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J&K Forms Allied and Healthcare Council to Regulate Health Professions

Sahil Mir

Srinagar, Nov 20 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir government has constituted the State Allied and Healthcare Council to perform the powers and duties outlined under the National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021.

According to a government order issued, which, as per NVI, states that the council comprises healthcare professionals and representatives from various fields to strengthen allied health services in the Union Territory.

The order reads: Members of the council include Dr. Sabhiya Majid (Chairperson), Dr. Younis Rather (Member, Medical Laboratory & Life Sciences Professional), Masarat Shafi (Member, Physiotherapy Professional), Deepika Saroj (Member, Nutrition Sciences Professional), Arushi Magotra (Member, Occupational Therapy Professional), Basant Seyal (Member, Community Care and Behavioral Health Sciences Professional), Himja Butyal (Member, Medical Radiology Imaging and Therapeutic Technology Professional), Tawfeeq Ahmad (Member, Cardiovascular, Neuroscience, and Pulmonary Technology Professional), Shakeel Khanday Ahmad (Member), Javeed Ahmad Sheikh (Member), Dr. Neelofer Javaid (Member), and Mrs. Neelam Bhalla (Member, Representing Charitable Educational Institutions).

The order also mentions the ex-officio members: Dr. Rakesh Mangotra (Director, Health Services, Jammu), Dr. Ghanshyam Saini (Senior-most Professor and HOD, GMC Jammu), and Dr. Nahida Nahvi (Senior-most Professor and HOD, GMC Srinagar).

Notably, the council aims to regulate and promote allied health professions across the region, ensuring quality education, professional standards, and service delivery.          (News Vibes of India)

CS Reviews Progress on ‘Bagh-Gul-e-Dawood’ Development at Srinagar

Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today in a meeting of Floriculture, Gardens & Parks Department,

NVI Correspondent

Jammu, Nov20(NVI):Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today chaired a meeting to review the progress of the Chrysanthemum Theme Park, Bagh-Gul-e-Dawood, under development at the Botanical Garden in Srinagar.

Senior officials from the Floriculture, Gardens & Parks Department, Tourism Department, and representatives from SKUAST-Kashmir were present during the meeting.

Highlighting the potential of such initiatives, Dulloo emphasized exploring the creation of similar gardens at other prominent tourist destinations across Jammu and Kashmir, including areas around Jammu city. He suggested these gardens could serve as key attractions to extend the tourism season, particularly during the autumn months. Dulloo further directed the Floriculture Department to collaborate with agricultural universities and the Tourism Department to identify suitable locations for these projects.

Commissioner Secretary, Floriculture Department, Sheikh Fayaz, provided an update on the development of the Chrysanthemum Theme Park, which spans 100 kanals near the Botanical Garden, Srinagar. He noted that chrysanthemums, known as the “Queen of the East,” bloom in October and November, offering a vibrant display in diverse colors. Fayaz described the flower as a symbol of royalty and a perfect fit to enhance the charm of Kashmir’s autumn.

The meeting was informed that the project has a total estimated cost of Rs 1.87 crore. This includes Rs 40 lakh allocated to the R&B Department for execution this year. The park is set to open for visitors by next autumn, with additional amenities being developed to ensure a pleasant experience for tourists.

The Chief Secretary stressed the importance of such initiatives in boosting Jammu and Kashmir’s tourism potential, urging departments to work in synergy for timely completion and expanded accessibility. (News Vibes of India)

12 Gas Cylinders a year,Increased Ration Quota to be New Year Gift for J&K People : Satish Sharma

File Photo :Food, Transport and Sports Minister J&K Satish Sharma

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 20 (NVI): Food, Transport and Sports Minister J&K Satish Sharma today announced that the people of Jammu and Kashmir will receive 12 gas cylinders and an increased ration quota as a New Year gift.

In a conversation with reporters, Sharma said that comprehensive winter preparations have been put in place.

The Minister emphasized that the restoration of statehood is a key priority, noting that Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has personally engaged with the top leadership in New Delhi. “I am confident that PM Modi is keen on restoring statehoodand once that is done, we will address all other issues,” Sharma stated.

He sought a time period of 11 months to resolve the issues that have accumulated over the past 11 years. When asked about winter readiness, he acknowledged that while the administrative officers are capable, certain shortcomings remain that will be addressed promptly.

“We have ensured that essential supplies have been stockpiled, but we must remain vigilant to overcome any challenges that may arise,” Sharma added.                            (News Vibes of India)

J&K Government Extends Financial Aid for Fire Victims in Dal Lake Area of Srinagar

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 20 (NVI):In response to the devastating fire that affected families in the interior region of Dal Lake, the Jammu and Kashmir government has announced financial assistance to help the victims.

Each affected family will receive a relief amount of Rs 1.30 lakh under the State Disaster Relief Fund (SDRF), Rs 1 lakh from the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund, and an additional Rs 20,000 from the Red Cross.

The fire destroyed 26 residential houses in the area, prompting a visit from Advisor to the Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, Nasir Aslam Wani, along with Minister for Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution (CA&PD) Satish Sharma, and MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Sadiq, to assess the damage.

Speaking to the press, CM’s Advisor Wani emphasized the need for the rehabilitation of Dal Lake’s residents. “The LG administration has a proposal to establish a tourist village. A decade ago, we identified land at Rakh-e-Arth area for rehabilitating Dal dwellers, but the project remained unimplemented,” Wani explained.

He assured that the Omar Abdullah-led government would ensure that Dal Lake residents are properly rehabilitated. “Today, SDRF has granted Rs 1.30 lakh as cash relief, with an additional Rs 1 lakh from the CM’s relief fund, and Red Cross has also extended Rs 20,000 to each family affected by the blaze,” Wani added.

Minister Satish Sharma acknowledged the luck of the fire victims, stating that no lives were lost. “My department will ensure that free ration is provided to each affected family for the next three months,” Sharma stated.

MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq also expressed solidarity with the victims. “Twenty-six families have lost their homes. In addition to the SDRF and CM’s relief fund, I will provide the best possible cash assistance from the Constituency Development Fund as the local MLA representing these people,” he said.(News Vibes of India)

Owners of Vehicles driven by minors to be Penalised : SSP Traffic (Rural) Kashmir

File Photp : SSP Traffic (Rural) Ravinder Pal Singh

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 20(NVI): Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Traffic (Rural Kashmir), Ravinder Pal Singh today said that parents responsible for giving two-wheelers and four-wheelers to minor children which leads to growing incidents of accidents across the Valley.
He said that if any minor would be caught driving the vehicle, parents of the same would be penalized and fined Rs 25000 or slapped with three-years of imprisonment.

“We have observed that most of the minors driving two-wheelers and four-wheelers get vehicles from their parents. Especially outside the coaching centres, we have caught dozens of teenagers driving two-wheeler and four-wheelers without licenses,” Singh told reporters here.

He said that it was obvious that minors can’t get licenses and when they have no license, how can they drive the vehicles. “We have started a massive drive against the minor violators. We will be penalizing the owners of the vehicles driven by the minors who are none other than parents and close relatives of children,” the SSP Traffic (Rural Kashmir) said.

He said that the violator will either be penalized Rs 25000 cash penalty or three-years imprisonment. “We will further intensify the drive in the days ahead to ensure no minor drives any vehicle in Kashmir,” the SSP said.

It may be recalled that in the past one week, over 2000 two-wheelers and four wheelers were seized by the traffic cops in its extensive drive against minor drivers across the Valley. Figures available with the NVI suggest that in Srinagar district alone, over 1000 scooties and four-wheelers were seized.

SSP traffic Srinagar said that parents are responsible for giving bikes, scooties and four wheelers to children. “We are calling parents of the minor drivers to police station for counselling. Parents’ support is must to make our drive successful. These are the young kids and we can’t afford to loose them to road accidents,” he said.

Last week, two young students of class 11 of Dehli Public School (DPS) Srinagar were killed in a tragic road accident at Tengpora, Srinagar. The incident sent shocking waves across the Valley forcing the traffic department to launch a massive drive against minor drivers in Srinagar and other districts of Kashmir. Interestingly, many petrol pump owners have pasted posters displaying message: “No Fuel for minors.” The message is to discourage minor driving. The Directoriate of School Education (DSE) Kashmir has also issued a circular stating that “no school should allow the entry of minor student driving two wheelers or four-wheelers.” Parents have hailed the circular of DSE-K and also the steps being taken by the traffic police across Srinagar and elsewhere in Kashmir—(NVI)

BJP Kashmir holds review meeting in Baramulla, aims to rope in New Members

NVI Correspondent

Baramulla, Nov 20 (NVI): After failing to open an account in Kashmir in the recently held Assembly polls in J&K, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Membership Drive Incharge for Kashmir, Arif Raja, convened a crucial review meeting at the BJP District Office in Baramulla.

The saffron party won 29 seats in Jammu Division but failed to win even a single seat in Kashmir in the Legislative Assembly forcing it to review the party’s strength from the ground zero afresh.

In a statement issued here , the meeting, aimed at strengthening the party’s grassroots network, was attended by key party leaders, including District Presidents of Baramulla and Kupwara, Bandipora along with Prabharis, Morcha Presidents, District Membership Incharges, and their Co-Incharges.

The session was presided over by Arif Raja, along with Mudasir Wani, where comprehensive discussions were held on the ongoing membership drive. Arif Raja emphasized the importance of expanding the drive on a larger scale, urging all party workers to mobilize support and reach out to the masses. He called for increased efforts to enroll new members, highlighting that the strength of the party lies in its people and their active participation.

In his address, Arif Raja stressed the need for a strategic and organized approach to ensure the success of the drive, particularly in remote areas. He reiterated the importance of reaching out to every household to bring in more members and fortify the party’s presence across the region.

Mudasir Wani also encouraged the leaders present to focus on effective coordination and unity among all members to make the drive a success. The meeting concluded with a resolve to start the membership drive on a larger scale and strengthen the BJP’s presence in Jammu and Kashmir.  (News Vibes of India)

PDP Leader Nayeem Akhtar expresses concern over Health Insurance Backlogs in J&K

File Photo : Nayeem Akhtar

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 19 (NVI):People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and former minister Nayeem Akhtar today expressed grave concern over the growing crisis in Jammu and Kashmir’s health insurance scheme, which has left nearly three lakh patient cases unresolved.

“Delays in clearing claims are severely impacting critical care, with private hospitals on the brink of closure of the SEHAT Scheme due to unpaid dues,” Akhtar said quoting authentic media reports, in a statement issued here. He highlighted that only 1,000 cases are being cleared daily, leaving Rs 420 crore worth of medical procedures unpaid.

Akhtar also pointed out that the High Court had explicitly directed the insurance company to refrain from rejecting claims on “flimsy” grounds, but such practices reportedly persist. Adding to the crisis, he noted, is the premature termination of the IFFCO TOKIO contract, which has left the healthcare system in disarray. Payments have been pending since March 2024 for 137 private hospitals, and operational challenges are mounting.

Akhtar also raised alarm over the reported spike in Hepatitis cases in Bandipora. Calling for a swift response, he urged authorities to immediately deploy a specialized team from SKIMS to the affected area. “Facilities at the district hospital must be upgraded to enable early detection and timely intervention,” Akhtar said, adding that daily monitoring of cases should be conducted under the supervision of the deputy commissioner.

The PDP leader emphasized that both issues—health insurance backlogs and the Hepatitis outbreak—highlight systemic failures in healthcare management that require urgent redressal. “The health and well-being of the people should be the top priority,” he said.(News Vibes of India)

Karnakata driver dies of heart attack at Fruit Mandi Shopian

Representational Photograph

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 20(NVI) : A driver from Karnataka died of a heart attack in his truck parked at Fruit Mandi Aglar in South Kashmir’s Shopian district.

An official told NVI that Mohd Rafiq Son of Ab Shakoor resident of Seera Karnataka, died during night hrs due to heart attack in his Truck bearing registration number KA07B4525 at Fruit Mandi Aglar Shopian.

Police have taken the cognizance of the matter. The body bhas been taken for legal medical formalities after which it would be dispatched to Karnataka–(NVI)

Ten Injured in Road Accident at Kathua

Saudi Arabia bus accident

Sayed Zahid

Kathua, Nov 20 (NVI): At least ten people sustained injuries in a road accident near Gainthal, close to Manu, when a car rolled down a slope, officials said.

An official told NVI that at least ten people were injured after the car they were traveling in met with an accident near Kathua.

He said the injured were promptly shifted to the Government Medical College (GMC) Kathua for treatment.

The victims have been identified as: Raj Kumar (18), son of Sunia Ram, a resident of Dall Macheddi, Billawar, who suffered chest and internal injuries; Pawan Kumar (25), son of Krishan Chand, from Doula Bani, who sustained head and internal injuries; Zakir Hussain (17), son of Altaf Hussain, from Marhoom Billawar, who suffered head and internal injuries; Akshay Kumar (21), son of Bishmber Dass, a resident of Bani, who sustained backbone, head, and internal injuries; Sajad Ali (23), son of Mohd Zameel, from Malhar, who suffered head and internal injuries; Mohd Javed (18), son of Mohd Zameel, from Murdai Billawar, who sustained head, right leg, and internal injuries; Munish Kumar (18), son of Madan Lal, a resident of Doula Bani, who suffered head, right ear, and internal injuries; Ajit Singh (24), son of Basu Dev, from Murdai Billawar, who sustained head and internal injuries; and Gourv Chand (21), son of Romesh Kumar, from Billawar, who suffered injuries to his right eyebrow and internal body.

He said the cause of the accident is under investigation, while authorities have urged drivers to exercise caution, especially on hilly roads, to avoid such incidents. Further details are awaited.—(News Vibes of India)

Srinagar Records First Sub-Zero Temperature of the Season

File Photo

NVI Correspondent

Srinagar, Nov 20 (NVI): Srinagar witnessed its first sub-zero temperature of the season on Wednesday, as the mercury dropped to minus 0.7°C, signaling the onset of the harsh winter season in the Kashmir Valley.

The sudden dip in temperatures comes as the region transitions into the winter chill following a prolonged spell of autumn.

As per details available with NVI, these areas of the Valley experienced even colder conditions: Shopian recorded a biting low of minus 3.9°C, making it one of the coldest places in Kashmir. Pahalgam, a favorite destination for tourists and trekkers, was not far behind, with the temperature plummeting to minus 3.7°C.

The frost-covered mornings have started to make their presence felt, with icy patches forming in several areas.

Residents have begun preparing for the colder days ahead, with increased reliance on traditional heating methods such as kangris (firepots) and electric heating devices.

The Meteorological Department has forecast a continuation of the cold wave, with temperatures expected to remain below normal in the coming days. They have also hinted at the possibility of light snowfall in higher altitudes, which could further bring down temperatures.

In the meanwhile, authorities have urged residents to take precautions to avoid health issues caused by the cold weather, while travel to frost-prone areas has been advised against during the early morning hours.(News Vibes of India)

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