IT Department conducts surprise check of CSCs

#SRINAGAR: To achieve the goal of Digital India by providing seamless online services to the general public, Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, issued directions to set up new touch points for CSCs in various Government offices like Deputy Commissioner offices, Block Development offices, Tehsil offices, Social Welfare offices, ARTO offices, Colleges and Universities.

Directions have been issued to all Deputy Commissioners to allocate the spaces in all such offices for setting up of new touch points.

Additional Deputy Commissioners (ADCs) of all districts have been nominated as nodal officers to facilitate and accelerate the opening of new touch points. As on date, 625 new CSCs have been established so far and 13081 CSCs including 537 PACs and 2160 FPS are active and providing services on Digi-Seva Portal in the Union Territory of J&K.

UT administration is implementing strict monitoring and regulatory mechanism to ensure that CSCs adhere to notified rates. In this regard, regular audits and inspections are being carried out by dedicated Divisional Level Inspection teams of IT Department to identify and penalize those engaged in overcharging.

Deputy Commissioners, who are the Chairperson of District e-Governance Societies (DeGs) have also been asked to ensure strict enforcement of notified rates in their respective districts so that general public does not suffer on this account.

Acting strictly on the complaints of overcharging by CSCs, Commissioner Secretary IT Department, Prerna Puri, ensured regular surprise inspections of various Common Services Centres (CSCs) across Jammu and Kashmir to cross check and verify their adherence to government notified rates.

The inspection teams supervised by Aijaz Qaiser, Additional Secretary IT Department, were sent to district Rajouri in the Jammu Division and Pulwama in Kashmir Division.

During the surprise checks, 31 CSCs of  Rajouri district were inspected in Jammu division, whereas 49 CSCs in Pulwama were inspected in Kashmir division.

The inspection teams have recommended cancellation of licenses of 7 CSCs (3 in Jammu division and 4 CSCs in Kashmir division).  Pertinently, the IT Department has notified rates to avail various online services which envisages Rs. 50 per service for government to citizen service and Rs. 75 for government to business services. Acting on certain complaints of overcharging, 664 CSC licenses have been cancelled in the past 1 year (624 in the financial year 2023-24 and 40 in this current financial year 2024-25).

Meanwhile, Vice President CSC-SPV J&K has been directed to ensure that the notified rates are prominently displayed at a conspicuous place in each CSC sensitizing all village Level Entrepreneurs (VLEs) regarding notified rates. It has also been directed to ensure availability of VLEs by developing a proper certified mechanism so that general public can avail online services seamlessly.

Three New Criminal Laws came into force: Lt Governor addresses implementation ceremony at PHQ Srinagar

#SRINAGAR: Historic Day in Indian Criminal Justice System as new Criminal Laws came into force today. To mark this momentous occasion, the Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha presided over the implementation ceremony of the new Laws in J&K, at Police Headquarters.

Hon’ble Chief Justice, J&K and Ladakh High Court Sh. Justice N. Kotiswar Singh also graced the occasion.

In his address, the Lt Governor expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Home Minister Shri Amit Shah for bringing the much-needed reforms in the Criminal Justice System of the country.

He said the commencement of 3 new laws- ‘Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita’, ‘Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita’ and ‘Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam’- breaks the centuries-old shackles of colonial legacy.

“The new laws will ensure justice and equality for all, moving away from the repressive colonial framework. The reforms, rooted in the principles of liberty and fraternity, are a testament to our commitment to protect the vulnerable and ensure justice for all,” the Lt Governor said.

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita replaces the Indian Penal Code of 1860, focusing on restorative justice and victim rights. This law shifts the focus from mere punishment to rehabilitation and reintegration. It aims to address the root causes of crime and offer offenders a chance to reform and contribute positively to society.

The Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita replaces the Criminal Procedure Code of 1973, ensuring swift and fair trials. This law introduces measures to reduce delays in the justice delivery system, ensuring that justice is not only done but seen to be done on time. It also emphasizes the protection of the rights of the accused while ensuring public safety.

The Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam replaces the Indian Evidence Act of 1872, modernizing evidence collection and use. This law uses modern technology to ensure the accuracy and integrity of evidence. It introduces digital documentation and forensic advancements to strengthen the credibility of the judicial process.

Speaking on the overarching objectives of the new criminal laws, the Lt Governor said the new laws, based on individual freedom and human rights, reflect a major shift towards a more humane and just system.

“Designed to protect victim rights and ensure justice with a focus on human dignity, moving away from punitive colonial measures, new criminal laws acknowledge that every individual, regardless of their past, has the potential for change. New laws focus on restorative justice, where the emphasis is on repairing the harm caused by criminal behaviour and reintegrating offenders into society,” the Lt Governor said.

#SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha yesterday visited Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra transit camp at Pantha Chowk and inspected the arrangements for Yatris.

The Lt Governor interacted with the pilgrims and service providers and enquired about the facilities.

Earlier, the Lt Governor conducted the on-site inspection and took stock of the ongoing construction work of the Yatri Niwas and Office of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board at Pantha Chowk.

He also visited various sections including rooms and dormitories and directed the officials to explore all the possibilities to increase the capacity to accommodate more pilgrims at the facility.

The Lt Governor was accompanied by Vijay Kumar, ADGP Law & Order; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board; Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar and officials from other concerned departments.

ANANTNAG: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today visited Chandanwari Base camp and inspected the arrangements made for the pilgrims of holy Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra.

The Lt Governor interacted with the officers and service providers and took stock of the security arrangements and facilities including food & lodging, healthcare, connectivity, sanitation, power & water supply and other amenities at the camp and enroute.

The Lt Governor is closely monitoring the yatra arrangements and taking first-hand appraisal of the preparedness of the Administration, Shrine Board, Police & Security forces and various stakeholders ahead of the annual yatra of Shri Amarnath Ji.

The Lt Governor was accompanied by Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO, Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board;  Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir; Syeed Fakhrudin Hamid, Deputy Commissioner Anantnag and other senior officers of District Administration, SASB, Police and Security Forces.