances in smooth functioning of this pillar of democracy once it gets formed after conduct of elections here in J&K.

#JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today handed over the appointment letter, on compassionate ground, to Smt. Renu Sharma, wife of Vijay Kumar, who was killed in Reasi Terror attack.

Vijay Kumar, a resident of Reasi, was driving the bus carrying pilgrims which was attacked by the Terrorists on June 09.

The Lt Governor assured all possible assistance and support from the J&K Administration to the family of the martyred civilian.

Vishesh Paul Mahajan, Deputy Commissioner Reasi, and the family members of Vijay Kumar were also present at the Raj Bhawan.

#SRINAGAR: Hundreds of youngsters of Kashmir came together with unmatched enthusiasm, promoting the importance of voting and expressing their faith in democracy. The students participated in several programs under SVEEP like Run for Democracy, Cycle Rally and Shikara Rally at SKICC.

These SVEEP activities were inaugurated by Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) of India, Rajiv Kumar along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Dr. SS Sandhu.

The CEC led the cycle rally along with Election Commissioners (ECs) as a part of voter awareness and enrolment. Election Commission is currently undertaking 2nd Special Summary Revision of Electoral Rolls in J&K.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Chief Electoral Officer J&K PK Pole, DEO Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohuddin Bhat and other officers also participated in the event.

The youngsters both boys & girls enlightened with the vision of democracy showed overwhelming participation in the three events making the SKICC & Back Waters of Dal Lake abuzz with the vibes and flavour of democracy. With every pedal, they reaffirmed their commitment to participate in democratic process.

On the occasion, the youngsters, chanted ‘we are proud voters’ and pledged to be the ambassadors of democracy in the valley. This underscored their faith in the democratic process and commitment to strengthen the democracy, educate their friends, colleagues, classmates and general people about the significance of Electoral Participation.

High spirited eligible young boys & girls vouched to register themselves in the voter lists of their respective areas and encourage youth of their peer groups.

The CEC and ECs appreciated participants for spreading the message of democracy and importance of exercising valuable Right to franchise.

No: PR/DI/24/805/

#SRINAGAR: Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) today described heavily-subsidized PM Surya Ghar Scheme and late payment surcharge waiver under Power Amnesty Scheme as major steps to reduce financial burden on the domestic consumers.

Beneficiaries of solar rooftops up to 3 kwp shall now be eligible for subsidy of Rs.94,800/- thereby making the PM Surya Ghar Scheme subsidized up to 60% of the project cost of Rs.1.59 lakh. Similarly, under the Power Amnesty Scheme, domestic consumers are already getting interest waiver if they pay their principal amount due in one go or instalments, till March 31, 2025.

In a press release issued here today, a KPDCL spokesperson said PM Surya Ghar Scheme has become more attractive after UT Government provided additional subsidy of Rs. 3,000 for 1 kwp, 6,000 for 2 kwp & Rs.9,000 for 3 kwp plant, which takes the maximum ceiling of subsidy from Rs.85,800/- earlier to Rs.94,800/- for a plant up to 3 kwp under the Scheme. “UT Government shall reimburse its share along with MN&RE subsidy directly into the account of the beneficiary consumer, after successful commissioning of the plant is uploaded on the National Portal,” he said, adding that Government has sanctioned Rs.27.07 crore for 44,000 beneficiaries of Kashmir Division as UT share of subsidy, which shall be spread over till 31.03.2027.

Time-bound release of subsidy, empanelled vendors and online tracking of SRT on National Portal are the major highlights of the PM Surya Ghar Scheme for residential households. “Government has fixed a target of 1,000 solar rooftops per month for Kashmir DISCOM for which KPDCL has nominated engineers to facilitate the process of installation of SRT panels and submission of commissioning reports,” he added.

The spokesman further urged the domestic consumers to avail the late payment surcharge waiver under the ongoing Power Amnesty Scheme, which is set to close on March 31, 2025. “So far, 1.05 lakh beneficiaries have settled their claims by paying the principal amount to KPDCL to the tune of Rs.150 crore,” he added.

KPDCL spokesman further called upon the remaining 45,000 domestic consumers with huge electricity arrears to approach their Electric Subdivisions to avail the Amnesty Scheme at an earliest. “As per the terms of reference of the orders issued, there shall be no further extension of the Amnesty Scheme beyond March 31,2025,” he said, adding that KPDCL has been organising Amnesty Camps across all Electric Divisions to facilitate the domestic consumers.