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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.

The event started with welcoming the Zonal Medical Officer, Dr.Raj Kumar under whose supervision the entire internship was conducted.

The 15 day internship programme was conducted in the month of July - August 2025 at Ayushman Arogya Mandir, providing students hands-on training in handling basic medical equipment, first aid, checking blood pressure and blood group. The internship aimed to develop skills in students that can prepare them for employment and apply theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges. The ceremony acknowledged the students' hard work and dedication and provided them with certificates and recognition for their efforts.

Faculty present at the event included Prof, Pankaj Nandan IQAC Convener, Prof Suresh Chander Convener Cultural Committee, Prof Anu Sharma, NSS PO, Prof Vasundra Raje, HoD Sociology, Sushil Singh,  Krishan Singh and Ankush Kundral.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Surinder Mohan Sharma, Chief Planning Officer, Ranjeet Thakur, Assistant Commissioner Development, Akhil Sadotra, Chief Education Officer, Executive Engineers of PWD Kathua, JPDCL and Ground Water, District Youth Services and Sports Officer, Block Development Officers, sectoral officers and other concerned officials.

Executive Engineers of PWD Basohli, Hiranagar, Billawar and BDOs also joined the meeting virtually.

During the meeting, the DDC reviewed sector-wise and department-wise physical and financial progress of works taken up under different components of the District Capex Budget including Regular Schemes, Seema Samridhi Yojna, Area Development Funds, PRI Grants and other ongoing projects.

The DDC emphasized the need for expeditious completion of all ongoing developmental works to ensure timely creation of durable public assets. He directed all departments to adhere to approved timelines and maintain transparency and quality standards during execution.

While reviewing the progress, the DDC directed officers to prioritize people-centric projects, particularly those related to rural infrastructure, water supply, education, health and road connectivity. He called for effective coordination among departments to remove bottlenecks and ensure smooth implementation of projects.

The meeting also discussed fund utilization, tendering processes and submission of utilization certificates.

The DDC instructed officers to ensure that all allocated funds are fully utilized within the stipulated time frame.

He further directed that all departments complete both physical and financial targets by December 31, 2025, noting that a 75 percent expenditure cut-off will be imposed thereafter.

The DDC asked departments to give special focus to Billawar and Bani areas in view of the approaching winter season which may hamper developmental activities in those regions.

The DDC underlined the importance of timely and quality execution of developmental projects to strengthen grassroots governance and improve public service delivery, urging officers to work with dedication, efficiency and accountability.

Live streaming of national launch, mass recitation, padyatras held across offices & institutions

KATHUA, NOVEMBER 7: District Kathua today joined the nationwide Vande Mataram @150 celebrations, commemorating 150 years of the National Song, with the district-level event held at the DC Office Complex.

The programme featured live streaming of the national inaugural ceremony addressed by the Prime Minister, followed by a collective rendition and recitation of Vande Mataram.

Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma; SSP Mohita Sharma; District officers, sectoral heads and employees were present on the occasion. The gathering resonated with patriotic fervor as officers and participants together paid tribute to the spirit of national unity and cultural heritage.

In a show of widespread participation and public engagement, similar ceremonies were conducted simultaneously across government offices, schools, colleges and other institutions in the district. Padyatras, awareness programmes and cultural renditions formed part of the day’s activities under the ongoing Vande Mataram @150 campaign.

Further, mass recitation of Vande Mataram was held across various offices, educational campuses and field institutions, where students, youth groups, staff and community members actively took part, echoing a unified expression of national pride.

The district administration has urged public cooperation and continued participation in upcoming events scheduled under the campaign, reinforcing the message of shared identity, harmony and collective national spirit.

Stresses on effective implementation of HADP, financial inclusion schemes for farmers

KATHUA, OCTOBER 14: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today chaired a meeting of the Agriculture and allied departments to assess the physical and financial progress of the schemes being implemented in the district. The meeting was convened in the VC Hall of the DC Office Complex.

Chief Planning Officer Ranjit Thakur; Chief Agriculture Officer, Jatinder Kumar; Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, Dr Jugal Kishore; District Sheep Husbandry Officer, Ramesh Kumar Manhas; AD Fisheries Pawan Sharma; Chief Horticulture Officer Ashwani Kumar; Dy Registrar Cooperative Shruti Sharma besides representatives of different banks attended the meeting.

The Deputy Commissioner took a detailed appraisal of activities under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP) and other flagship initiatives focused on strengthening the rural economy and promoting financial inclusion. He emphasized coordinated and result-oriented efforts among all departments including Banks to achieve set targets within stipulated timelines for the larger welfare of the farming community.

Assessing the progress made in Agriculture sector, the DC reviewed the ground level impact of different beneficiary-oriented schemes, including Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), Atal Pension Yojana (APY), Kisan Credit Card (KCC), PM-KISAN, Soil Health Card Scheme, Mushroom Development Programme, PM Fasal Bima Yojana and initiatives for the promotion of Women Self Help Groups (SHGs).

Progress under Fisheries, Animal Husbandry, Sheep Husbandry, Horticulture and Cooperative sectors was also reviewed in detail. The DC exhorted the officers to intensify outreach and awareness activities to ensure that the benefits of all welfare schemes percolate down to the grassroots level.

He further directed the departments to maintain close coordination with banking institutions for effective implementation of financial inclusion schemes and to extend credit facilities to all eligible farmers and rural entrepreneurs.

The Deputy Commissioner urged all stakeholders to work with renewed zeal for the holistic development of the farming community under HADP and other flagship programmes.

 Directs immediate restoration measures

KATHUA, AUGUST 18: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today visited Katli road on Dayala Chack–Billawar stretch to take stock of damages caused by recent flashfloods. He directed the PWD authorities to ensure temporary restoration of the damaged road at the earliest and prepare a comprehensive plan for permanent solution of the affected assets.

The DC also visited Sanyal Bridge, where a portion of the approach road has sunk due to flashfloods. He directed the contractor to immediately install safety crates to safeguard the bridge and ensure protection of the approach road.

Later, the Deputy Commissioner visited Tehsil Office Dinga Amb where he chaired a meeting of officers to review the situation. He instructed the CPO to prepare a detailed proposal under SDRF for temporary restoration works, while directing PHE and PDD departments to submit reports of damages caused to public assets in the recent rains.

On the occasion, a deputation from Pacca Kotha also met the Deputy Commissioner. The Deputation members apprised him of the damages in their area. The DC directed the ADC concerned to visit the spot and assess the losses to initiate necessary action.

The visits were conducted in the aftermath of torrential rains that triggered flash floods, cloudbursts and overflow of major tributaries and Nallahs, resulting in damage to roads, bridges and other public infrastructure in the district.

ADC Vishavjeet Singh, SDM Hirangar Phulail Singh, ACD Akhil Sadotra, CPO Ranjit Thakur and other concerned district officers were also present on the occasion.

The Deputy Chief Minister interacted with the displaced families, heard their concerns and assured them of full government support.

“The government stands shoulder to shoulder with the affected families in this hour of crisis. Every possible measure will be taken to ensure their immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation,” the Deputy Chief Minister said while addressing the victims at the relief camp.

The Deputy Chief Minister also visited the Military Hospital Pathankot where he enquired about the well-being of the injured admitted following the Ghati cloudburst. He appreciated the timely response of the medical staff and instructed them to provide best possible treatment to the injured till their full recovery.

“The safety and well-being of the people is our foremost concern. The Government will leave no stone unturned in providing relief and rebuilding the damaged infrastructure,” the Deputy Chief Minister reaffirmed.

He also directed the district administration to maintain round-the-clock monitoring in all calamity-hit areas and ensure timely assistance to the affected population.

Assures full government support; visits injured at GMC Kathua and Military Hospital Pathankote

Provincial President JKNC Jammu Rattan Lal Gupta accompanies him on visits, assures party's firm support for victim families

Kathua, August 18:  Deputy Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Surinder Choudhary, today visited Gathi and Jod Khad villages in Kathua district, which was severely affected by a landslide triggered by a cloudburst. The Deputy CM took stock of the situation, interacted with the displaced families currently housed in relief camps, and assured them of full government support for their relief and rehabilitation.

During his visit, Surinder Choudhary issued necessary directives to district administration officials to ensure timely and adequate assistance to the affected families. He reiterated that the Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to ensuring proper rehabilitation and long-term support for all those impacted by the natural disaster.

Following the visit to the camps, the Deputy CM also went to Government Medical College (GMC), Kathua, to meet the seven injured persons who are currently undergoing treatment. He directed the hospital authorities to provide the best possible medical care to the injured.

He later visited Military Hospital, Pathankote, where other injured persons have been admitted, and issued similar instructions to the hospital administration regarding their care and well-being.

The Deputy Chief Minister was accompanied by Jammu Provincial President Rattan Lal Gupta, who also assured the victims that the party stands firmly with them. He stated that the party's ground-level workers, functionaries, and local leadership are actively involved in relief efforts and will continue to raise the concerns of the affected people with the government.

Gupta lauded the swift and effective response of the Omar Abdullah government and appreciated the dedicated efforts of the local administration and party functionaries in extending relief and support to the affected population.

Senior party leaders Bimla Luthra former former MLA, Vijay Lochan Chairman SC Cell, Rakesh Singh Raka Vice President Central Zone, Sham Narian Mehta District President Kathua Rural, Ajeet Kumar Sharma District President Kathua Urban, Dharma Pal Kundal, Devinder Mehta,  Parveen Khousar were also present during the visit.

 

Satish Sharma hoists National Flag

KATHUA, AUGUST 15: The 79th Independence Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and national spirit at Sports Stadium Kathua today.

The celebrations were marked by the hoisting of the National Flag by Transport Minister, Satish Sharma, who also took salute at the impressive march past presented by the contingents of J&K Police, IRP, CRPF, Forest Protection Force, NCC cadets and school children.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister extended warm greetings to the people on the historic occasion and paid rich tributes to the countless freedom fighters, soldiers and citizens who laid down their lives for the country's independence. He recalled the contributions of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Bhagat Singh, Mahatma Gandhi and other national leaders whose courage and determination laid the foundation of a democratic and sovereign India.

Highlighting the developmental journey of Jammu & Kashmir, the Minister said that under the dynamic leadership, the UT is witnessing a new era of peace, development and opportunity. He underlined the government’s initiatives in technology, agriculture, healthcare, youth empowerment and infrastructure, including the shift to indigenous 5G and upcoming 6G technology, solar power projects, biotechnology parks, Khelo India Centres and modern urban amenities including Kathua Water Front in the district.

He informed that Kathua has emerged as a leader under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme with new high-value crops like dragon fruit, avocado and strawberry, alongside farmer-centric services through Kissan Khidmat Ghars. In healthcare, he counted the milestone of establishment of North India’s first Homeopathy Medical College in Kathua and near 100% institutional deliveries.

The Minister urged the citizens to uphold the values of unity, dignity and justice and contribute towards building Viksit Bharat, a developed and self-reliant India.

The programme culminated with felicitation of the participants and outstanding achievers of the district followed by National Anthem by the winners of DIPR competitions.

Students, security personnel, senior citizens, women and youth participated in large numbers, creating a vibrant display of unity and patriotism. The rally was flagged off by DC Rajesh Sharma from the Sports Stadium Kathua and passed through key points in the town.

Participants carried the national flag while chanting “Bharat Mata ki Jai” and “Vande Mataram.” Residents, shopkeepers and passers-by joined in, adding to the patriotic spirit.

Addressing the gathering, the DC commended the citizens’ participation and thanked security forces, students and civil society members for their support. He said the rally symbolised respect for the Tricolour and reflected the deep-rooted patriotic sentiment in Kathua.

The Har Ghar Tiranga campaign, part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, aims to encourage citizens to hoist the national flag at home, fostering pride in the national identity.

The rally concluded at the Sports Stadium with cultural performances by school children, including songs, dances and skits on unity and sacrifice.

 District Information Centre Kathua inspires youth through laser show highlighting faith, future

KATHUA, JULY 03: In a unique blend of devotion, patriotism and public engagement, the District Information Centre Kathua organised a grand Multi-Themed Laser Show at the iconic Kathua Riverfront to mark the ongoing Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2025.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from citizens of all age groups who gathered in large numbers to enjoy the visual spectacle. The multi-themed show featured a captivating blend of Shiva Tandav, Ganga Aarti, Patriotic Narratives and synchronised Light & Sound Laser displays, drawing repeated rounds of applause from the audience.

Visitors at the Kathua Waterfront restaurants also enjoyed the breathtaking show from the riverside, creating a festive and vibrant ambiance throughout the evening.

Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner Dr Rakesh Minhas, said that the event aimed to engage citizens positively and promote collective responsibility towards making Kathua cleaner and culturally vibrant. "This is just the beginning. More such cultural and public engagement events will be held in the future to strengthen the bond between people and administration" he said. The DC also reiterated the Administration’s commitment to developing Kathua as a model district, highlighting the Garbage-Free Kathua slogan as a collective mission.

Touching upon youth development, Dr Minhas informed the audience about the upcoming International Standard Indoor Stadium at Kathua. "This project will provide world-class sports infrastructure and motivate local youth to excel and bring laurels to Kathua, Jammu & Kashmir, and the nation," he said.

On the occasion, Member Legislative Assembly Kathua Dr Bharat Bhushan lauded the efforts of the District Administration and Information Department for organising such a visually impactful event. “Kathua Waterfront is fast becoming the new identity of the city. Events like these not only celebrate our faith and traditions but also bring the community together,” he remarked. He also added that the upcoming indoor stadium will be a game-changer for youth empowerment and personality development in the district.

DDC Vice Chairman Raghunandan Singh, ADC Kathua Vishavjeet Singh, CPO Ranjit Thakur, District and Sectoral officers were also present on the occasion.

Cadet Knathia, representing GDC Kathua, was one of only ten cadets selected from across the nation through an intensive selection process. His remarkable endurance, commitment, and rigorous training earned him the distinction of being the sole representative from Jammu & Kashmir on this historic mission.

The expedition was officially flagged off by the Raksha Mantri, Rajnath Singh, on April 3, 2025. Prior to the ascent, the team underwent exhaustive training, including a preparatory climb of Mount Abi Gamin and a winter camp at the Siachen Base Camp, under the expert guidance of the Army Mountaineering Institute.

Braving extreme conditions and treacherous terrain, Cadet Mohit Knathia reached the summit and proudly unfurled the National Flag alongside the NCC Flag, embodying the spirit of courage, discipline, and patriotism. This marks the third successful Everest summit by an NCC team, following similar triumphs in 2013 and 2016.

The College Principal Prof. Seema Mir expressed immense pride in Mohit's accomplishment, stating, “Cadet Mohit Knathia has become a beacon of inspiration for youth of Jammu & Kashmir. His perseverance and spirit reflect the core values of the NCC and our institution.” She also commended Lt. (Dr.) Daya Ram, Associate NCC Officer at GDC Kathua, for his unwavering guidance and mentorship that significantly contributed to this success.

The college also extended sincere gratitude to Col. Kuldeep Kachroo and Subedar Shyam Chand, Training JCO of the 4 J&K NCC Battalion, for their instrumental role in shaping Cadet Mohit’s journey through their intensive training and support.