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Katra, December 17: The Chief Executive Officer, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board (SMVDSB), Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, today felicitated Para Archer Payal Nag of the SMVD Sports Complex for her commendable participation and noteworthy performance in the Asian Youth Para Games held in Dubai, UAE, from December 7 to 14, 2025.

Payal Nag, hailing from Odisha and trained at the SMVD Sports Complex, Katra for the past about three years, represented India in the Compound U‑21 Women Open category, competing against leading para archers from across Asia. Her poised and determined performance underscored the growing capabilities and emerging promise of para archery at the SMVD Sports Complex on the international platform. Though she narrowly missed a podium finish, her participation and overall display were highly praiseworthy and motivating.

Ms. Abhilasha Chaudhary, Archery Coach of the Shrine Board, who accompanied the Indian Para Archery contingent during the championship, was appreciated for her dedicated contribution to the sport and her role in mentoring young athletes.

The Chief Executive Officer presented Mata Ka Prasad to the sportsperson as a gesture of divine blessings and appreciation. He commended her unwavering spirit and conveyed his best wishes for her future endeavours in national and international events.

The CEO further reiterated that the Shrine Board, under the visionary guidance of Shri Manoj Sinha, Hon’ble Chairman, SMVDSB (Lieutenant Governor, J&K‑UT), remains committed to empowering youth and providing a strong platform for nurturing sporting excellence. He emphasized that the SMVD Sports Complex is being developed as a Centre of Excellence and encouraged sportspersons to make optimal use of the state‑of‑the‑art facilities available.

Also present on the occasion were Shri Satish Kumar Sharma Jt. Chief Executive Office; Shri Dhruv Gupta, Asstt. Chief Executive Officer and the concerned Coach from the SMVD Sports Complex.


JAMMU, DECEMBER 17: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today inaugurated multiple road projects worth Rs. 10.27 crore in various areas of Bhalwal in Jammu district.

The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by Chairman DDC Jammu, Bharat Bhushan and MLA Nagrota, Devyani Rana.

During the tour, the Deputy Chief Minister inaugurated the newly constructed 2.50-km road at New Bridge Julee Simbliwala. He also inaugurated a 1.10-km road at Dharam Khoo connecting Phagwari, Kamyara, Magotra and Mohalla Nallah Wallah in Lower Gharota, Jammu.

Similarly, the Deputy Chief Minister inaugurated a 1.25-km link road from Bhera to Sobka via Mohalla Khajuria, Lower Gharota, Jammu. He also inaugurated a 2.50-km road project from Lift Irrigation Batera to Behra Panchayat Ghar, Lower Gharota, Bhalwal.

Later, the Deputy Chief Minister visited Lower Amb, Bhalwal, where he inaugurated a 22-metre span double-lane through-type plate girder bridge over the Ranbir Canal.

Terming these projects crucial for hassle-free connectivity, the Deputy Chief Minister said the construction of these roads would significantly enhance the accessibility and help upgrade the livelihoods of the people in the area. He added that the completion of these projects has fulfilled long-pending demands of the local population.

The Deputy Chief Minister directed the concerned departments to expedite the completion of all other ongoing developmental works in Bhalwal.

He reiterated that the Government is fully committed to ensuring seamless connectivity for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

During the tour, various public deputations met the Deputy Chief Minister and expressed gratitude for his close monitoring of developmental works and timely completion of projects in the area. The locals also raised several issues and demands.

The Deputy Chief Minister gave them a patient hearing and assured that all genuine issues would be taken up for speedy redressal. He said the Government remains committed to timely completion of all ongoing projects, including those pending for years across Jammu and Kashmir.

Engineer in Chief, R&B Rajesh Gupta, Executive Engineer R&B Division, Nagrota, Dardar Khan and other senior officers of the concerned department also accompanied the Deputy Chief Minister during the tour.


SAMBA, DECEMBER 10: A meeting of the District level Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA) was held today at the Meeting Hall of the District Administrative Complex. The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner, Ayushi Sudan.

The meeting commenced with a welcome address by SPCA Member Secretary, Dr. Rahul Dev who briefed the meeting on the functioning and ongoing animal welfare initiatives. A detailed presentation was made regarding the latest directions issued by the Supreme Court of India vide Order dated 07.11.2025.

The directions highlighted, inter alia, the nomination of Departmental Nodal Officers for monitoring Government infrastructure with respect to adequate fencing, boundary walls, gates and other necessary structural or administrative measures, along with submission of updated inventories. The meeting also deliberated upon specific instructions for Municipal Corporations, Municipal Councils, Municipal Committees, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Health Department, Youth & Sports Services Department, Education Department and other allied departments concerning the management and regulation of the stray animal population.

The Deputy Commissioner issued on-the-spot directions to all concerned departments to ensure strict compliance with the Supreme Court directives and instructed for submission of fortnightly compliance reports for onward transmission to the higher authorities.

The meeting was attended by representatives of the Forest Department, Police Department, Panchayati Raj Institutions, Wildlife Department, Municipal Council and Municipal Committees, among others.


JAMMU, DECEMBER 10: The Director Horticulture Jammu, Gul Sayed today flagged off the Exposure Visit of Farmers and Orchardists to Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) in Ludhiana.

The visit of farmers has been organised under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) for the year 2025-26. The programme was held in the presence of Chief Horticulture Officer Jammu, R.K. Kotwal, DLSMS, Rakesh Kumar Bhagat and HDO Bhalwal, Ravinder Kumar.

The exposure visit aims to enhance the technical knowledge of farmers and orchardists by providing firsthand experience of advanced horticultural practices and technologies being adopted outside the Union Territory.


DODA, DECEMBER 10:   Deputy Commissioner (DC), Harvinder Singh today formally inaugurated the Alpha Cup 2025 – 1st Edition, a T-20 Leather Ball Cricket Tournament organized by the District Administration Doda. The much-awaited sporting event commenced here at Sports Stadium amidst enthusiastic participation from players and spectators.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Anil Kumar Thakur, ACD, EO MC, Maj Dinesh Kumar Badsara of 10 RR Arnora and  other officers were present on the occasion, along with a large number of sports enthusiasts and local citizens who gathered to witness the opening ceremony.

The Deputy Commissioner lauded the initiative aimed at promoting sports culture and encouraging youth participation in constructive activities. He interacted with the participating teams, inspected the sports arrangements and conveyed his best wishes to all players for a competitive and disciplined tournament ahead.

NEWS

Hindustan Shiv Sena today honored Dr. Azhar Malik, HOD of the Dental College Jammu, recognizing his excellent services. Local doctors have been urged by Vikrant Kapoor to draw inspiration from Dr. Azhar Malik's work.

On December 10, a delegation of party leaders led by Hindustan Shiv Sena State President Vikrant Kapoor visited the Indira Gandhi Government Dental College and Hospital Jammu. They met with Dr. Azhar Malik, HOD and Professor of the PG Department of Conservative Dentistry and Endodontics, to acknowledge his outstanding contributions. Dr. Malik was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the party.

During their visit, the Hindustan Shiv Sena team toured various units under Dr. Malik's supervision, finding them in excellent condition. Patients from Poonch, Rajouri, and other remote areas expressed high satisfaction with the treatment received. The team observed that special care is taken to ensure patients leave the hospital satisfied. Dr. Azhar Malik also maintains a strong rapport with the community, and patients appreciate his working style.

State President of Hindustan Shiv Sena, Vikrant Kapoor, praised Dr. Malik, stating, "Seeing the way HOD Azhar Malik is maintaining a good rapport with the people and satisfies the patients coming there with his sweet behavior, local doctors should also take inspiration from him and follow in his footsteps."

Accompanying Kapoor on the visit were State Senior Vice President of Hindustan Shiv Sena and Jammu and Kashmir in-charge Ramesh Gupta, Parveen Gupta, senior leader Sunil Debgotra, Rakesh, Baba Ram Kaith, Abhishek, Himanshu, Amit, and Women Wing leader Jyoti Devi, among others.




JAMMU, DECEMBER 09: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a meeting to comprehensively review the augmentation of undergraduate and postgraduate seats across Government Medical Colleges (GMCs), Dental Colleges, Ayurvedic and Unani Colleges by the Health & Medical Education (H&ME) Department in J&K.

The meeting was attended by Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department; Director, SKIMS; Principals of Government Medical Colleges; Director, Coordination; and other senior officers of the department.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary took a detailed appraisal of the MD/MS, DM/MCh, DNB and MDS seats that were augmented during the previous academic year and reviewed the roadmap prepared by the medical colleges for further expansion in the coming session. Emphasising the need to strengthen super-speciality Heath care in the UT, he directed the two Super Speciality Hospitals and SKIMS Medical College to ensure allocation of DM and MCh seats from the next academic session.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed the status of additional MBBS seats sanctioned for various medical colleges and urged the remaining institutions to apply for an additional 50 MBBS seats as soon as the application portal is opened by the National Medical Commission (NMC). He informed the meeting that a college-wise assessment would be undertaken immediately after the portal is opened to closely monitor progress and ensure timely submissions.

Further, the Chief Secretary directed the Principals of Government Dental Colleges at Jammu and Srinagar to take all necessary measures to introduce new MDS courses and increase intake capacity. He also called upon the Ayurvedic and Unani Colleges to actively pursue enhancement of seats in their respective institutions.

Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department, Dr Syed Abid Rashid Shah, informed the meeting that each medical institution has designated a Nodal Officer for augmentation of UG and PG seats to ensure strict compliance with NMC norms and timely completion of statutory requirements.

He revealed that during the previous academic session, medical colleges across J&K were augmented with 128 MD/MS seats, 46 DNB seats and 2 DM/MCh seats, while for the forthcoming 2026–27 session, the institutions are proposing to add 284 MD/MS seats, 35 DNB seats and 36 DM/MCh seats.

Regarding MBBS admissions, the Secretary stated that 50 additional seats each were sanctioned for GMCs at Anantnag, Baramulla, Rajouri and Doda, while 20 seats each were added to GMC Srinagar and GMC Jammu. He further informed that GMCs at Udhampur, Rajouri, Handwara and SKIMS Bemina are planning to apply for an additional 50 MBBS seats in the upcoming session.

Director, SKIMS, Dr Mohammad Ashraf Ganie, apprised the meeting of the Institute’s preparedness to apply for a substantial increase in seats during the forthcoming NMC application window. He stated that SKIMS is set to apply for around 130 postgraduate seats and 50 undergraduate seats in the next academic session, expressing confidence in meeting all regulatory requirements for securing the approvals.

The Principals of the respective medical institutions also shared their institution-specific plans for augmentation of UG and PG seats and assured that applications would be submitted promptly as soon as the NMC opens the portal in the weeks to come.


JAMMU, DECEMBER 8: Minister for FCS&CA, Youth Services and Sports, IT, ARI & Trainings, Satish Sharma, today conducted an extensive visit to Balgran Channi Rama (Destitute Children Home) to review the facilities, interact with the children and assess on-ground requirements for further strengthening of the institution.

During the visit, the Minister inspected the lodging facilities, essential amenities, educational support, healthcare arrangements and recreational infrastructure being provided to the inmates. He also reviewed implementation of various Social Welfare schemes aimed at supporting the destitute and vulnerable children.

 Satish Sharma interacted with the inmates and assured them that the government is working hard towards ensuring a nurturing and empowering environment for their overall development.

Sharma conducted a detailed inspection of the cricket ground and volleyball ground within the Balgram campus. He emphasized the importance of sports in shaping confidence, discipline and physical fitness among the children.

To enhance recreational facilities, the Minister announced installation of solar lights across the sports areas and campus surroundings, ensuring proper illumination, safety and extended activity hours for the children.

The Minister directed the officials to take prompt action on all issues highlighted during the inspection and submit a follow-up compliance report at the earliest.

 Joint Controller Legal Metrology, Manoj Prabhakar, was also present on the occasion. He assessed the availability and quality of essential services being extended to the inmates there.


POONCH, DECEMBER 8: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today visited Poonch and chaired an extensive review meeting held with the district and sectoral officers regarding development projects being executed in the district.

Senior officials from PWD (R&B), Industries & Commerce, Labour and Employment, Skill Development and Mining Departments besides other stakeholders attended the meeting.

The Deputy Chief Minister conducted a detailed assessment of the ongoing schemes and developmental works including roads and bridges. He emphasized the need to enhance public service delivery and called for intensified awareness camps for youth and the general public on welfare schemes. The status of ITI and Polytechnic institutions was also reviewed in detail.

During the meeting, Surinder Choudhary reviewed major ongoing projects including construction of Mini Secretariat Mendhar. He directed the concerned officers to ensure early completion of the remaining works. He also instructed the PWD Engineers to expedite the construction activities at the Jammu University Campus.

The Dy CM reviewed progress on Model Residential School at Village Behra, Mendhar and issued strict directions to accelerate the pace of progress while maintaining high-quality standards. He also reviewed various road and motorable bridge projects and reiterated the need for completing works within stipulated timelines without compromising on quality.

Taking stock of PMGSY projects, he examined their tendering status and expenditures.

The Deputy Chief Minister directed the OC GREF to conduct on-ground inspection of ongoing works, ensure quality checks and remove potholes to facilitate smooth travel for the public.

Surinder Choudhary asked the concerned departments to maintain close coordination with DDCs, MLAs and other stakeholders to ensure better monitoring and efficient execution of developmental works.

The meeting was attended by DDC Chairperson Tazim Akhter and MLA Surankote Ch Mohammad Akram.


Reviews development works, departmental functioning

KHOUR, DECEMBER 07: Reaffirming government’s commitment towards citizen-centric governance and accessible administration at the grassroots level, Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA); Information Technology; Transport; Youth Services & Sports,  Satish Sharma, today convened a public darbar-cum-grievances redressal camp at Khour, drawing a massive participation from the local residents.

The outreach programme served as an important platform for the public to voice their concerns, submit grievances and seek intervention on issues impacting everyday life. The people highlighted matters relating to ration distribution, transport facilities, road connectivity, drinking water availability, youth-related infrastructure, digital services and local development gaps.

The camp was attended by  sectoral officers from all departments including FCS&CA, Transport, IT, PHE, PWD, PDD, Rural Development, Revenue, Agriculture, Horticulture, Social Welfare, Animal Husbandry, Education, Youth Services & Sports with updated data, records and field reports. This ensured immediate response to several issues on the spot.

During a detailed review of the grievances presented by the public, the Minister directed  the officers to ensure early and time-bound resolution of all genuine complaints. He also asked for timely follow-up with concerned field functionaries and regular monitoring of public service delivery in their respective jurisdictions.

"Improved coordination between the departments for resolving interlinked issues should also be done besides enhanced visibility and accountability of government offices at the local level, " maintained the Minister.

He cautioned that delay in addressing the public concerns would not be tolerated. He directed the officers to maintain a proactive approach in attending to the needs of the people, especially in rural and border belt areas like Khour. He also directed for ensuring that all the quality parameters are strictly adhered to.

The Minister also interacted with various delegations, local representatives and community leaders who apprised him of sector-specific challenges and ongoing developmental requirements. He assured them that their issues would be taken up at the appropriate levels and addressed in a phased and result-oriented manner.

 Satish Sharma, while interacting with media, said that the government is committed to resolve the issues raised by KAS aspirants, sportspersons demanding jobs under SO 12 and all other public welfare issues. He said that we are also abreast with the problems of the people especially those living in the border areas. He said that emphasis is being laid on development of border tourism, which would give fillip to economic activities and also create job avenues for them.


Secretary RDD reviews Development Progress in Poonch

POONCH, DECEMBER 06: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, emphasised the need for renewed commitment from officers and field staff to ensure the effective and timely execution of government schemes, stating that the ultimate objective of all development initiatives is to deliver maximum benefits to the common people.

During his visit to Poonch, Secretary conducted a comprehensive Panchayat-wise review of major Centrally Sponsored Schemes, including MGNREGA, PMAY-G, SBM-G, NRLM, RGSA, IWMP and allied programmes. He directed officers to expedite project execution, address grassroots-level bottlenecks and ensure steady progress across all schemes. Stressing the need to prioritise works of public importance, he called for ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives rightful entitlements.

Highlighting the importance of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), Aijaz Asad instructed officials to complete all pending houses within stipulated timelines, noting the scheme’s role in supporting homeless and vulnerable families.

He also reviewed the status of e-KYC, Awas Plus 2.0, CD and Panchayat works, RGSA, TSP Plan and Self-Help Group (SHG) activities, besides other key programme components.

Reiterating the importance of strict financial discipline, the Secretary stressed the need for seamless fund flow, enhanced utilisation capacity and timely submission of Utilisation Certificates (UCs) to ensure uninterrupted implementation of schemes.

During the meeting, it was informed that nearly 15,612 assets were completed under MGNREGA during the financial year 2025–26. Under PMAY-G, 48,736 houses were constructed, while 114 works were completed under UT Capex and CD & Panchayat, and 500 works under the District Capex.

Earlier, District Development Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma briefed the Secretary on the progress of ongoing developmental works and departmental initiatives.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik; Assistant Commissioner Development Shakeel Ahmed; Executive Engineers, Block Development Officers and other field officers. Scheme heads and officers of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department also participated through virtual mode.

As part of the visit, Aijaz Asad also inaugurated development projects worth 1 crore in the Haveli constituency. These included the Plastic Waste Management Unit at Jhulass Lower near the Panchayat Ghar in Block Poonch and ten Water Harvesting Tanks under PMKSY 2.0 in Block Sathra. He also laid the e-foundation for the Common Facility Centre Building at Village Gagrian in Block Mandi, along with sixteen additional Water Harvesting Tanks under PMKSY 2.0 developed in convergence with MGNREGA in Block Sathra.

These initiatives, he said, reflect the Government’s continued focus on strengthening rural infrastructure, promoting sustainable development and ensuring timely and efficient service delivery to the people.



Emphasizes cashless transactions, action against overloaded vehicles

KATHUA, DECEMBER 06: Secretary Transport, Avny Lavasa, today conducted a surprise visit to MVD Tax Collection Post at Lakhanpur and had a detailed review of its functioning.

During the inspection, the Secretary interacted with the staff on duty and directed the RTO Kathua to ensure complete discontinuation of manual cash transactions. She instructed that all tax collections must be carried out strictly through the POS machines installed at the post.

Avny Lavasa asked the officers to ensure that vehicles from outside the UT without valid documents are not allowed entry into Jammu and Kashmir through the Lakhanpur post.

The Secretary also inspected the non-functional weighing bridges presently under the control of the State Taxes Department at the entry point. She directed the RTO Kathua to prepare an estimate and DPR for repair and upgradation of at least two weigh bridges. The functional weighing facility, she emphasized, will help in ensuring strict action against the overloaded goods vehicles.

RTO Kathua, Surinder Paul Sharma, apprised the Secretary of the need for real-time data sharing by the National Highways Authority of India regarding overloaded vehicles passing through NHAI weigh bridges at Lakhanpur. He urged for issuing necessary so that appropriate enforcement action can be taken to prevent revenue loss to the government.

The Secretary assured that the matter will be taken up with NHAI.

Later, speaking to media persons, the Secretary said that regular checking drives will be intensified across the UT to curb traffic violations. She said that the department is committed towards providing hassle-free services and ensuring safe transport facilities for the commuters.

Avny Lavasa added that strict action, including suspension of driving licences, route permits and registration certificates of habitual traffic violators, will be taken to minimize road accidents and safeguard the human lives. She also stated that infrastructure of MVD Kathua will be upgraded in line with the departmental requirements.