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J&K Govt forms panel to identify and deport illegal foreign nationals

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#JAMMU: In Jammu and Kashmir, the administration has established a seven-member panel to identify foreign nationals who have been illegally overstaying in J&K for the past 13 years.

The initiative aims to facilitate the deportation of these individuals and address the issue of illegal immigration. The committee has to identify foreign nationals illegally overstaying in the Union Territory since 2011. Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department issued an order in this regard.

The panel will be chaired by the Administrative Secretary of the Home Department and includes key members such as the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer (FRRO) of Punjab, representatives from the Criminal Investigation Department (Special Branch) of Jammu and Srinagar headquarters, all district SSPs and SPs (Foreigners Registration), and the state coordinator of the National Informatics Centre (NIC).

The committee’s primary responsibilities include gathering biographic and biometric details of illegal migrants and maintaining an updated digital record. They are required to prepare a monthly report and submit it to the Union Home Ministry by the fifth day of each month.

Additionally, the Home Department has instructed the panel to coordinate and oversee efforts related to tracing and deporting foreign nationals residing illegally in J&K. The panel is also tasked with disseminating information on ongoing cases in various courts and monitoring and updating the status of these cases for relevant stakeholders.

Security forces launched joint search operations to track down terrorists responsible for Kathua attack

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#JAMMU: In Jammu and Kashmir, a massive joint search operation was today launched by the security forces to track down terrorists responsible for the deadly terror attack in Machedi area of Kathua district yesterday that left five army personnel dead and five other injured.

The ground search teams are being supported by helicopter and UAV surveillance. Sniffer dogs and metal detectors are also being employed in the operation with a focus on some dense forest areas in the belt.

The joint cordon and search operation was launched by army, police and CRPF in Machedi, Badnote, Kindli and Lohai areas of the Kathua district. Three to four terrorists, mostly foreigners, are believed to have executed the attack.

They are part of the same group which was involved in Basangarh attack in which a village defence guard Mohd Sharief was killed in an encounter with terrorists on April 28 in Panara village.

KPDCL adds 13,179 connections in 3 months, carries out 55K inspections to curb losses

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11,450 consumers also disconnected for non-payment of dues; No tariff hike, only calibrated rationalisation of load as per consumption

#SRINAGAR: Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has added 13,719 fresh connections to its domestic consumer base of 9.81 lakh, adding load of 7.5 MW in the system.

To curb power theft and bring down losses, as many as 55,321 inspection drives were carried out by Kashmir DISCOM from April to June this year.

In a statement issued here today, a KPDCL spokesperson stated that vigorous enforcement drives are being undertaken on a daily basis at Subdivisional level to crackdown on incidents of power pilferage, primarily by hooking and bypassing of meters in urban areas and exceeding of sanctioned load in rural areas. “Strict directions have been given to SDOs to recover dues for energy unauthorizedly consumed, raise Writ of Demand and present their cases for imposition of penalty before the Designated Courts,” he explained, adding those found using electricity unauthorizedly shall be dealt with an iron hand.

Giving details, the spokesman said 1949 new connections were added in Kulgam, 1630 in Budgam, 1269 in Sopore, 982 in Anantnag, 935 in Tangmarg, 843 in Ganderbal, 812 in Shopian, 747 in Awantipora and 611 in Bijbehara Electric Division.

Apart from above, KDPCL has also intensified action against tampering of smart meters with several FIRs registered in concerned Police Stations. “Nearly 600 applications have been filed for registration of FIRs for smart meter tampering and other thefts like hooking,” he added.

Expressing concern over unauthorised use of electricity by consumers, the KPDCL spokesman said that even in peak summer months, reports of damage to distribution transformers are being received from some parts of Kashmir Valley. “KPDCL advises its consumers to avoid using crude heating gadgets like heaters and boilers, which have been banned by the Government,” he added.

The spokesman further stated that KPDCL has disconnected 11,450 consumers for non-payment of pending dues during the first quarter of the current financial year. This includes 8,655 domestic, 2,697 commercial, 94 hoteliers and 34 industrial units. “Outstanding arrears amounting to Rs.43.26 crore have also been recovered from the consumers,” he added.

Urging the consumers to ignore rumours on tariff hike, the spokesperson once again reiterated that KPDCL has not hiked electricity tariff in both metered and non-metered areas. He, however, stated that calibrated rationalization of load as per actual consumption in unmetered areas is being carried out by all Electric Subdivisions, following Supply Code regulations. “Consumers can opt for metered billing, if they find flat-rated charges disproportionate to their consumption,” the spokesman advised.

Chief Secretary directs to tighten noose on overcharges

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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.

Kishtwar admin finalises arrangements for Annual Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Yatra 2024

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KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Dr. Devansh Yadav   today presided over a meeting of the line departments and socio-religious representatives to discuss and finalize the necessary arrangements for 3-day  Sarthal Devi Ji Yatra set to commence from July 14, 2024.

The meeting was attended by SSP Abdul Qayoom; ADC Pawan Kotwal; ACR, Idrees Ahmed Lone; ACD Phulail Singh; AD Food/DIO   Shafqat Keen; Vice Chairman Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Trust Sanjeev Parihar; President SD Sabha Kishtwar Surinder Sen, besides district heads of the line departments & police and other religious representatives.

During the meeting, the Shri Sarthal Devi Ji Management Council informed the chair that the annual Sarthal Devi Yatra, in honor of Shri Ashtadash Bhuja Mata Sarthal Devi Ji, will take place on June 14 and 15, 2024. The Shobha Yatra will commence from Gauri Shankar Mandir Sarkoot at 2 PM on June 14, 2024, following the conclusion of the Hawan (religious ceremony) and Puran Aahuti (offering).

Emphasizing the importance of timely arrangements, the Deputy Commissioner urged the line departments to ensure that all necessary preparations are made ahead of time.

The SSP assured the meeting that foolproof security measures will be implemented, starting from the Gauri Shankar Mandir and extending along the route to Sarthal Mata Bhawan, on both days of the Yatra.

To ensure the successful conduct of the Yatra, the Deputy Commissioner directed for uninterrupted water supply, power supply, cleanliness/lime lining, healthcare facilities, provision of an ambulance with medical staff and necessary medicines, and the placement of fire tenders at Gauri Shankar Temple Sarkoot and Sarthal Devi temple for emergency response.

Furthermore, the ARTO was instructed to ensure an adequate number of vehicles with valid technical fitness certificates, as well as the preparation of alternative routes within the town to mitigate congestion and traffic.

The Assistant Commissioner Development and Municipal Council authorities were specifically tasked with organizing a mega cleanliness drive (Swachta Pakhwada) on June 10th and 11th, respectively around the Sarthal Temple, in addition to ensuring the upkeep of streets, lanes, and drains under their respective jurisdictions to guarantee the safety and well-being of the pilgrims.

DC Kishtwar also directed the Municipal Department to conduct regular cleanliness drives around Gauri Shankar Temple Sarkoot for three months during the Yatra period. The initiative aims to provide a tranquil experience to the pilgrims and tourists visiting the Gauri Shankar Mandir.

The executing agencies responsible for road maintenance were directed to conduct necessary repairs and upkeep on the roads from Hasti to Sarthal.

The ACD was entrusted with the responsibility of installing dustbins at the venue and taking appropriate measures to provide sanitary and toilet facilities at Bhawan.

The Deputy Commissioner appealed to both the local residents and pilgrims to uphold the religious sanctity and environmental serenity of the region by strictly adhering to the government’s guidelines, including the avoidance of plastic usage.

NO: PR/DDI/J/1219//

PWD (R&B) starts upgradation work on #Patnitop-#Sanasar Road

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#RAMBAN: The Public Works (R&B) Department #Ramban today initiated the up-gradation work on the Patnitop-Sanasar road, starting from the 11th kilometer to the 14th kilometer, with an estimated cost of Rs. 19.91 crore for Phase-1. This project includes the construction of a concrete road and is set to significantly enhance local transportation.

Member District Development Council Batote, Jagbir Das, launched the construction work in presence of Executive Engineer PWD (R&B) Ramban, Abhishek Gupta, Assistant Executive Engineer Batote, Satbir Singh, and Assistant Engineer, Abhinandan Gupta, along with other officials and local dignitaries.

The renovation of the road stretch was a long pending demand of local citizens and tourists, which receives heavy snowfall and rainfall all year round. This stretch of the road will be upgraded to intermediate concrete road with adequate cross drainage works, protection works, safety features, etc.

The Patnitop-Sanasar road is a critical 19-kilometer stretch, with the first 10 kilometers managed by GREF (BRO) and the remaining 9 kilometers by PWD (R&B). This latter section has been in poor condition, prompting demands for its improvement due to frequent potholes and adverse weather conditions.

The project aims to upgrade the road to an intermediate concrete road with enhanced drainage and safety features.

The DDC Member highlighted that the project will facilitate easier transport, boost tourism, generate employment, and ensure year-round connectivity. The UT Government, led by the Lt. Governor, has also committed to improving connectivity to Sanasar from the Nashri side, he added.

Patnitop and Sanasar are major tourist destinations in Jammu Province, attracting visitors for their natural beauty, adventure activities and religious tourism. The road improvement is expected to increase tourism and support local economic growth along with improvement in the education and healthcare sector.

Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024: Cleanliness drive takes center stage at Ganta Ghar Lal Chowk

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#SRINAGAR: The second day of the cleanliness awareness campaign for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Ganta Ghar (Clock Tower) Lal Chowk, here.

Pilgrims were welcomed with a grand reception marked by cultural performances and a strong commitment to cleanliness.

The event was graced by the chief guest Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur.

Among others present were Keshav Verma, Advisor to J&K Government on Smart Cities besides senior officials from SMC, LCMA, ULB, CTP and line departments.

The celebration beautifully blended tradition and modernity to promote a clean pilgrimage experience.

The Housing and Urban Development Department has mobilized a dedicated Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) team in collaboration with ‘Swaaha,’ an IIT Indore startup, and the artists’ group Hanuman Dhvaj Pathk. Their one-hour performance, “Swachhta ka Shiv Naad,” used drums, cymbals and tambourines to convey a message of environmental responsibility to thousands of pilgrims.

Mandeep Kaur highlighted the significance of the awareness campaign, aiming to encourage pilgrims to minimize plastic usage and maintain cleanliness. The efforts of Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in SANJY-2024 have been pivotal in achieving this goal.

Speaking on behalf of Swaha, Shri Sameer Sharma highlighted the comprehensive cleanliness campaign led by the Housing and Urban Development Department, Jammu and Kashmir.

 Cleanliness camps have been established along the yatra route, complemented by educational programs promoting a litter-free pilgrimage.

The inclusion of Nukkad Natak performances has further bolstered enthusiasm among pilgrims, fostering a collective commitment to uphold cleanliness standards and reduce plastic waste. These street plays will continue to engage pilgrims across various ULBs along the entire yatra route throughout the pilgrimage period.

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

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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.

Lt Governor inspects facilities for pilgrims at Yatra transit camp Pantha Chowk

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#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.

Lt Governor inspects arrangements made for pilgrims at Chandanwari base camp

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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.

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Shiv Sena urges devotees of Bhole Baba to visit Amarnath Yatra...

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#PAHALGAM: Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) Jammu and Kashmir unit has urged the devotees of Bhole Baba to visit the holy shrine of Amarnath...