LG hands over appointment letter to wife of late #Deepu
#JAMMU: LG Manoj Sinha today handed over the appointment letter to Sakshi Devi, wife of Deepu, who was killed by terrorists in Anantnag.
Shiv Sena urges devotees of Bhole Baba to visit Amarnath Yatra in record numbers, fearlessly
#PAHALGAM: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Jammu and Kashmir unit has urged the devotees of Bhole Baba to visit the holy shrine of Amarnath in record numbers and without any fear, as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim unity and brotherhood. The party also demanded that the local people of the region should be given priority in pilgrim services by the Shrine Board and J&K administration.
A delegation of Shiv Sena leaders led by Manish Sahni, Party President J&K, visited the Amarnath Yatra Base Camp of Pahalgam, which is situated amidst the beautiful valley of Kashmir, to interact with service providers like mule owners, Palki Wallahs, tent owners and Langar providers, who serve to facilitate the pilgrimage of devotees.
Sahni said that the local Muslim community has always extended their whole-hearted support to make the Amarnath yatra a success and easy for the pilgrims. However, the locals providing all sorts of services for the last few years to pilgrims, like mule owners, Palki Wallahs , tent owners and Langar providers, have been ignored.
Shiv Sena demanded that the devotees who come to perform the Amarnath Yatra be given freedom to visit other tourist places in Jammu and Kashmir, and no restrictions be imposed on tourists during the journey. The party also expressed its anger at registration fees, and high tolls being imposed on vehicles carrying pilgrims and service providers across the country.
No power cut in Jammu city from 20th June: JKPDD
Rural, unmetered areas to face below 6 hours curtailment
#JAMMU: In its endeavors towards providing respite to consumers from scorching hot weather prevailing in Jammu region, the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Department (JKPDD) has announced that there will be no power curtailment in Jammu City from 20th June onwards.
According to an official communique received here today in this regard, the power cut shall be restricted below 6 hours rural/unmetered areas.
This improvement in power supply situation has been attributed to certain recent developments in power sector of Jammu and Kashmir like J&K’s own power generating plant i.e. 900 MW Baglihar HEP, which was generating at a reduced capacity due to low discharge of water in river Chenab, has now picked up and generating power at its full rated capacity.
Similarly, the power allocation from Government of India has increased by 200 MW from Hydro generating stations located outside J&K from where J&K imports power, due to improved generation in central Sector hydro generators such as Naptha Jhakri, Koldam and Tehri. Additionally, there has been an improvement in thermal generation also by around 60 MW, leading to higher allocation of power to J&K.
JKPDD spokesperson elaborated that in the present era of digitalization, stringent payment security mechanisms have been introduced by the power generating companies (gencos), whereby, JKPDD has to make advance payments to the gencos for procurement of power. It is worthwhile to mention that the power procurement price from market is also soaring high with average per unit price ranging from Rs. 5 to Rs. 7, against which J&K is charging heavily subsidized average tariff of Rs. 3 only per unit from the residential consumers.
In light of above, the JKPDD spokesperson has appealed the general public to use power judiciously and pay their electricity bills in time enabling JKPDD make timely payments to gencos and ensure smooth power supply to consumers during these peak summer days.
J&K IASOWA organises awareness prog on environmental issues, SUP free habitations
SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir, Indian Administrative Service Officers’ Wives Association (IASOWA) organised an awareness programme regarding environmental issues and Single Use Plastic free habitations.
During the event, the Association also organized a plantation drive and interactive session to mark the importance of plastic free environment in tune with the theme (# Beat the Plastic Pollution) of “World Environment Day 2023”. The programme was aimed at to raise awareness about sustainable development and community participation in environmental management and conservation, particularly need for weeding out single use plastics from our lives.
The event was organised at Srinagar under the supervision of Dr. Amita Mehta, President IASOWA and attended by Dr Tabassum Ganai, Ruchi gupta, Rajni Shailendra, Dr. Mehak Shahid, Anikta Kar, Dr. Sadaf Aijaz and Dr. Irtiza Jeelani.
The participants emphasized the need for public outreach and stakeholder participation in matters related to environmental well being, which is the basis for healthy living. They discussed plastic pollution issues besides deliberating on its impact on our planet.
Dr. Amita Mehta underscored the need of collective efforts to protect our flora and fauna by adopting healthy habits.
Div Com calls for immediate measures to ensure power, water supply in Jammu divisio
#JAMMU: To ensure regular supply of power and drinking water and address any emergent crisis situation in Jammu division, Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar today chaired a high-level meeting with Deputy Commissioners and Chief Engineers of Jammu Power Development Corporation Limited and Jal Shakti Department.
In a move aimed at ensuring accountability, the Div Com directed that each district must have a designated nodal officer from within Jal Shakti Department or JPDCL to act as a single point of contact in case of any irregularity in supply of these essential amenities. He also directed that a control room be set up and the contact number be widely published for the convenience of the public.
The nodal officer would also provide a daily report to the Div Com office regarding any issue pertaining to water or electricity supply and any unusual power curtailment or related issues.
The Div Com directed officials of JPDCL to stick to a well publicised curtailment schedule to ensure that the public doesn’t suffer indefinitely. He also called for coordination between mechanical and civil divisions of the Jal Shakti Department.
The Div Com took stock of available stock replacement and replacement rate of machinery in all districts. He was informed that a scheduled power-cut of 2 hours has been earmarked for urban areas with smart meters installed and 8 hours scheduled cuts for rural areas.
The Div Com was also apprised about the status of pending machinery purchases by the JPDCL. He was assured by engineers that the damage rate of transformers has greatly been reduced and the time taken to replace them has also been reduced to 2 to 4 hours in urban areas and to less than a day for rural areas.
Managing Director JPDCL assured the Div Com that no industries would be made to suffer besides the common public as all their power requirements would be expeditiously met.
The Div Com also directed that dedicated and uninterrupted power be supplied to Government Medical College Udhampur. It was decided during the meeting that water filtration plants would be exempted from scheduled power cuts.
The Div Com has also asked the Managing Director of JPDCL and Chief Engineer to visit District Doda to address its most pressing power-related issues.
The Div Com gave specific instructions to the Jal Shakti Department to rationalise its men and machinery and to give special attention to remote and Kandi areas. The department was also directed to identify and penalise illegal irrigation pumps so that genuine consumers are not faced with difficulties.
The Div Com reviewed the status of water supply tankers of Jammu Municipal Corporation and Jal Shakti Department and emphasised that these services be ensured around the clock for areas facing acute water shortage. He also called for immediate steps to plug water supply leakages within Jammu City.
The district administrations were also directed to make demand for essential supplies like poles, wires etc. and other bare minimum requirements to be fulfilled immediately.
The Div Com made special mention of water supply in Katra and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Bhavan. He said that water supply must be ensured in these two vital areas of the division.
Those present at the meeting also included senior officers of JPDCL, Power Development Department and Jal Shakti Department besides Deputy Commissioners and other district staff who participated virtually.
Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde, writes to LG Manoj Sinha requests for allocating a land build a Maharashtra Bhavan
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Eknath Shinde met Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha at Raj Bhawan, Srinagar today.
Dr. Shrikant Shinde, Member of Parliament was also present.
The Chief Minister of Maharashtra requested the Lt Governor for allocation of the land in Srinagar to build ‘Maharashtra Bhawan’ to strengthen tourism, cultural exchanges and economic development.
The Lt Governor observed that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Union Territory has converted challenges into opportunities and J&K is now the symbol of success and prosperity. He said UT of J&K is full of self-confidence and it is moving forward on the path to progress.
“Socio-economic growth with equity and social justice in the last four years has ensured all-round development and prosperity for all,” the Lt Governor said.
Over 1 lakh works to be completed during this Financial year: Officers to CS
#JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Dr Arun Kumar Mehta today held a meeting of all the Administrative Secretaries to review the performance of different Departments regarding pace of the Developmental works and overall expenditure of Departments during 2022-23.
The meeting was also attended by the officers from the Expenditure Division-I and II besides those of Budget section from the Finance Department.
On the occasion Dr Mehta emphasized that the Capex Budget is the actual portion of the budget the utilization of which creates durable public assets. He emphasised on efficient planning for so that the expenditure outcomes are maximized.
He observed that there is manifold increase in number of works completed in recent years and during the past few years the number has grown very substantially. He urged upon the officers to strategize spending for meeting the targets for completion of works during the current financial year.
The Chief Secretary advised the officers to set monthly targets for completion of works so that the March-rush at the fag end of the financial year is avoided here. He called for setting a timeline for each project and allied activities to be carried under it. He told them to have periodical reviews at their levels to ensure that the timeframe set for each activity is complied with.
He asked them to complete the tendering process of every work against which the Administrative Approval and Technical Sanction has been secured. He also stressed on saturating all the beneficiary oriented schemes especially those regarding self employment as per new demands on ground.
Dr Mehta told them to ensure that the funds earmarked for each work under Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS) are timely accessed from GoI Ministries and spent for maximum benefit of public. He emphasised on uploading data on the GoI designated portals simultaneously so that funds are released timely by them and spent by the Departments as per their requirements. He advised them to seek assistance from IT Department, in case any technical issues are faced by them.
He enjoined upon the officers to ensure that uploading of all the works is done at an earliest so that necessary releases are made against each work through BEAMS portal. He told them to make it a feature to reflect activity wise/scheme wise releases so that everybody has a fair idea about each of the work and activity carried out by the departments. He also encouraged people to be partners in development by taking part through ‘Janbhagidari’ and monitoring their works themselves and provide the feedback.
He expressed that each of the officer in any department should own the responsibility of being a catalyst in furthering the government policies and schemes. He stated that all of us should work with a right frame of mind to achieve better results in a time-bound manner. He made out that the ‘Whole of Government Approach’ is the cornerstone for percolation of benefits down to the grassroots level as per the aims and aspirations of general public.
The Chief Secretary also took note of the number of works completed previous financial year. He urged the Planning Department to come up with the E-Compendium of all these completed works like that of Districts at an earliest. He made out that the set target for completion of works this year should be met without any fail. He also urged them to achieve all the deliverables set for each of the department by following them with due urgency and application.
The Chief Secretary was informed that under UT Capex about 40510 works are going on currently out of which 32615 works are going to be completed at the end of this financial year. It was also revealed that under CSS a total of 19828 works would be taken in hand including the new ones out of which 17102 works are slated to be completed this year.
Similarly under District Capex the number of works to be taken up in different districts of the UT is 48454 for the year 2023-24. The funds are being released to the concerned DCs for taking them up and many of them had already been tendered out during past couple of months.
It was also given out that around 22837 works were completed under UT Capex alone last year. It was added that an E-Compendium of these works would be put in public domain shortly as was done by Districts depicting the works done under District Capex 2022-23. Such measures are going to enhance transparency as the public is encouraged to examine the performance of government themselves and give their feedback about improvements, if any.
It was also given out that the additional features like geo-tagging and photography of works is putting extra checks to ensure that quality work is done on ground. Together with e-tendering and 3rd party verification of works by both PRIs and the Planning Department is aimed at bringing transparency and accountability in the execution of these projects throughout J&K.
Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams dedicated to devotees at Jammu
#JAMMU8: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, along with G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism, and Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State attended the Maha Samprokshanam of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams at Jammu, today.
After paying their obeisance at the sanctity sanctum, the dignitaries attended the dedication ceremony of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple, spread across over 62 acres of land, to the devotees.
G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism congratulated the people, J&K Government and all the devotees of Sri Venkateswara. The temple at Jammu will carry the message in the world that Kashmir to Kanyakumari, India is one. This will be a centre of spirituality and Sanatan traditions, he said.
It is the result of the devotion and commitment of the Lt Governor of J&K and Chairman and Board members of Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams that Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is completed in a short span. Now, the devotees of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi and other prominent religious places can also seek the blessings of Sri Venkateswara Swamy at Jammu, said the Union Minister.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said the inauguration of Sri Venkateswara Swamy Temple is a historic moment in the Sanatan Journey of J&K and the country.
“The dedication of Lord Venkateswara temple will strengthen religious tourism circuit in J&K. It will give a boost to spiritual tourism and a major fillip to the economic development and employment opportunities in the Union Territory,” said the Lt Governor.
The Lt Governor expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and G. Kishan Reddy, Union Minister of Culture and Tourism for accelerating development and tourism promotion in J&K.
Hon’ble Union Home Minister, Amit Shah ji was expected to grace today’s occasion with his presence but due to some indispensable work, he couldn’t join us. He has conveyed his best wishes and told me his future event in Jammu will start only after paying obeisance to Sri Venkateswara Swamy, said the Lt Governor.
We are also grateful to the Y.V. Subba Reddy, Chairman, TTD and other Board members for the establishment of Sri Venkateswara’s temple on the land of spirituality and wisdom and to the people of J&K for their cooperation, he said. He also acknowledged the hard work of the workforce engaged in the construction of the temple.
Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji, Jammu Kashmir is witnessing faster economic development and revival of culture in Amrit Kaal. The Union Territory is touching new heights of glory, divinity and development in its eternal journey, observed the Lt Governor.
“The Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir is looking ahead, to a bright future. It is our collective responsibility to contribute to the task of socio-economic growth and to ensure participation and empowerment of the common man,” he said.
The Lt Governor said, along with the unprecedented development, the spiritual aspect of Jammu Kashmir is also scaling new heights.
The holy shrines of Sri Venkateswara, Baba Amarnath, Mata Vaishno Devi, Mata Sharda, Shiv Khori, Adi Shankaracharya Temple, Hazratbal and other prominent religious places and Sufi shrines in the UT will not only boost tourism but also develop Jammu Kashmir as the cultural-spiritual capital of the country, he added.
The Lt Governor lauded Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board, Kailakh Jyotish & Vedic Sansthan and other organizations for their immense contribution in promoting Vedic culture and traditions.
I am confident Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams will develop a Ved Pathshala and Health Centre on priority, he added.
“Lord Venkateswara maintains this world and he is the very basis of existence. His divine blessings continue to guide the journey of Atam-Nirbhar Bharat and ensuring peace and prosperity in the lives of people,” the Lt Governor said.
Dr Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State, while speaking on the occasion, said the historic day will script a new milestone in the development journey of J&K UT.
This Vikas Tirth is a celebration of India’s unity in diversity and also signifies Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji’s vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat, he added.
Y.V. Subba Reddy, Chairman, Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanams Trust Board expressed gratitude to the Government of India and the Lt Governor led UT Government for their support and cooperation. I pray to Lord Venkateswara to bless the people of Jammu Kashmir with love, peace and prosperity.
Bharat Bhushan, Chairman DDC Jammu; Jugal Kishore Sharma, Member Parliament; Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; TTD board members, senior officials of Police and Civil administration, religious heads, political leaders and devotees in large numbers attended the historic inaugural ceremony.
Lt Governor inaugurates SMVDSB’s Prasad cum Souvenir Counter in departure area of Jammu Airport
#JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha inaugurated Prasad cum Souvenir Counter of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board in the departure area of Jammu Airport, today.
The facility will fulfill the long pending demand of the devotees of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi ji from across the country to make packaged Prasad and other Souvenir available at the Jammu Airport, said the Lt Governor.
At the inaugural ceremony, the Lt Governor shared initiatives taken by the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board for providing better facilities to the pilgrims.
The Shrine Board has also taken several digital initiatives to facilitate the devotees from across the country and abroad, he added.
The Lt Governor also distributed the Prasad packages to the people at the airport.
Premium Panchmewa Prasad, Gold Medallions, Silver Coins and other souvenirs will also be available at the Prasad counter.
Pertinently, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board has taken several measures for enhancing the efficiency of the operation of door-to-door delivery of Prasad boxes, Panchmewa Prasad and minimising the delivery time with real time tracking of Prasad.
Five dedicated Prasad Kendras cum Souvenir Shops have been made operational in the last 10 months besides operationalization of 07 counters in existing establishments. A Modern Prasad Kendra cum Souvenir Shop was inaugurated at Bhawan by Lt Governor in the month of February this year.
Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Anshul Garg, CEO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; members of the Shrine Board and other senior officials were present.
Agar Jitto mela concludes, thousands pay obeisance at revered Shrine
#REASI: Annual Baba Jitto Aghar Mela, which commenced on June 3, concluded today amid Vedic rituals and chanting of mantras by a group of Pujaris of Baba Jitto shrine at the site.
A small village Agar, located about 5 km from Katra, was beautifully decorated for the big event. Thousands of devotees from within and outside J&K including from Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pardesh thronged the place to pay obeisance to Baba Jittu Mal- a farmer, who had preferred to end his life instead of bearing the injustice at the hands of greedy landlords.
ADC Abdual Star was the chief guest on the last day. He lauded the efforts put in by the Aghar Management Committee, locals and district officers for making elaborate arrangements for the successful conduct of Aghar Mela.
The devotees took the holy bath at springs known for having a healing power and paid obeisance at the temple constructed in the memory of the saint farmer. It is believed that by taking a bath in the spring, people can get rid of skin diseases.
A Dangal competition organized by the Mela Management Committee witnessing the participation of professional wrestlers hailing from Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh and several parts of Jammu and Kashmir, was one of the major attractions on the concluding day.
On the second day of the Mela, a Culture programme was also organised by the Department of Information and Public Relation in which many cultural troupes performed.
Awareness camps and exhibition stalls put up by the Government departments including Department of Agriculture, Horticulture, Sericulture, Floriculture, Handicrafts, Health department, tourism and various other departments showcased their schemes and programmes.
The locals and the Mela committee appreciated the DDC Reasi Babila Rakwal for adding new events to the Mela that helped attract a large number of people.
