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LG Chairs SKUAST-K University Council Meeting, Approves Key Reforms and New Initiatives

Srinagar, Jun 24 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired the 36th University Council meeting of Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir and approved a series of institutional reforms and future initiatives aimed at strengthening the university’s academic, research and innovation ecosystem.

The meeting, held at Lok Bhavan here, was attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Agriculture Minister Javid Ahmad Dar, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, senior officials, academicians and representatives of national agricultural institutions.

Among the decisions approved by the council were the upgradation of the Agricultural Research Information System into the Directorate of Information Technology and the Internal Quality Assurance Cell into the Directorate of Quality Assurance.

The council also cleared the establishment of an International Students Cell to facilitate global outreach and support students from abroad, officials said.

As part of the university’s long-term development strategy, proposals were approved for setting up a Centre for Agri Innovation, Analytics and Certification as a National Reference Laboratory, an Agri-Startup Park to support over 50 startup enterprises, and a Global Veterinary School envisioned as an internationally benchmarked centre for veterinary education, research and clinical services.

Addressing the meeting, Sinha said the university’s transformative initiatives have the potential to position it as a leading innovation-driven and globally engaged agricultural institution.

He also directed the Vice Chancellor to ensure that University Council meetings are held at least twice annually for timely review of academic and administrative matters.

Vice Chancellor Nazir Ahmad Ganai, while presenting the university report, said the institution has made significant progress in national rankings and developed the largest startup ecosystem among higher educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir.

Ganai said the university has secured 123 intellectual property rights, including patents, trademarks and designs, reflecting a strong focus on innovation and translational research.

He further informed the council that nearly 30 per cent of the university’s students are from outside Jammu and Kashmir, indicating its growing national outreach and academic appeal. (NVI)

ACB chargesheets ex-BDO, engineer, 5 others in alleged funds embezzlement case in Kupwara

 

Srinagar, Jun 24 (NVI): The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has filed a chargesheet against a former Block Development Officer (BDO), an Executive Engineer and five others in connection with an alleged embezzlement of government funds meant for developmental works in Jammu and Kashmir’s Kupwara district, officials said on Wednesday.

The chargesheet was presented before the Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption, Baramulla, in connection with FIR No. 02/2020 registered at Police Station ACB Baramulla, they said.

According to the ACB, the case pertains to alleged corruption, criminal conspiracy, forgery and misappropriation of funds in development works executed through the Rural Development Department in the Lolab and Lalpora areas of Kupwara.

The investigation allegedly revealed irregularities in projects, including the construction of a Sarband at Margi Diver (Kariwan) Phase-I and a Fisheries Pond at Diver-B.

Officials said the probe found instances of false measurements, billing for work not executed, construction on forest land without permission and release of payments for deficient and substandard works.

The accused have been identified as former BDO Sogam/Lalpora Mohammad Sultan Bhat, then Executive Engineer REW Kupwara Surinder Kumar Sharma, Assistant Executive Engineer Mohammad Shafi Bukhari, Junior Engineers Taimur Ahmad Khan and Nisar Ahmad Khan, Village Level Worker and Panchayat Secretary Mohammad Saleem Dar, and contractor Waseem Mehmood Khan.

The ACB alleged that the accused, in connivance with the contractor, manipulated official records, inflated measurements and facilitated fraudulent release of government funds, causing loss to the state exchequer.

All the accused were produced before the court and were granted bail on personal bonds. The next hearing has been scheduled for August 25, 2026, officials added.(NVI)

18 Injured as Minibus Meets with Accident in Kathua

Shivam Bakshi

Kathu, Jun 24 (NVI): At least 18 people were injured after a minibus carrying pilgrims to the Sukrala Mata shrine met with an accident in the Simbli area of Kathua district on Wednesday, officials said.

The minibus, bearing registration number JK21B-7776, was on its way to the revered Sukrala Mata shrine when the driver reportedly lost control of the vehicle in Simbli, resulting in the accident, they said.

Eighteen passengers sustained injuries and were shifted to a nearby hospital for treatment. The condition of some of the injured was stated to be stable, officials said.

Police have taken cognisance of the incident and initiated further investigation into the cause of the accident.(NVI)

J&K to Witness Mostly Dry Weather Till June 29, Rain Likely From June 30: MeT

(File)

Srinagar, June 24 (NVI): The Meteorological Centre Srinagar on Wednesday forecast generally dry weather across Jammu and Kashmir till June 29, with chances of brief light rain, thundershowers and gusty winds at isolated to scattered places during late afternoons and evenings.

According to the MeT Department, weather is expected to remain largely dry during the forenoon and afternoon hours over the next few days. However, isolated areas may witness brief spells of rain and thundershowers accompanied by gusty winds towards evening.

The department has predicted a fresh spell of light to moderate rainfall and thundershowers across many parts of Jammu and Kashmir from June 30 to July 3. Some places may also experience intense showers, thunderstorms and strong winds during the period.

The MeT Department advised farmers and orchardists to carry out spray operations during the early morning hours. It also urged people to avoid taking shelter near loose structures, electric poles, overhead wires and old trees during thunderstorms and gusty winds.

Authorities have further cautioned against boating and shikara operations during periods of lightning and strong winds.

The department also warned of the possibility of hailstorms at isolated places and said intense showers could trigger flash floods, mudslides and landslides in vulnerable areas.

Residents have been advised to stay away from nallahs, streams and landslide-prone zones. —(NVI)

ITBP ASI on Amarnath Yatra Duty Dies in Srinagar

 

Srinagar, Jun 24 (NVI): An Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), deployed for the ongoing Shri Amarnath Yatra, died in Srinagar, officials said on Wednesday.

The deceased was identified as Pritam Lal, an ASI of the 37th Battalion of the ITBP. He was originally posted in Leh and was presently deployed at the holy cave shrine for Amarnath Yatra-related duties, the officials said.

They said the officer was admitted to the Army’s 92 Base Hospital in Srinagar, where he succumbed on Wednesday.

The body was subsequently shifted to the Government Medical College’s SMHS Hospital for medico-legal procedures, including radiological examination, they added.

The exact cause of death was not immediately known, and further details were awaited.(NVI)

Parliamentary panel on external affairs meets J-K LG in Srinagar

Srinagar, June 23 (NVI): A Parliamentary Standing Committee on External Affairs, headed by its chairman and Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, on Tuesday met Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha in Srinagar and discussed various issues concerning the Union Territory.

The committee, which is on a four-day study visit to the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, called on the lieutenant governor at Lok Bhavan here, an official spokesperson said.

During the meeting, Tharoor briefed the lieutenant governor about the committee’s engagements during the visit, including its visit to border areas in Jammu, the Regional Passport Office and interactions with senior Army officials in Srinagar, the spokesperson said.

Members of the committee shared their observations and experiences from the visit and discussed a range of issues related to the region, he added.

Interacting with the panel members, Sinha highlighted the socio-economic changes and developmental progress witnessed in Jammu and Kashmir over the past six years. He also spoke about the improvement in the security situation and growing public confidence, according to the spokesperson.

The lieutenant governor said various infrastructure and development projects being implemented across the Union Territory were contributing to economic growth and improving the quality of life of the people, the spokesperson added.(NVI)

DGP reviews security arrangements for Amarnath Yatra, stresses vigilance

 

Srinagar, June 23 (NVI): Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat on Tuesday chaired a high-level security review meeting at the Police Control Room (PCR) Kashmir to assess preparedness for the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra and directed security agencies to strengthen measures along the pilgrimage route and other vulnerable locations.

The meeting was attended by senior officers of the Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), intelligence agencies and Jammu and Kashmir Police.

Officials briefed the DGP on the security and logistical arrangements being put in place to ensure the smooth and peaceful conduct of the annual pilgrimage.

Prabhat reviewed the preparedness of various agencies and directed them to further strengthen security architecture, particularly along the twin pilgrimage routes, the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, railway infrastructure and other sensitive areas.

He stressed strict adherence to standard operating procedures (SOPs) and asked officers to conduct regular briefings for deployed personnel to maintain operational readiness and situational awareness.

The DGP also directed authorities to create awareness among pilgrims about safety protocols through information campaigns and display of advisories at camps and other strategic locations.

Emphasising the need for heightened vigilance, Prabhat said there was no room for complacency and called upon all security agencies to maintain close coordination and ensure timely sharing of intelligence inputs.

He also asked security forces to intensify anti-terror operations and maintain a strong security presence around the Yatra routes, the national highway, railway stations and other critical installations.

The DGP directed officers to keep a close watch on social media platforms and take prompt action against those found spreading rumours, misinformation or fake narratives that could create panic.

The meeting also reviewed security and traffic arrangements for the upcoming Muharram observances. Prabhat instructed officers to ensure robust security measures while coordinating with representatives of Shia organisations for the smooth conduct of religious processions.

He further directed the formulation of comprehensive traffic management plans and asked authorities to publicise procession routes in advance to minimise inconvenience to the public.

The meeting concluded with all participating agencies reaffirming their commitment to ensuring the safe and peaceful conduct of the Amarnath Yatra and other major religious events in the Valley, officials said.(NVI)

LG Reviews Muharram Arrangements in J&K, Calls for Comprehensive Traffic Plan

Srinagar, June 23 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday reviewed preparations for Muharram across Jammu and Kashmir and directed officials to ensure seamless security, traffic management and availability of essential public services during the observance.

Chairing a high-level meeting attended by senior civil, police and administrative officials, Sinha stressed the need for close coordination among all departments to ensure smooth and peaceful conduct of Muharram processions.

He directed officials to make adequate arrangements for uninterrupted power and drinking water supply, sanitation, medical facilities, ambulances and fire and emergency response teams along procession routes.

“All arrangements should be made with utmost sensitivity and efficiency. Senior officers must remain available on the ground and maintain constant monitoring to ensure prompt response to any situation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

During the meeting, officials briefed the Lieutenant Governor on preparations made by various departments for the observance of Muharram across the Union Territory.

Sinha also instructed authorities to formulate a comprehensive traffic management plan for both Muharram and the forthcoming Shri Amarnath Yatra to facilitate smooth movement of processions, pilgrims and the general public.

He directed the traffic police to strengthen coordination with stakeholder agencies and hold meetings with field officers for effective implementation of the traffic plan.

The Lieutenant Governor further asked officials to create awareness about traffic standard operating procedures (SOPs) and cut-off timings for the yatra and directed an increase in the number of RFID card counters to facilitate pilgrims undertaking the annual pilgrimage.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Director General of Police Nalin Prabhat, senior administrative secretaries, police officers and other officials attended the meeting.(NVI)

Anand Jain Assumes Charge as Ladakh DGP

Leh, June 23 (NVI): Senior IPS officer Anand Jain on Tuesday assumed charge as the Director General of Police (DGP) of the Union Territory of Ladakh and was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour on the occasion.

Jain, a 1999-batch AGMUT cadre officer, was recently appointed as the head of the Ladakh Police following his transfer from Jammu and Kashmir.

After taking charge, the new DGP interacted with senior police officers and staff at the Police Headquarters. He reviewed the functioning of various wings of the department and was briefed on the prevailing law and order situation, security challenges and policing responsibilities in the Union Territory, officials said.

Jain has previously held several key positions in Jammu and Kashmir, including senior leadership assignments in the police force.

Officials expressed confidence that his experience in policing and security management would further strengthen law enforcement and public service delivery in Ladakh.(NVI)

Cm Omar Abdullah reviews PMGSY implementation in J&K, stresses timely completion of rural road projects

Srinagar, Jun 23 (NVI): Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reviewed the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) across the Union Territory and directed officials to ensure timely completion of rural road projects while maintaining quality standards.

Chairing a high-level meeting here, Abdullah assessed the progress of PMGSY works under various phases of the flagship rural connectivity programme and reviewed the status of ongoing and newly sanctioned projects, officials said.

The chief minister emphasised the importance of rural road connectivity in improving the lives of people living in remote areas and asked the departments concerned to expedite execution of sanctioned works.

He stressed the need for better coordination among departments to address issues related to statutory clearances and other procedural requirements that could hamper project implementation.

Abdullah also called for regular monitoring of projects to ensure adherence to timelines and prevent delays.

During the meeting, he reviewed the implementation strategy for PMGSY-IV and directed officials to fast-track preparatory processes so that approved works could be taken up in a time-bound manner.

The chief minister underscored the need to extend all-weather road connectivity to eligible rural habitations, particularly in remote and border areas.

Officials briefed the meeting on the progress achieved under different phases of PMGSY and presented an action plan for completion of pending road and bridge projects across Jammu and Kashmir.(NVI)

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