#JAMMU: In #Jammu and #Kashmir, the Government today said that over 3.70 lakh unemployed youth have registered on the #employment portal as of January 2025.

The registered youth include 1.13 lakh graduates and post-graduates. Replying to a written question of BJP MLA Sham Lal Sharma in the Assembly, Deputy Chief Minister #SurinderChoudhary, who is also the Minister for Labour and Employment, outlined plans to formulate policies aimed at providing employment opportunities to educated youth across both skilled and unskilled sectors in the Union Territory.

The Minister informed that total of 3 lakh 70 thousand and 811 unemployed youth have been registered on the employment portal as of January 2025. He said a baseline survey indicated that out of 4.73 lakh individuals aged between 18 and 60 surveyed, a significant portion expressed willingness to work but were currently unemployed. The Minister said in response, the government has launched several initiatives under Mission Youth to enhance employment prospects.

Those registered include 66 thousand and 628 graduates, 47 thousand and 114 post-graduates, 15 thousand and 396 other degree holders and 9 thousand and 884 diploma holders.

Choudhary said the registration of unemployed educated youth is a voluntary process and job-seekers register themselves on the employment portal to access different self-employment schemes provided by various departments and to avail different opportunities.

The Minister further said the government has conducted 246 job fairs over the past three years, resulting in the selection of 4 thousand and 893 candidates through on-the-spot placements. Around 2 thousand and 760 companies participated in these fairs and recommended 6 thousand and 640 individuals for skill training.

#JAMMU: CM Omar Abdullah, in a written response to Assembly member Sajad Gani Lone, stated that as of March 31, 2024, Jammu and Kashmir’s total debt amounts to Rs 1,25,205 crore.

#JAMMU: Minister for Rural Development Department also mentioned that 442 cases under #PMAYG are under the consideration of concerned authorities in #Jammu and #Kashmir.

#JAMMU: This follows a common complaint from government officials and businessmen about the lack of morning #flights from #Jammu to #Srinagar, which makes same-day travel difficult.

#IXJ to #SXR

#JAMMU: In Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister #OmarAbdullah, while presenting the budget for the Union Territory today announced a series of welfare measures aimed at improving the living standards of vulnerable sections, enhancing women’s empowerment and strengthening the education sector.

The J&K government has approved 200 units of free electricity for all families under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY).

Additionally, from April 1, AAY beneficiaries will receive 10 kg of free ration every month, easing the financial burden on economically weaker sections.

Under the Marriage Assistance Scheme, financial aid for eligible beneficiaries has been raised from Rs. 50 thousand to Rs. 75 thousand ensuring better support for underprivileged families.

All women in J&K will be eligible for free travel on government-operated transport, including e-buses, starting April 1. The initiative aims to enhance women’s mobility and access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. To ensure safe drinking water, the government will set up 98 water testing laboratories across Jammu and Kashmir this year, improving water quality monitoring and public health safety. A National Law University (NLU) will be developed in the region, with a budget allocation of Rs. 50 crore for its establishment.

This move aims to enhance legal education and provide better academic opportunities for students in J&K. Presenting the budget, CM Omar Abdullah emphasized that these measures are part of the government’s commitment to social welfare, women’s empowerment, and education reform in J&K.

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