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JAMMU, NOVEMBER 3: The Department of Horticulture Jammu and Kashmir today announced its active participation in the upcoming Jhiri Mela 2025, a revered cultural and spiritual fair held annually in honour of farmer saint Baba Jittoo.

This yearly event will be held from November 4 to November 12 at Jhiri village and is expected to draw thousands of devotees and visitors from across the region.

The Horticulture Department will set up a dedicated exhibition stall to highlight the rich diversity of horticultural produce from Jammu and Kashmir. The stall will feature fresh fruits from local orchards and farms; demonstrations on high-density plantation techniques and expert guidance on government schemes and subsidies.

Speaking about the initiative, the Director of Horticulture, Jammu said, “Jhiri Mela is not only a spiritual gathering but also a platform to connect with our farming community. Through this exhibition, we aim to educate and empower growers with modern horticultural practices and promote horticulture-entrepreneurship.

The department has invited the public, especially farmers and agriculture-enthusiasts to visit the stall and interact with horticulture experts, extension officers and progressive growers.


NAGROTA, NOVEMBER 03 — Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate for the upcoming by-elections to the Nagrota Assembly Constituency, Ms. Devyani Rana, today met the grieving family of Shubham Manhas, a daily wager with the Power Development Department (PDD), who tragically lost his life while performing his duty.

 

Ms Rana met the grieving family, other mourners and people from the area at the National Highway where they were staging protests over the incident, seeking accountability for negligence.

 

She also joined the mourners at the cremation ground where the mortal remains of the deceased were consigned to flames amid mantras.

 

 At his residence, Ms Devyani Rana expressed her profound sorrow over the tragic death, offered condolences and expressed solidaritry. She said the loss of Shri Manhas is a huge tragedy for the family and no words can truly ease their pain.

 

She prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the family to bear this irreparable loss.

 

 Interacting with the mourners, Ms. Devyani Rana expressed deep concern over the growing occurrences of such tragic mishaps involving power department field staff. She said that these repeated incidents point to serious gaps in safety protocols and must be examined at the highest level to evolve a robust and foolproof system that ensures the protection of workers performing high-risk duties.

 

 Ms. Rana emphasized that the safety of maintenance and technical staff cannot be compromised under any circumstances, and called for immediate corrective and preventive measures to minimize such accidents in the future. She reiterated that those working tirelessly to maintain essential services deserve a safe and secure work environment, equipped with proper gear, training, and supervision.

 

 

She further urged the concerned authorities to conduct a thorough investigation into the circumstances leading to this unfortunate incident, to determine accountability and prevent recurrence. Ms. Rana also sought immediate and adequate compensation for the bereaved family, along with all possible institutional support to help them rebuild their lives in this hour of immense loss.

Calls for effective, transparent utilisation of public funds

JAMMU, NOVEMBER 03: Minister for Education, Sakeena Itoo today chaired a meeting at Civil Secretariat here to review the performance and functioning of School Education department across Jammu division.

The meeting was attended by Secretary School Education department, Ram Niwas Sharma; Project Director Samagra Shiksha, Bhawani Rakwal; Director School Education Jammu, Naseem Javid Chowdhary; Chief Education Officers of all districts of Jammu and other concerned officers of School Education department.

During the meeting, the Minister assessed the progress of various centrally sponsored schemes, infrastructure development projects, academic reforms, and digital learning initiatives aimed at improving the quality of education across government schools.

During the meeting, the Minister emphasized on the efficient and transparent utilisation of public funds to strengthen the education ecosystem. She stressed that every rupee allocated for education sector must be spent judiciously and with measurable outcomes.

She directed officers to ensure timely completion of ongoing projects, particularly those related to school infrastructure, ICT labs, teacher training, and learning enhancement programmes. She asked them to address bottlenecks on priority and submit regular progress reports to the department.

The Minister called for the adoption of transparent monitoring mechanisms and periodic audits to prevent fund lapses and ensure that benefits reach the grassroots level. She further instructed officers to strengthen community participation through School Management committees and promote accountability at every administrative tier.

Highlighting the government’s focus on inclusive and equitable education, the Minister also underscored the importance of bridging learning gaps, enhancing the teaching-learning process, and improving student learning outcomes, particularly in rural and far-flung areas.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment to transforming the education sector, the Minister assured that the government would continue to support initiatives that empower teachers, modernize classrooms, and create a robust learning environment for all students.

“Education is the foundation of any progressive society. Transparent utilisation of funds and effective monitoring of schemes will ensure schools becoming centres of excellence,” the Minister stated.

While reviewing other aspects of the department, the Minister strictly instructed the CEOs that school children shouldn’t be sent to Government functions, particularly during peak academic and examination session, without prior approval and permission of respective Directors.

The Education Minister further asked the CEOs to take reviews in their respective districts from the Assembly Constituency level and prepare all data accordingly so that the MLAs are provided timely information. She also asked them to take MLAs on board while initiating any new developmental projects in their respective districts.



JAMMU, NOVEMBER 03: On the first day of opening of the Darbar Move at Civil Secretariat here, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma today conducted comprehensive inspection of all the offices functioning under his Ministry.

The Minister, accompanied by senior officers of the concerned departments, visited various sections and reviewed the working of the administrative units including the offices of FCS&CA, IT, Transport, and Youth Services & Sports. He took stock of the arrangements made for the smooth conduct of official business in the Secretariat and assessed the readiness of staff and infrastructure following the shift to the winter capital.

During the inspection, Satish Sharma interacted with officers and employees, enquired about their requirements, and instructed them to maintain the highest standards of discipline, punctuality, and efficiency. He emphasized on the importance of citizen-centric approach in governance, stating that our focus must always remain on prompt service delivery, accountability, and transparency in every aspect of administration.

He further directed the departmental heads to ensure effective coordination between field offices and the Secretariat so that public grievances are addressed in a time-bound manner.

The Minister also reviewed key ongoing initiatives under each department, particularly digital service expansion under the IT Department, consumer protection measures under FCS&CA, road safety awareness campaigns under the Transport Department, and sports development programs being implemented across Jammu and Kashmir.

Highlighting the government’s commitment to responsive and efficient administration, Satish Sharma said that the reopening of the Secretariat marks the beginning of another productive session of governance aimed at accelerating the pace of public welfare and infrastructure development. He called upon all officers to rededicate themselves to the mission of good governance and ensure that every government initiative reaches the grassroots level effectively.

The Minister expressed satisfaction over the arrangements made in various offices and assured that all necessary support will be extended to further strengthen departmental functioning.


Jammu: The Jammu & Kashmir State Level Contest of “Kahin Gum Na Ho Jayein – Season 8” culminated in a vibrant and memorable finale at Jammu Club, Jammu, on November 2, 2025.


The competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from talented home chefs, food enthusiasts, and professionals across the Union Territory.

Sakeena Begum was declared the Jammu & Kashmir State Winner, followed by Kanta Smailpuri as the 1st Runner-Up, and Gunkirat Kour securing the position of 2nd Runner-Up. Consolation Prizes were awarded to Arjun Sharma and Siya Sharma for their commendable performances.


Special recognitions went to Pooja Suri for Best Presentation, Madhvi Abrol for Best Attire, Nausheen for Best Drink, and Preety Sharma along with Atul Kumar for Best Dessert (Upcoming Chefs). A special mention was also made for Neeru Gulati under the Senior Citizen Participation category.


Organized by Let’s Give Back, a registered NGO, in association with Studio KAVA and Jammu Club, this unique national cookery contest aims to revive and promote traditional Indian recipes while spotlighting the country’s diverse culinary heritage.  

The initiative was founded by the late Babeetta Saxena in 2016 and continues to thrive under the guidance of Co-Founder Retd. Col. Atul Saxena, following her passing on May 16, 2021.

This season’s theme, “My State, My Plate,” highlighted the importance of preserving regional culinary traditions.

The contest is supported by Padma Shri Awardee Celebrity Chef Sanjeev Kapoor and Bollywood actress Ms. Suchitra Pillai, both of whom continue to champion the spirit of this initiative.

The event was graced by Gaurav Gupta, Honorary Secretary of Jammu Club, who attended as the Chief Guest and distributed prizes to the winners.

He lauded the participants for their creativity and congratulated the organizers for providing a national platform that blends culinary talent with a spirit of social contribution.

The competition is being held across 20 states, including Delhi/NCR, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Punjab, Gujarat, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Jammu & Kashmir.

The top three winners from J&K will represent the Union Territory in the Grand Finale to be held in NCR, January 2026, where a total prize pool of ₹1,50,000 awaits the national winners.

The event was graced by distinguished chefs and dignitaries from the hospitality sector. Special thanks to Jammu Club for hosting the event, to Studio KAVA for its creative collaboration, and to the esteemed jury panel — Chef Vinod Saini, Chef Kaushal, Chef Dr. Sanjay, and Dr. Hemla Aggarwal — for their expert evaluation.

The successful execution of the J&K State Round was led by State Coordinator Ms. Kalpana Vinay, under the guidance of Co-Founder Retd. Col. Atul Saxena. Sincere appreciation was also extended to Ms. Reena Mukherjee, Chief Coordinator of the National Event, for her leadership. Gratitude was expressed to gifting partners, media partner Jammu Media, and all supporters for their valuable contribution.

The event reaffirmed the mission of “Kahin Gum Na Ho Jayein – Season 8” — to celebrate talent, preserve India’s culinary diversity, and promote the joy of giving back to society.


RAJOURI, OCTOBER 30: The Department of Youth Services and Sports, Rajouri, in collaboration with District Administration Rajouri, witnessed a series of inspiring activities on the second day of the 29th National Youth Festival- a vibrant celebration of innovation, intellect and civic engagement.

The festival, which brought together young minds from across the region, continued to inspire with a dynamic lineup of activities that showcased the power of youth in shaping India's future.

The day commenced with a captivating Science Exhibition, where students presented groundbreaking projects spanning environmental sustainability, robotics, health innovation and rural technology. Their creativity and problem-solving skills reflected a deep commitment to addressing real-world challenges through scientific inquiry.

In a powerful display of civic consciousness, youth participants also delivered thought-provoking speeches on pivotal themes including the Emergency period in India, constitutional violations and the urgent need to safeguard democratic values. These presentations underscored the importance of historical awareness and active citizenship, sparking meaningful dialogue among attendees and dignitaries.

Speaking on the occasion, festival coordinators emphasized the role of youth as torchbearers of truth, innovation and justice. “This festival is not just a celebration—it’s a call to action. Our young participants are proving that they are ready to lead with knowledge, courage and integrity,” said a senior official from the department.

The Department of Youth Services and Sports remains committed to nurturing platforms that empower youth voices, promote scientific temper and uphold the democratic ethos of the nation.


RAMBAN, OCTOBER 30: The Institution’s Innovation Council (IIC) - Government Degree College Ramban in collaboration with the Technology Development Centre (PPDC) Extension Centre Srinagar, MSME, Government of India today organised a one-day workshop on Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) here on the College Campus.

 The event aimed to create awareness among students, faculty and budding entrepreneurs about the significance of intellectual property Rights in promoting creativity, innovation and business growth.

The workshop was graced by eminent resource persons, Dr. Anuj Gupta, Assistant Professor of Geography, GDC Ramban and Ajaz Hussain, Senior Officer, Ministry of MSME, Govt. of India, Extension Centre Srinagar and Nodal Officer of ESD Program.

 The experts delivered insightful presentations on patents, copyrights, trademarks and industrial designs, elaborating on procedures for filing and protecting intellectual property and emphasizing the importance of safeguarding innovative ideas in today’s competitive environment.

Dr. Jawaid Sarver, Assistant Professor of Botany and Convenor, IIC of the College, delivered the welcome address, while Prof. Satish Kumar, Principal of the College inaugurated the programme and lauded the efforts of the IIC Committee for organizing such an informative event.

The session featured interactive discussions where participants raised queries on patent filing, startup benefits and MSME support mechanisms for innovators. The experts addressed these with practical insights, guiding attendees on leveraging intellectual property for economic and professional advancement.

Prof. Raj Kumar Gupta, Associate Professor of Chemistry, presided over the programme and expressed gratitude to the Ministry of MSME, the resource persons and the IIC team for their contribution.

The workshop concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Romesh Sharma, followed by the distribution of participation certificates.

Around 150 students and staff members, including Prof. Sanjay Katal, Prof. Aditya Sharma, Dr. Rabinder Kumar, Prof. Ram Parkash, Prof. Arjun Gupta and Prof. Neetu Sharma, attended the workshop. The proceedings of the event were conducted by Dr. Vishal Baloria, Assistant Professor of History.

The workshop proved to be highly beneficial in enriching participants’ understanding of Intellectual Property Rights and motivating them to pursue innovation and entrepreneurship through legal and ethical means.


JAMMU, OCTOBER 30: The students of the Department of Home Science, Government College for Women (GCW), Parade Ground, Jammu, brought laurels to the institution by securing top positions at the prestigious Everest Better Kitchen Culinary Challenge (Everest BKCC) Season 7, hosted at the Food Craft Institute (FCI), Jammu.

The remarkable achievement was made possible under the dynamic leadership of the college Principal, Dr. Ravender Kumar Tickoo. Despite the ongoing internal assessments at the college, Dr. Tickoo graciously permitted and encouraged the students to participate, recognising the immense value of such platforms in enhancing practical knowledge and industry exposure. His unwavering support, vision and commitment to holistic student development were instrumental in making this participation a resounding success.

The event was further strengthened by the dedicated mentorship of Prof. Tazim Akhtar and Dr. Shazia Bashir, who served as Teachers In-Charge. Their hands-on guidance and encouragement during the preparation and competition played a pivotal role in shaping the students’ performance and confidence.

GCW Parade Ground’s Team Everest Kasuri Methi, represented by Asifa Zohra and Shabnam Kousar, secured the First Position in the culinary challenge. The college also celebrated success in the Better Kitchen Bakery Champion category with Archi Sharma and Rishita Sharma winning Second Position and Taniya Sharma and Tanisha Chadha securing Third Position.

The Everest BKCC Season 7, organized by Better Kitchen Magazine, is India’s largest culinary competition for hotel management students. The initiative aims to bridge the gap between education and industry by nurturing young talent and promoting Indian regional cuisine on a global platform. The Jammu round featured a distinguished jury comprising Chef Rajib Mitra (Radisson Blu), Chef Sudhin N. Gaikwad (Taj Vivanta), Chef Nayan (Amantran) and Mohinder Singh (Radisson Blu) among other dignitaries.

GCW Parade Ground extends heartfelt gratitude to Principal JyotiBhatti and the entire team at FCI Nagrota for their warm hospitality and for providing such a vibrant and enriching platform. Their support and encouragement greatly contributed to the students’ memorable experience and success.

The Department of Home Science remains committed to fostering skill-based learning and professional excellence and this achievement stands as a testament to the college’s dedication to empowering students through experiential education.


Minister for Jal Shakti Department, Javed Ahmad Rana today said that the policy for regularization of daily-wagers is under consideration.

The Minister was replying to a question raised by Legislator Dr Sajjad Shafi in the Legislative Assembly.

He said that there is shortage of staff due to the superannuation of several field employees in the department.

Sharing details, the Minister said that 125 of Assistant Lineman are present, while as only eight lineman posts are vacant in PHE Sub-Division Uri.

However, the Minister said to ensure regular water supply to the people and continued operation and maintenance of Water Supply Schemes (WSS), interim arrangements have been ensured though the internal deployment of available manpower, including regular employees and daily wagers, until the vacant posts are filled through formal recruitment, promotion, or redeployment as per departmental norms.


Discusses Rationalisation of Reservation and Constitutional Violations in Implementation of Articles 243D(6) & 243T(6)

Jammu, October 28: The OBC Department of the Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) today convened an important meeting at the Congress Party Head Office, Jammu, under the chairmanship of Madan Lal Chalotra, Chairman, OBC Department J&K PCC.

The meeting was attended by Jagdish Kashyap, Joint Coordinator OBC Department; Amit Mehra, State Coordinator OBC Department; Prem Sagar, Joint Coordinator OBC Department; Shamshar Bhagat, Vice Chairman SC Department J&K PCC; Ajaz Ahmad Ganai, Chairman OBC Department District Kishtwar; Nisar Ahmad Lohar, Secretary OBC Department District Doda; Dewan Chand, Chairman SC Department District Jammu; and Sonu Gandhi, OBC Youth Leader Congress Party.

The meeting discussed in detail various crucial aspects related to the rationalisation of reservation in Jammu and Kashmir and expressed serious concern over the unconstitutional dilution of OBC rights. Members unanimously condemned the fraudulent and arbitrary implementation of Articles 243D(6) and 243T(6) of the Constitution of India, which provide for the reservation of seats for OBCs in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

State Coordinator Amit Mehra stated that despite the clear directions of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has failed to ensure a constitutionally valid and data-driven reservation structure for OBCs. He underlined that the triple test formula laid down by the Supreme Court — including (1) the constitution of a dedicated OBC Commission, (2) collection of empirical data on OBC population, and (3) proportionate reservation based on that data — has been conveniently ignored. He remarked that such selective and manipulative governance is a direct injustice to the backward communities of Jammu and Kashmir.

Chairman Madan Lal Chalotra highlighted that OBCs have been historically deprived of their due political representation in local governance structures. He added that the government’s move to sideline OBCs under the pretext of reservation rationalisation is not only unconstitutional but also a betrayal of the principle of social justice. He made it clear that if the government fails to implement the constitutional procedure as directed by the Supreme Court, the OBC Department of JKPCC will approach the Hon’ble High Court of Jammu and Kashmir to seek justice and uphold constitutional rights.

All the participants unanimously resolved to intensify the campaign for OBC rights, social justice, and fair political representation in Jammu and Kashmir. The leaders reaffirmed their faith in the Congress Party’s ideology of equality, inclusiveness, and empowerment and pledged that the OBC Department will continue its struggle until justice is delivered to the backward classes in the true constitutional spirit.