#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.

#SRINAGAR: On the auspicious occasion of Shravan Shukla Panchami, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today performed the Pujan of Shri Amarnathji Chhari Mubarak in presence of Sh Deependra Giri, Mahant Chhari‐Mubarak Shri Amarnathji, at Mahadev Gir Dashnami Akhada, Srinagar.

The Lt Governor sought the blessings of Lord Shiva and prayed for the peace, progress, and well-being of all.

The Chhari-Pujan is an auspicious ritual prior to the culmination of the annual pilgrimage of Shri Amarnathji Shrine.  

The holy Mace will be taken to the Shri Amarnathji cave following the traditional practice of Chhari Mubarak Yatra.

Dr Mandeep Kumar Bhandari, CEO, Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board; Vidhi Kumar Birdi, IGP Kashmir; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and other senior officers also participated in the Chhari-Pujan.

KISHTWAR: The revered Shree Machail Mata Yatra 2024, which officially commenced on July 25, 2024, crossed the 50 thousand mark with today’s darshan performed by 8,535 pilgrims at the Holy Shree Chandi Mata Mandir of Machail Paddar.

This annual Yatra is one of the most significant pilgrimages in the Jammu Division, second only to the Katra Mata Vaishno Yatra.

The popularity of Shree Machail Yatra has soared in recent years, with over 2 lakh pilgrims visiting last year alone.

Pilgrims along with the holy mace (Chhari) procession will proceed from Jammu on August 17 towards Darbar following traditional path and transits.

The weather at Machail Bhawan remains clear, ensuring a smooth experience for the devotees.

The Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar in collaboration with the district administration Kishtwar, spearheaded by Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar, Dr. Devansh Yadav and local administration, is diligently working to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the Yatris this year.

Langars by devotees near Bhawan Machail and enroute are offering meals to the pilgrims.

Additionally, lodging facilities at the Yatri Bhawan Gulabgarh, Sapphire Guest House by district administration Kishtwar, along with various tent accommodations and Yatri Sarai near Chandi Mata Bhawan, Machail, are available to ensure comfort for the visitors.

With the footfall expected to exceed 300,000 this year, Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Dr. Devansh Yadav has appealed Yatris to follow guidelines.

These facilities provided to Yatris include enhancements to roads, water supply, footpaths, sanitation, security, chopper services, and online registration through the website to ensure a safe and pleasant journey for the pilgrims.

The addition of a road up to Chashoti on the Gulabgarh to Machail axis has reduced the trekking distance to 3-4 hours. New bridges and repairs to existing infrastructure aim to provide a safe and hassle-free experience for Yatris amid challenging geography.

Dr. Devansh Yadav urged the pilgrims to visit the official Machail Yatra website at https://shrimachailmatayatra.com for online registration and updated information regarding the Yatra, including weather conditions, routes and other facilities. This resource is designed to help pilgrims stay informed and address any queries they may have. Yatris are advised to carry their Aadhar cards and review the guidelines on the website.

The administration remains committed to ensuring a seamless and spiritually fulfilling experience for all devotees participating in the Shree Machail Yatra this year.

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government today dismissed six employees, belonging to various departments: 05 from Police Department (Constables) and 01 from Education Department (Teacher) in terms of Article 311 of the Constitution of India for their deep involvement in anti-national activities.

The activities of these below mentioned employees had come to the adverse notice of law enforcement and intelligence agencies, as they found them thickly involved in activities prejudicial to the interests of the State evidencing their involvement in terror related activities.

Saif Din, Selection Grade Constable in Police Department S/o Quasim Din R/o Shigani Bhallesa District Doda A/P Javid Nagar, Bali Charana Naki Tawi, Jammu, is a notorious drug peddler, a habitual offender and a mastermind for generation and distribution of narco terror funding. He is a deeply motivated and committed drug peddler as well as an Over Ground Worker for the terrorists of a proscribed terrorist organization like Hijbual Mujhahidin. He had established drug channels which are being used by anti national agencies/ elements to smuggle weapons, narcotics and to facilitate infiltration of terrorists in J&K.

Farooq Ahmad Sheikh, Head Constable in Police Department S/o Ab Aziz Sheikh R/o Ibkoote Tangdar, District Kupwara, alongwith two other employees namely Khalid Hussian Shah and Rahmat Shah (both working as Constables in J&K Police) received huge consignment of narcotics from drug smugglers across the LoC from Pakistan occupied J&K. He had contacts with the Pakistan based terrorists, who have been involved in smuggling of narcotics, weapons and money across the LoC.

Khalid Hussian Shah, Selection Grade Constable in J&K Police S/o Mehboob Shah R/o Chanipora Payeen Tangdar, District Kupwara, alongwith two other employees namely Farooq Ahmad Sheikh and Rahmat Shah (both working as Constables in J&K Police) received huge consignment of narcotics across the LoC from Pakistan occupied J&K. Being a resident of Tangdar Karnah, Kupwara, he used his expertise of local terrain and topography to establish contacts with narcotic drug smugglers across the border in PoJK and was at the forefront of running a drug cartel in Kupwara-Karnah region.

Rahmat Shah, Constable in J&K Police S/o Manzoor Hussain Shah R/o Panjowa Pingla Haridal, Karnah, District Kupwara had received huge consignment of narcotics from across the LoC for peddling it to other parts of the country, including local market for profit motive and for a larger game plan of adversary agency to destabilize J&K. Being a resident of Haridal village in Karnah, Kupwara, leveraged his knowledge of the local terrain and topography to establish connections with the narcotic smugglers across the border in PoJK.

The above persons, namely; Farooq Ahmad Sheikh, Khalid Hussian Shah and Rahmat Shah, had established contacts with the Pakistan based terrorists involved in smuggling of narcotics, weapons and money across the LoC to India. They used to smuggle drugs from Pakistan and money generated through the illegal trade of these drugs was being used for fueling unrest as well as financing the terrorism activities in the Kashmir Valley and other parts of the Country. They were in contact with large number of drug peddlers and Over Ground Workers of proscribed terrorist organization and was a part of modus operandi for arranging funding for terrorism in Kashmir valley and other parts of the Country.

Irshad Ahmad Chalkoo, Selection grade Constable in J&K Police S/o Saif-u-Din Chalkoo R/o Silikote Uri, District Baramulla had developed close relationship with the terrorist associates of the area and started working as an Over Ground Worker with the proscribed terrorist organization, Laskhar-e-Taiba. He was in close contact with various Kashmiri origin terrorists based in PoJK, through encrypted messaging applications and had received Arms/ammunitions for further delivery to the terrorists. Being the resident of Uri, District Baramulla, he utilized his knowledge of the local terrain to establish contacts with terrorist based in PoJK. He used to assist terrorist groups, during infiltration, by providing logistics and transportation of their illegal arms and ammunitions in the interior areas of Kashmir Valley.

Nazam Din, Teacher in the Education Department S/o Qayam Din R/o Kirni Haveli, District Poonch is a highly motivated and committed drug peddler and an Over Ground Worker of terrorists of Hizbul Mujhahidin outfit. He had received consignments of narcotics from across the LoC for onward delivery to the drug peddlers even in Punjab. He was in constant touch with hard core terrorists in Pakistan, who ex-filtrated for terrorist training and are currently active in terrorist activities from PoJK. He smuggled drugs from Pakistan and money generated through illegal trade of these drugs, it was used for fueling unrest as well as financing the terrorism activities in the Kashmir valley, as well as other parts of the Country, being an important source in the narco terror system.

Government has adopted a Zero tolerance policy towards the anti-national elements who have been taking advantage of being in the Government service.

SRINAGAR: The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) hosted a vibrant and engaging first ever Jammu and Kashmir Film Conclave at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC) situated at the banks of world famous Dal Lake.

During the inaugural session, the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Shri Manoj Sinha unveiled the J&K Film Policy 2024 and launched a slew of initiatives including Single Window portal for Film Shooting Permissions and Subsidies, J&K Film Screening Series and Frames of Transformation Photography Competition. He also felicitated the winners of Naya Jammu Kashmir Short Film Making Competition.

The day-long event featured a series of panel discussions, filmmaking workshops, and exclusive film screenings, marking a significant milestone in the region’s cinematic landscape.

The conclave’s afternoon session commenced with insightful panel discussions focusing on the evolving film ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir. On the occasion, Director Information, Jatin Kishore spoke about the Jammu & Kashmir Film Policy 2024 and informed that it is designed to simplify processes and enhance opportunities for the growth of cinema in Jammu and Kashmir.

With the launch of the single-window system, the aim of the department is to simplify the process of permissions and subsidies, so that the filmmakers can focus on their creative endeavours.

Renowned film director Madhur Bhandarkar, director and writer Rahhat Kazmi, casting director-producer Paragg Mehta and Actor Mir Sarwar shared their invaluable perspectives and experiences with the audience.

Workshops on filmmaking were also organised during the conclave with discussions ranging from the global appeal of local narratives to practical insights for aspiring actors and filmmakers.

Highlighting the artistic diversity of the region, the conclave featured screenings of impactful short films such as “Melting Stones,” “I am Valmiki,” and “Unveiling Strength: The Women Athletes of Kashmir.” Additionally, audiences were treated to the premiere screening of “Country of Blind,” an internationally acclaimed film by director Rahhat Kazmi, based on H.G. Wells’ classic story “The Country of the Blind.” This marked its first-ever screening in India, further underscoring the conclave’s commitment to showcasing cutting-edge cinema.

Joint Director Information (Hqrs), Vivek Puri; Joint Director Information Kashmir, Mohammad Aslam; Deputy Director Information (AV/PR), Deepak Dubey; Deputy Director Information (C), Sunil Kumar; Deputy Director Information Kashmir (PR), Ahsan-ul-Haq Chisthi, senior officers and other concerned were also present on the occasion.

Er. Fayaz Ahmad from Rambagh first beneficiary, turns prosumer To get subsidy of Rs.85,800

#SRINAGAR: In a significant development, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) today formally kickstarted the flagship PM Surya Ghar Yojana in Kashmir Division with the installation of first rooftop solar panels.

Er. Fayaz Ahmad Yatoo, became the first beneficiary of a 6 kWp rooftop solar plant at his residence at Rambagh, in Electric Subdivision Chanapora. He is entitled to a Central subsidy of Rs.85,800/- which shall be credited directly into his account.

Managing Director, KPDCL, Mussarat Islam, Chief Engineer Distribution, Er. Sandeep Seth, SE O&M Circle II, Er. Shurjeel Ghani Lala, senior engineering staff besides REC officials and empanelled solar vendor M/S Kashmir Renewable Energy Pvt. Ltd. were present on the occasion.

In a press statement issued here today, a KPDCL spokesperson said that with onboarding of solar vendors on the National Portal, more beneficiaries shall be covered under the flagship scheme which is set to become a trendsetter in the power sector.

Urging the consumers to come forward and apply for the solar scheme through National Surya Ghar Portal, the spokesperson further stated that no Technical Feasibility Report (TFR) is now required for a solar plant up to 10 kWp, adding the panels shall be installed on rooftops only.

Dwelling upon the details of the subsidy available to the consumers under the scheme, the spokesman said that J&K UT has been categorised as a special category UT with subsidy for residential rooftop solar ranging from 60% of the system cost up to 2 kW & 40% of additional system cost for systems between 2-3 kW capacity. At current benchmark prices, it adds up to Rs.33,000/- subsidy for 1 kWp, Rs.66,000/- for 2 kWp and Rs. 85,800/- for 3 kWp solar rooftop system or higher.

In order to facilitate the beneficiaries and popularize the solar rooftop scheme, KPDCL has a hyperlink available for PM Surya Ghar Yojana on www.kpdcl.jkpdd.net.

The spokesman further added that Kashmir DISCOM is continuously holding awareness camps and IEC campaigns so that the scheme is popularized amongst the general public.

#SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today unveiled the Logo, Website and Teaser of the inaugural edition of the Kashmir Marathon, to be held on 20th October in Srinagar.

In his address, the Lt Governor congratulated the J&K Tourism department and all the stakeholders associated with the international running event. He invited the runners from all corners of the globe to participate in Kashmir Marathon and experience the unique charm of J&K.

“We aspire to make this event a beacon of peace and harmony. I am confident the Kashmir Marathon will place J&K firmly on the global running map and it will enhance global recognition of the UT, highlighting our potential as a premier tourist destination,” the Lt Governor said.

He said the Kashmir marathon is the next addition to the series of world class events being organized in J&K following the successful F4 racing event in Srinagar, Sunburn Music Festival in Jammu and J&K Tourism Development Conclave held recently in Srinagar. “We are exploring possibilities to organise the annual ‘Jammu Marathon’,” he said.

Highlighting the socio-economic impact of the Kashmir marathon, the Lt Governor said the event will boost local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops, thereby contributing to the prosperity of our region.

For centuries, Sports has remained the most powerful bridge to connect people of different cultures and languages.  The Kashmir Marathon will integrate cultural events, performances, and exhibitions to showcase Kashmir’s rich heritage, enhance the experience for all participants, the Lt Governor said.

“Kashmir Marathon is not just a race but a celebration of resilience, beauty, and the unbreakable human spirit. It will also celebrate our breathtaking scenery and promote eco-friendly tourism that benefits local communities,” he said.

On the occasion, the Lt Governor highlighted the efforts of the UT Administration, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, to revolutionise the sports sector of J&K.

He called upon the youth of J&K to make the best of the opportunities being provided by the government in sports and other sectors and become the brand ambassadors of J&K.