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J&K Among 5 States in CBI Probe Into ₹11.4 Cr Scholarship Scam

A total of 14 cases have been registered against the accused including various companies/ firms, their promoters/directors and bank officials, the official said.

New Delhi, Mar 16 (NVI): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered an FIR against unidentified public servants and nodal officers in five states, including Jammu and Kashmir, in connection with the alleged embezzlement of over ₹11.4 crore meant for scholarships for students with disabilities, officials said on Monday.

The agency alleged that the funds were siphoned off through fake beneficiaries and non-existent institutions under the Umbrella Scholarship Scheme for Students with Disabilities, implemented through the National Scholarship Portal.

According to officials, the FIR names officials and nodal officers from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Jammu and Kashmir for their alleged role in the scam.

The case was registered following a complaint by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities under the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment, which flagged irregularities in the disbursement of scholarship funds.

The department reported that ₹11.41 crore had been disbursed to 926 students linked to 28 institutions that were either non-existent or found involved in serious irregularities during inspection.

Investigations revealed that several institutions listed on the portal were either closed or never existed, yet scholarship claims continued to be processed in the names of students.

The probe also found that fake user IDs were allegedly created to upload scholarship applications and withdraw funds.

In one case, the Satyam College of Education in Jammu and Kashmir, which had reportedly shut down in 2017, was still shown as enrolling students who received scholarship benefits through fabricated records.

The CBI suspects that certain institute nodal officers, public servants and others conspired to push fraudulent applications through the portal, causing a significant loss to the government exchequer.—(NVI)

Admin Closes Sinthan, Margan Top Roads After Heavy Snowfall

Srinagar, Mar 16 (NVI): Authorities in Anantnag district have closed the roads leading to Sinthan Top and Margan Top following heavy snowfall and heightened risk of avalanches and landslides, officials said on Monday.

According to officials, the district administration ordered the suspension of all vehicular and pedestrian movement towards the two high-altitude tourist destinations due to slippery road conditions and safety concerns.

An advisory issued by the office of the District Magistrate Anantnag warned that continued snowfall has made travel extremely hazardous for both vehicles and pedestrians in the area.

The administration has directed the police, traffic authorities and road maintenance agencies, including the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), to strictly enforce the restrictions and regulate movement on the affected routes.

Tourists, locals and transport operators have been advised to avoid travelling towards Sinthan Top and Margan Top until the roads are declared safe. Officials said strict action will be taken against anyone violating the advisory.(NVI)

Govt Orders Inquiry Against Former Executive Engineer Sanjeev Kumar Malhotra

Srinagar, Mar 16 (NVI): The Jammu and Kashmir Jal Shakti Department has ordered an inquiry against former Executive Engineer Sanjeev Kumar Malhotra, who was earlier posted in the I&FC Division-II Jammu and is now a retired Incharge Chief Engineer.

As per Government Order No. 45-JK (JSD) of 2026 dated March 11, sanction has been accorded for initiation of disciplinary proceedings under the Jammu and Kashmir Civil Services (Classification, Control & Appeal) Rules, 1956.

According to the order, Latif Ahmed Poswal, Director Finance in the Jal Shakti Department, has been appointed as the Inquiry Officer to examine the charges framed against Malhotra.

Meanwhile, Samina Choudhary, Assistant Executive Engineer in Irrigation Division-II Jammu, has been designated as the Presenting Officer in the case.

The Inquiry Officer has been directed to conduct a detailed probe and submit findings along with recommendations to the government within 15 days from the issuance of the order. (NVI)

LG Sinha Pays Tribute to Maharaja Ranbir Singh, Unveils Bust at University Campus

Jammu, Mar 16 (NVI): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday unveiled the bust of Maharaja Ranbir Singh at the Central Sanskrit University Jammu campus, which has also been renamed as Shri Maharaja Ranbir Singh Campus.

According to a post on X by the Office of the J&K Lieutenant Governor, Sinha said it was an honour to unveil the bust of Maharaja Ranbir Singh, noting that the nation owes him a profound debt for his reforms, for nurturing a vibrant culture and for contributing to the development of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Lieutenant Governor also highlighted the role of youth in shaping the country’s future, saying that the time has come for India to reclaim its place in guiding a challenge-ridden world.

He said the country must prepare its youth to build a strong and formidable India that promotes unity among nations and works towards universal peace and human welfare. (NVI)

Deputy CM’s Office Seeks Bullet-Resistant Vehicle, Flags Security Gaps in Motorcade

File Photo: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary

Jammu, Mar 16 (NVI): The office of Jammu and Kashmir’s Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary has sought immediate strengthening of security arrangements and the inclusion of a bullet-resistant vehicle in the Deputy CM’s motorcade, citing the prevailing security scenario in the Union Territory.

According to an official communication addressed to the Senior Superintendent of Police (Security), Jammu, the Deputy Chief Minister’s office requested that a Bullet Resistant Fortuner vehicle be provided for inclusion in the motorcade during official tours, particularly in sensitive and border areas.

The communication states that the request was initially made ahead of the Deputy Chief Minister’s scheduled visit to the Nowshera Constituency, but the vehicle has not been provided so far.

The letter further notes that the request was made keeping in view the prevailing security situation and a recent firing incident at Royal Park in Greater Kailash, Jammu, where former Chief Minister Farooq Abdullah—a Z+ protectee—was present, and the Deputy Chief Minister was also in close proximity to the venue.

It also mentions that the jammer vehicle has remained withdrawn from the Deputy CM’s motorcade for nearly six months on the pretext of repairs and has not yet been restored. Additionally, the bulletproof pilot and scout vehicles currently deployed are stated to be mechanically unreliable and have reportedly led to serious and near-fatal incidents in the recent past.

The office expressed concern that repeated requests for reviewing the security arrangements and replacing the vehicles have not been acted upon.

Given the prevailing security scenario in Jammu and Kashmir and the nature of the Deputy Chief Minister’s duties, which involve frequent travel to far-flung and sensitive areas, movement without full and reliable security cover poses a significant risk, the letter reads.

The Deputy Chief Minister has also reportedly expressed displeasure over the “non-serious manner” in which the requests of his office have been handled.

The office has now urged authorities to immediately review and restore the complete security arrangements, including replacement of existing vehicles and inclusion of a bullet-resistant Fortuner in the Deputy Chief Minister’s motorcade for both within and outside the Union Territory travel. (NVI)

Soldier Dies After Being Found Unconscious Along LoC in J&K: Army

File Photo

Poonch, Mar 16 (NVI): An Indian Army soldier died after being found unconscious while on duty along the Line of Control in the Krishna Ghati sector of Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch district, officials said.

The Army said Naik Tilak Singh was discovered unconscious during duty on the Line of Control on March 15. He was immediately provided medical assistance but could not be revived.

Officials said the soldier succumbed despite efforts to save him, and his death occurred in the line of duty.

The Army paid tribute to the soldier, saying his courage and dedication to duty reflected the finest traditions of the force.(NVI)

Drone Incident at Dubai Airport Delays Flight Carrying 80 Indian Students from Iran: JKSA

Representational Image

Srinagar, Mar 16 (NVI): Flight operations at Dubai International Airport were disrupted following a drone-related incident that reportedly triggered a fire in a fuel tank within the airport premises, causing suspension and cancellation of several flights.

A spokesperson of the Jammu and Kashmir Students Association said in a statement that the connecting flight to New Delhi, carrying Indian students stranded in Iran, is currently delayed.

The flight had earlier reached Dubai after completing the first leg of its journey from Armenia and was scheduled to depart for New Delhi this morning. However, the departure has been pushed back due to the operational disruptions at the airport following the incident.

Nearly 80 Indian students, most of them from the Kashmir Valley, along with a few pilgrims, are on board the aircraft and are awaiting further updates regarding their onward journey, the spokesperson said.

The flight was earlier expected to land at Indira Gandhi International Airport in New Delhi at around 9:55 AM today, he added. (NVI)

CRPF Head Constable Critically Injured in Accidental Firing in Srinagar

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Srinagar, Mar 16 (NVI): A Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel was critically injured after sustaining an accidental gunshot injury from his service rifle in Jahangir Chowk Srinagar on Monday,

An official said that Head Constable (45), posted with 82 Battalion at Jahangir Chowk near the old Assembly complex, accidentally fired from his service rifle.

He was immediately shifted to SMHS Hospital Srinagar for treatment. they said the bullet entered from the left side of his chest and exited from the left upper back.

His condition is stated to be critical, they said, adding that further details are awaited.(NVI)

Adequate Fuel, Essential Supplies for 21 Days in J&K: Minister Satish Sharma

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

Srinagar, Mar 16 (NVI): Minister for Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs Satish Sharma on Monday said the government has adequate stock of fuel and essential commodities for around 21 days in Jammu and Kashmir and that kerosene supply has been resumed to ensure people do not face shortages.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the inauguration of the tulip show by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in Srinagar, Sharma said the administration is closely monitoring supplies and warned of strict action against those involved in black-marketing.

“We have sufficient stock for around 21 days. Some people have been found involved in black-marketing and whoever is found guilty—whether it is a petrol pump or gas agency—their licence will be cancelled,” the minister said.

He said that although Jammu and Kashmir had earlier become a kerosene-free region, the government has restarted kerosene distribution to provide additional support to consumers during the current situation.

“We were a kerosene-free region, but we have started kerosene distribution again, which will provide support to people,” Sharma said.

The minister added that the government’s priority is to ensure uninterrupted availability of essential commodities and prevent inconvenience to the public.

“We are servants of the people. Anyone involved in adulteration or hoarding will face strict action, no matter how influential,” he said.

Commenting on the broader situation, Sharma said peace should remain the priority and expressed hope that tensions would ease soon.

“We want peace. Hate has always been defeated by love and we hope the situation ends soon,” he said.

Sharma also said that under the leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the government is focusing on development and strengthening the tourism sector in the region.

Calling Kashmir the “Switzerland of India,” he said the government expects a record tourist footfall this year, especially with the opening of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden in Srinagar. (NVI)

Omar Abdullah Inaugurates Tulip Garden, Welcomes Spring in Kashmir

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Srinagar, Mar 16 (NVI): Omar Abdullah on Monday opened Asia’s largest tulip garden — the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden — for visitors in Srinagar, marking the arrival of spring and the start of the tourism season in the Kashmir Valley.

Located at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range and overlooking the famous Dal Lake, the garden is expected to attract thousands of tourists and locals eager to witness the colourful bloom of tulips.

Officials said the garden has more than 70 varieties of tulips this year along with other spring flowers such as Hyacinth, Daffodil, Muscari and Ranunculus.

Every year, the garden draws large numbers of tourists, nature lovers and photographers from across the country and abroad during the blooming season.

Authorities have also made arrangements for transportation, parking, security and other facilities to manage the expected rush of visitors. (NVI)

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