kashmirmonitor

[kashmirmonitor]

Hajj 2025: Saudi Halts Visas for 14 Nations Over Illegal Pilgrimage Concerns

New Delhi: Ahead of the Hajj 2025 season, Saudi Arabia has temporarily stopped issuing certain visas for citizens of 14 countries, including India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh. The suspension, which affects Umrah, business, and family visit visas, will remain in effect until mid-June — around the end of the annual pilgrimage. The countries affected by the suspension include India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iraq, Nigeria, Jordan, Algeria, Sudan, Ethiopia, Tunisia, Yemen, and Morocco. According to reports, the move aims to prevent unregistered individuals from attempting to perform Hajj without proper authorization. In past years, many foreigners entered Saudi Arabia using Umrah or visit visas and stayed on illegally to join the pilgrimage, leading to serious overcrowding and safety concerns. During Hajj 2024, such conditions reportedly contributed to the deaths of over 1,200 pilgrims. Saudi authorities have confirmed that individuals with valid Umrah visas can still enter the country until April 13. The kingdom follows a strict quota system, which assigns each country a limited number of Hajj slots. Unauthorized pilgrims bypass this system, overwhelming facilities during one of the hottest and most crowded times of the year. Another reason for the temporary visa halt is to curb illegal employment. Authorities found that some people entered Saudi Arabia on business or family visit visas but then worked illegally, violating immigration and labor laws. The Saudi Ministry of Hajj and Umrah clarified that this step is not politically motivated and has no connection with diplomatic issues. It is a precautionary and logistical decision to ensure safety and order during Hajj 2025, scheduled for June 4 to 9. Travelers from the affected countries have been advised to follow the new rules strictly. Anyone found violating the policy may face a five-year entry ban. Visas for diplomatic purposes, residency permits, and Hajj-specific visas remain valid and are not affected by this suspension.

[kashmirmonitor]

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, CM Omar Abdullah visits Tulip Garden

Union Minister for Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju and Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah took a peaceful morning walk on Monday through the scenic Tulip Garden in Srinagar. During his visit, Kiren Rijiju also met with National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah. Sharing the moment on social media platform X, Rijiju posted, “A refreshing morning walk amid the vibrant hues of the Tulip Garden in Srinagar, Jammu & Kashmir, with Hon’ble CM Shri @OmarAbdullah ji and also glad to meet Dr Farooq Abdullah sahab. Nature at its finest & conversations filled with warmth & vision, a truly special morning.” He highlighted the stunning beauty of the garden and the meaningful conversations, calling it a memorable experience. The Tulip Garden, located at the foothills of the Zabarwan Range with a view of Dal Lake, is Asia's largest, covering around 30 hectares. Opened in 2007, it was developed to promote floriculture and boost tourism in the Kashmir Valley. The annual Tulip Festival showcases a wide variety of flowers and attracts thousands of visitors. Earlier in the day, Rijiju and Omar Abdullah jointly inaugurated the Lok Samvardhan Parv in Srinagar. The event celebrates the cultural richness and artistic traditions of Jammu and Kashmir, while also addressing local challenges. During his speech, Omar Abdullah emphasized India’s diversity and the shared responsibility of every citizen in the country’s development. He said, “In our country, no two people think the same, live the same, cook or eat the same, or speak the same language. We all have a role in developing this country, and we will all benefit from that development.” The Lok Samvardhan Parv offers a national platform for artisans and chefs from minority communities to showcase their traditional crafts and cuisines. Timed with the blooming tulip season — a major tourist attraction — the event aims to boost visibility and create better livelihood opportunities for participants.

[kashmirmonitor]

Video: Kunal Kamra mocks Eknath Shinde; Sena workers ransack venue

A case was filed against comedian Kunal Kamra hours after a video of him surfaced showing him taking a jibe at Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde for switching sides. The FIR was filed against the comedian following a complaint by Shinde Sena MLA Murji Patel. Kamra, known for his witty remarks and sharp commentary, is now embroiled in controversy over a video from one of his shows, in which he was seen joking about Eknath Shinde for aligning with the BJP and labelling him a 'traitor'. Chaos erupted soon after the video went viral on social media. The comments angered leaders from the Shiv Sena (Shinde faction) and they vandalised a studio and Hotel Unicontinental in Mumbai's Khar area on Sunday. They claimed that the video was shot at this location. Additionally, Sanjay Nirupam, a well-known political figure in Mumbai who recently joined Shiv Sena, made a controversial statement in a post on Sunday, saying, "We will teach Kunal Kamra a lesson tomorrow at 11 am." During a recent show titled Naya Bharat, where he extensively discussed contemporary politics, Kamra took a dig at Shinde for splitting the party and aligning with the BJP and labelled him a 'traitor'. The video sparked a massive controversy. The clip from the show shared by Kamra himself showed him singing a spoof song from the Bollywood film Dil To Pagal Hai, referring to "a leader from Thane," making remarks about Shinde’s physical appearance and his equation with Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. However, Kamra did not explicitly name Shinde in the clip. KUNAL KAMRA REACTS AFTER ROW Hours after the row, the comedian has now responded with a short four-word post. “The only way forward", Kamra wrote on X with a photo of himself holding a small copy of the Constitution. This red-coloured pocket-sized Constitution has been widely discussed in recent days. A few months ago, Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi had also carried a similar copy of the Constitution from Parliament to public events, leading a "Save the Constitution" campaign against the ruling party.

[kashmirmonitor]

US Aircraft Carrying Third Batch Lands in Amritsar

New Delhi: A plane with 112 Indians, who were deported from the United States for illegally residing in the country, landed in Amritsar on Sunday night, the third such arrival in a span of 10 days as part of the Donald Trump administration's crackdown on such immigrants.  The flight C-17 Globemaster aircraft of the US Air Force landed at the Amritsar International Airport at around 10.03 pm, according to sources.  Of the total deportees, 31 are from Punjab, 44 from Haryana, 33 from Gujarat, two from Uttar Pradesh and one each from Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. The families of some of them reached the airport to receive them. The deportees will be allowed to head to their homes after completion of all formalities, including immigration, verification and background checks. Arrangements have been made for the transportation of deportees to their destination, the sources said.  The first round of deportation had taken place on February 5, when a US military plane transported 104 Indians to Amritsar. A second plane carrying 116 Indians landed on Saturday.  During the first round of deportation, the people were shackled and restrained throughout the flight, only to be freed upon arrival in India - a move that triggered a political storm in India, and led to an uproar in both Houses of Parliament during the then ongoing Budget session. Similar allegations of ill-treatment were also made by those who returned on Saturday. Amid criticism, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar earlier said the Centre is engaging with the US to ensure the deportees are not mistreated. He also said the US' deportation of illegal migrants is not a new development and has been going on for years.   Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was in the US earlier this week, said India will take back any of its citizens living illegally in the US. He, however, emphasised that efforts need to be made to end human trafficking.  "Our bigger fight is against that entire ecosystem, and we are confident that President Trump will fully cooperate with India in finishing this ecosystem," he said.   In its defense, the US Embassy in India said "enforcing our nation's immigration laws is critically important to the national security and public safety of the United States". "It is the policy of the United States to faithfully execute the immigration laws against all inadmissible and removable aliens," an embassy spokesperson said. India is the third source of undocumented immigrants in the US after Mexico and El Salvador. Most of the deportees belonging to Punjab earlier said they wanted to migrate to the US for a better life for their families. However, their dreams were shattered when they were caught on the US border and sent back in shackles.

[kashmirmonitor]

Body Found In Shalteng

Srinagar- An unidentified male body was found in Srinagar outskirts on Monday. An official said the body was discovered by locals at Shalteng this morning. He said the police have taken the body into its custody. The identification of the deceased is being ascertained, reported news agency KNO. Meanwhile, more details are awaited, and investigations are underway.

[kashmirmonitor]

Running Late for Test, Student Paraglides to Exam Centre

New Delhi: To beat the heavy traffic in the city in order to reach exam venue on time, a student in Maharashtra's Satara district took an unconventional route of paragliding to exam centre. Samarth Mahangade, a student from Pasarani village in Wai taluka, took the unusual mode through paragliding when he realised that he would get stuck in a massive traffic with only 15-20 minutes left for the exam.  A viral video circulating on social media shows the student flying in the sky with his college bag and making a fascinating entrance at his exam centre. The student wore all the necessary gear for paragliding As per reports, Samarth was in Panchgani for personal work on the day of the exam. He decided to take the paragliding route when he suddenly realised he had to reach the centre on time with only 15-20 minutes left for the exam. To avoid the heavy traffic in the Pasarani Ghat section of the Wai-Panchgani road, he paraglided to the exam centre.  Govind Yewale, an adventure sports expert from GP Adventures in Panchgani, came up with a bold solution. He helped him arrange a fly over the traffic-congested region with the help of his team. This eventually helped him land near his college on time. Samarth safely reached his exam venue under the supervision of experienced paragliding instructors. .Satara is located in western Maharashtra and has popular locations for paragliding activities. The viral video was shared by Instagram account ‘Insta_satara'. 

[kashmirmonitor]

9.73 Crore People Visited Kumbh Mela in Just 11 Days

In just 11 days of the Mahakumbh, more than 97.3 million devotees, Kalpavasis and revered seers have taken a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam. With this unprecedented turnout of devotees, the total number of participants expected to touch the 100 million mark by the end of today the 11th day of the festival. As per the data of the Uttar Pradesh government, on Thursday as of now over 16.98 lakhs people took dip in the sacred confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mystical Saraswati. The Uttar Pradesh government estimates that more than 45 crore people will attend the Maha Kumbh this time, according to an official statement.  -- ANI 

[kashmirmonitor]

Aerial View Of LA Fire Damage Show Aftermath Of California Blazes

Washington DC: The recent wildfires have left Los Angeles -- the second-largest city in the United States and home to the country's rich and famous -- in rubble. Images taken from the air show block after block of greyish-brown ash, with just skeletal remains of homes, restaurants and shops left behind in the once-thriving neighbourhood.  The two fires that broke out on January 7 have burned an area nearly the size of Washington, DC, according to the California Fire Department. The blaze, one of the most destructive natural disasters in Southern California, has killed at least 28 people and damaged or destroyed nearly 16,000 structures.  (Source: Reuters) While the appalling destruction in upscale Pacific Palisades and Malibu in the west has made most of the headlines, Altadena in the east has suffered even more. Images of fire-damaged areas, taken from a helicopter, show some stone chimneys and trees standing defiantly tall in Altadena, the city that bore the brunt of the Easton Fire. (Source: Reuters) Several backyard swimming pools, burnt-out cars and twisted metal from homes were also visible from the sky. (Source: Reuters) To the west, the Palisades Fire created a scar in the hillside where the upscale enclave offered postcard-perfect views of the Pacific Ocean. (Source: AFP) Driven by an extreme autumn drought and fierce Santa Ana winds, the fires turned the dry hills of Los Angeles into kindling, fuelling a relentless inferno that has raged for more than a week. As of Wednesday, the Eaton Fire was 91 per cent contained and the Palisades Fire was 68 per cent contained, according to a report by Reuters. But as firefighters were bust containing the previous two infernos, plumes of smoke rose from a new fire north of Los Angeles in Hughes. The new rapidly spread to 9,400 acres (38 square km), forcing mandatory evacuation orders for more than 31,000 people on Wednesday. It was not immediately clear what sparked the fire, but it occurred during red flag fire conditions -- when meteorologists say strong winds and low humidity create conditions ripe for rapid fire spread.

[kashmirmonitor]

Affordable Housing

The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awaas Yojana is a flagship program of the Central Government in its mission to provide affordable housing for all. It is addressed to the rural poor under which it will provide pucca houses with all the basic facilities including a hygienic kitchen to those living in kutcha houses. The total costs incurred when providing housing benefits to the rural poor are distributed between the Central and State Governments. Currently, the ratio is set at 60:40, of which the last figure is each respective state’s contribution. For all non-hilly states, the total contribution will be Rs 1.20 Lakh. In hilly states, especially the Northern States, contribution levels have a ratio of 90:10, of which the Central Government provides 90% of the funding. The Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir also accords to the same provisions. For these states, the total sum which will be made available is Rs 1.30 Lakh. This sum will be used to construct permanent housing. Jammu and Kashmir has achieved significant progress under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), recording an 85% completion rate. Officials expressed confidence during a review meeting that the remaining targets would be met by the end of March 2025, even as snowfall and other adverse conditions impact construction efforts in higher altitudes. It is hoped that the targets are met in time. A structured approach has been implemented to maintain the pace of progress, including regular assessments and close monitoring. Emphasis has been placed on efficient fund utilization and meticulous planning to ensure all eligible families receive their homes within the stipulated timeline. Several districts have shown exceptional performance, achieving completion rates above 90%. Others have been encouraged to address challenges and improve their progress to meet the overall objectives of the scheme. Since the scheme's launch in 2016, over 3.35 lakh houses have been sanctioned in the region, with 2.85 lakh already completed. This year alone, more than 67,000 houses have been finished, with an additional 82,000 expected to be completed by March. Officials have been tasked with conducting weekly reviews, expediting fund transfer orders, and ensuring the completion of under-construction houses. Special attention has been directed toward resolving pending cases related to fund disbursement, with clear instructions for close tracking and follow-ups. Unresolved recovery cases have also been highlighted as a priority area, with directives issued to compile detailed reports and ensure timely action. The focus remains on proactive management and enhanced oversight, particularly at the grassroots level, to address delays and streamline the process. Although significant progress has been made, the implementation of PMAY-G in the region continues to face several challenges. A key issue is the timely completion of houses, which is often hindered by harsh weather conditions, particularly in high-altitude areas, and logistical challenges in delivering construction materials to remote locations. Additionally, ensuring the accurate identification of genuine beneficiaries remains a critical concern to guarantee that support reaches those who need it most. 

[kashmirmonitor]

Kapil Sharma, Rajpal Yadav, and Two Others Receive Death Threats; Case Registered

New Delhi: Kapil Sharma received a death threat via email from Pakistan, said police. Kapil Sharma joined the bandwagon of celebrities like Rajpal Yadav, Sugandha Mishra and Remo D'Souza who have also received threat mails in recent time.  An FIR has been registered with Amboli Police against an unknown person under section 351(3) of BNS. Police have started the investigation.  As per the police, the threat email was sent from Pakistan. The email reads, "We are monitoring your recent activities and we believe it is important that we bring to your attention a sensitive matter. This is not a publicity stunt or an attempt to harass you, we urge you to treat this message with utmost seriousness and confidentiality." The sender signed off as 'BISHNU'. As per police, a reply from the celebrities was demanded within 8 hours else, they have to face consequences on personal and professional fronts.  Comedian Kapil Sharma recently registered a complaint with the police. Prior to him, Sugandha Mishra and Remo D'Souza had also filed complaints at the police station after receiving the same mail. Rajpal Yadav received the mail on December 14 last year. He filed the complaint with police on December 17. The mail was lying in Rajpal Yadav's spam box of mails.  Mumbai Police have been probing into the complaints with utmost urgency as celebrities are being targeted one after another. Politician Baba Siddique was shot dead near his house in the Bandra area of Mumbai in October last year. The responsibility for the murder was claimed by jailed gangster Lawrence Bishnoi's gang. Salman Khan, on his part, stepped up his security, even installing bullet-proof windows on his balcony. Last week, an intruder attacked Saif Ali Khan at his Bandra home in the early hours of Thursday. The actor was stabbed six times and had grave injuries. As per reports, doctors removed the 2.5 inches of knife from his wound. After being treated at the Lilavati Hospital, Saif Ali Khan returned home on Tuesday evening (January 21). He waved at fans and the paparazzi stationed at his home. The actor also met auto driver Bhajan Singh Rana, who took him to hospital after he was stabbed on Wednesday night.

[kashmirmonitor]

Rajouri's 'Unidentified Illness' Caused by Toxins, Not Virus: Jitendra Singh

Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday provided an update on the mysterious illness in Rajouri, stating that initial tests conducted by a toxicology laboratory in Lucknow under CSIR indicated the absence of any infection, virus, or bacteria. During the inauguration of the newly constructed bridge at Basantpur, Singh revealed that preliminary findings indicate the presence of a toxin, which is currently undergoing further analysis. “I think the discussion has started but the first test was conducted by a toxicology laboratory in Lucknow, CSIR. The discussion was that there was no infection, no virus, no bacteria, it was just a toxin. Now the toxin is being tested. So there is a long series of toxins that are being tested…and if there is any mischief or any other mischief, then we will know about it,” he said. The disease that remains unidentified has claimed 17 lives and affected 38 people since early December 2024. However, health department teams say there is no need to declare a public health emergency. On Tuesday, JK Chief Minister Omar Abdullah visited Rajouri’s Badhal and assured citizens affected by the disease. CM Abdullah told reporters, “The day when we got the information, the health department along with other departments have been working to understand the causes behind such incidents… Tests were done, and we concluded that there were no bacteria or viruses that caused those deaths.” “Later, we found that all those deaths happened in three families,” he added. He said that the authorities are yet to ascertain the cause behind these deaths. “But, we are yet to find the reason behind 17 deaths… Since it’s not a disease, police are also involved in it and they have formed a team to investigate the matter. Central govt team is also there and we together will look into the incidents to find the reason behind all these deaths…,” CM Omar Abdullah added. Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday ordered the constitution of an inter-ministerial team led by the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) to investigate the causes of unexplained deaths in three incidents reported over the past six weeks. Meanwhile, Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh dedicated newly constructed Nora Bridge at Basantpur to the public, saying the era of development has begun under PM Modi’s leadership to connect hilly areas with road and bridge links. The bridge, constructed at an estimated cost of Rs 17 crores, will connect Billawar with Kathua, benefiting residents of Billawar, Basohli and Bani. Dr Singh also announced a Rs 30,000 crore project for the construction of the Chattergala tunnel, providing an alternative route to the Kathua district, set to boost tourism and change the destiny of the region. The project aims to shorten travel times while enhancing connection. Residents would no longer have to endure hassle when commuting to Basohli. The construction of the bridge, an alternate route of the Lakhanpur-Thein road, was forced by the submergence of a stretch of Nora Nallah in Panchayat Thein, district Kathua. The inauguration ceremony was attended by MLA Basholi Darshan Singh, MLA Rajiv Jasrotia, MLA Vijay Sharma, MLA Dr Bharat Bhushan and Deputy Commissioner Kathua Dr Rakesh Minhas. (ANI)

[kashmirmonitor]

Rs 36k fine imposed, food items destroyed

KUPWARA, JANUARY 22: Acting tough against erring traders, the market checking teams across all tehsils of district Kupwara today visited various markets in their respective jurisdictions during which fine to the tune of Rs.36400 was realized from erring traders, and 204 kg rotten vegetables and food stuff was destroyed on the spot. Market inspection was carried out on second consecutive day today across all 16 tehsils of Kupwara to ensure fair trade practices and maintain the quality of goods sold in the markets. The initiative aims to curb profiteering, hoarding, and sale of substandard goods, while safeguarding the interests of consumers. Market checking teams are closely monitoring retail shops, wholesale markets, and other commercial establishments to ensure adherence to price regulations, weight and measure standards, and quality control norms. Specific focus is being given to essential commodities, including food items, medicines, and daily-use products. Meanwhile, the ADC urged all traders and shopkeepers to comply with the applicable market regulations, highlighting the penalties for non-compliance. Consumers are also encouraged to report any instances of overcharging, substandard goods, or other violations through designated helplines. The intensified market checking is expected to continue in the coming weeks with regular monitoring and enforcement efforts.

[kashmirmonitor]

DC inspects facilities at Children Hospital Bemina

SRINAGAR JANUARY 22:- Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat Wednesday undertook a visit to Paediatrics(Children) Hospital, Bemina to take stock of its functioning and the healthcare facilities being provided to the new born babies at the Hospital.  The Deputy Commissioner also reviewed the development works being executed under Pradhan Mantri Jan Vikas Karyakram (PMJVK)for infrastructure upgradation of the only Paediatrics(Children) Hospital for the convenience of the patients and their attendants. The DC also took appraisal about operationalization of 2nd Hotline services at the Hospital to cater emergencies etc. On the occasion, the DC was informed that a proposal of Rs. 4.15 crore project for construction of Attendant Sarai at the hospital under PMJVK has been submitted to the Government to facilitate the attendants accompanying the patients from far flung areas.       The DC also took stock of the measures being taken for rehabilitation of venders/hawkers and establishment of a Police Post outside the Hospital. Later, the Deputy Commissioner visited the Sub Divisional Magistrate Office(West) at Bemina and Nayabat Office at Zainakote. During the visit, the DC inspected the Offices and took stock of the revenue related services being provided to the public. At Nayabat Office Zainakote, the DC directed the Officers to prepare an estimate for development of the land adjacent to the Office besides for its fencing. During the visit, the DC was accompanied by Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Executive Engineer, Arouj Alaqband, Tehsildar Shalteng, Rayees Abdullah, MS Children Hospital, Dr. Abdul Rasheed Para, CMO, Dr Tariq Ahmad Bhat and other concerned.

[kashmirmonitor]

Minister chairs meeting of forest department

JAMMU, JANUARY: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, today chaired a comprehensive review meeting of all sectors of the forest department at Civil Secretariat Jammu. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment; Principal Chief Conservator of Forests J&K; PCCF/Director, Soil & Water Conservation Department; PCCF (WL)/Chief Wildlife Warden; Chairman, JK Pollution Control Committee; Director, Forest Research Institute; Secretary in Department of Forest, Ecology & Environment; Director, Forest Protection Force; Director, Social Forestry; Managing Director, J&K FDC; Director, Ecology, Environment & Remote Sensing Department; Chief Conservator of Forests, Jammu/Kashmir; Chief Conservator of Forests, Planning & Projects; Chief Executive Director, WUCMA, Kashmir; Regional Wildlife Warden, Jammu/Kashmir; Director Finance, Forest, Ecology & Environment Department; Special Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment Department and Additional Secretary, Forest, Ecology & Environment. During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on Human Resource (HR) management in various wings of Forest Department. Addressing the officers, Javed Rana sought details of sanctioned, in-position and vacant posts in the department and the steps taken by the HoDs to address the issues on this account. He urged upon all the HoDs to maintain accountability and transparency, ensuring administrative efficiency and timely resolution of employee related matters. Emphasising the need for time bound promotion in the department to ensure career progression for the deserving employees, the Minister sought actionable solutions from the officers. He said there should be no unnecessary delay in appointment by promotion and filling of vacancies. He said that vacant posts should be immediately referred to the recruitment agencies for efficient running of the forest department. He said that there is a need to pursue court cases rigorously and end litigation which is hampering HR management. During the meeting, physical and financial progress of key flagship schemes was also reviewed.  Besides, detailed review of Greening Jammu and Kashmir initiative was held and its impact on increasing forest cover as per the National Forest Policy was also deliberated upon. The Minister also emphasised long term strategy for reducing dependence on external wood supplies and enhancing self-sufficiency. He also reviewed the enforcement actions including closure orders, environment compensations and compliance improvements. He said that significant focus should be given towards achieving Clean Air Action Plans in major urban centres. Maintaining that steps need to be taken to strengthen forest dependent communities and tribal engagement, Rana asked the officers to swiftly address pending claims under the Forest Rights Act, filed by forest dwellers.

[kashmirmonitor]

Sakeena reviews implementation of ICDS, Mission Shakti in UT

JAMMU, JANUARY 22: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today chaired a meeting to review progress on implementation of various schemes of Social Welfare department like ICDS (POSHAN), Mission Shakti, Mission Vastalya, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojna (PMMVY) and other schemes. Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare department (SWD), Sanjeev Verma; Mission Director ICDS; District Programme Officers; representatives of Mission Shakti, Mission Vastalya and other concerned officers of SWD were present on the occasion. During the meeting, the Minister reviewed the status of fund utilisation under CAPEX, recruitment of Anganwadi workers and helpers, physical and financial position of Anganwadi Centres and other issues of the ICDS project. Addressing the officers, Sakeena Itoo emphasised the critical role of POSHAN Abhiyan in addressing malnutrition and promoting holistic health among children, pregnant as well as lactating women. She highlighted that these schemes align with the Omar Abdullah led government’s broader vision of ensuring sustainable development and health equity across Jammu and Kashmir. While reviewing the functioning of Anganwadi Centres, the Minister stressed upon the DPOs for maintaining cleanliness and proper hygiene within the centres. She delved upon the officers for maintaining regular supervision of these centres within their respective districts to maintain quality of nutrition provision for the beneficiaries. “Conduct surprise visits on regular basis to ascertain the quality of nutrition as well maintaining accountability of these centres “, she asked the officers. The Minister, while reviewing other aspects of these schemes, asked the Mission Director POSHAN for use of digital tools for real-time monitoring of beneficiaries. She advised them to develop a mobile application for monitoring of beneficiaries as well as officials on ground. Highlighting that the SWD has major contribution in upliftment of society, the Minister called upon all DPOs for amplifying the awareness regarding these schemes in their respective districts. “Use traditional media like Radio and TV for creating awareness among people, especially in far off areas regarding these beneficiary oriented schemes. Other means should also be used to generate awareness among people regarding different schemes of the department “, Sakeena Itoo said. The Minister, during the meeting, also enquired about the functioning and performance of One Stop Centres, Balvidayalas, Early Childhood Care & Education programme and other schemes. She impressed upon the officers for maintaining transparency and financial discipline while implementing these schemes. She also delved on them for timely submission of utilisation certificates so that the financial viability can be maintained.

[kashmirmonitor]

Power shutdown in Valley parts

SRINAGAR, DECEMBER 22: According to the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, in order to facilitate laying and stringing work of 132 KV IRCON-Budgam Transmission Line being executed by JKPTCL, Kashmir, the shutdown of 33KV Budgam Line and 33KV Ichgam-Budgam Line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Budgam, SIDCO, Choon, Ichgam, Kanir, Hanjoora and NCC shall remain off while the power supply to the Budgam, Mirgund, Jawalapora, Ompora Colony, SIDCO Colony, Sheikhpora, Ichgam, Qazibagh, Gudsathoo, Choon, Ratnipora, Badibagh, Barwah, Zohama, Kanir, Hashroo, Hanjoora and Dadampora areas will be affected from 07:00 AM to 11:00 AM on 23 January, 2025. Also, to carry out laying of conductor on erected poles at Medicity Sempora, the shutdown of 33KV Pampore-Badamibagh (Trunk Line) shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Sonwar, Badamibagh, Panthachowk, Lasjan, Flour Mill, Govt. Press, GB Panth Hospital, WSS Tangnar shall remain off while the power supply to the Sonwar, Badamibagh, Panthachowk, Lasjan, Flour Mill, Govt. Press, GB Panth Hospital, WSS Tangnar and adjoining areas will be affected from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM on 28 January, 2025. Similarly, to carry out cutting/ felling of poplar trees near Block HQ Gagren, the shutdown of 33KV Kanipora-Batapora Line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Gagren, Batapora and Dedicated 0.63 MVA 33/0.433 KV Mini Secretariat Shopian shall remain off while the power supply to the Gagren, Town, Sharatpora, Meemender, Habdipora,  Industrial Area Gagren, Hurpora, Devpora, Police Line, DC Office Shopian will be affected from 10:00 AM to 04:30 PM on 27 & 30 January, 2025. Further, to carry out Stabilization of 33 KV Pinjoora Line, the shutdown of 33KV Kanipora-Pinjoora Line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Pinjoora, Arhama and Chowdraygund shall remain off while power supply to the Pinjoora, Arhama, Pahnoo, Trenz, Kiloora, Imamsahib, Vehil, Reshinagri and Saidpora areas will be affected from 10:00 AM to 04:30 PM on 28 January, 01 & 04 February, 2025. Moreover, to carry out Stabilization/ Improvement of 33 KV Line, the shutdown of 33KV Alasteng Line shall be observed due to which 33/11KV Receiving Stations at Alasteng, Nagbal, Gadoora and Tulbagh shall remain off while power supply to the Shuhama, Bakura, Darend, Nagbal, Gadoora, Tulbagh and Chunduna areas will be affected from 10:00 AM to 03:00 PM on 23 January, 2025.

[kashmirmonitor]

Typing test for data entry operator post at GMC on Jan 25

SRINAGAR, JANUARY 22: All candidates provisionally shortlisted for typing test vide GS-MC/WT/Sch/136-49 dated 10-01-2025, for selection/engagement against the positions of Data Entry Operator/Data Manager under different schemes in GMC Srinagar are informed that their Typing Test will be conducted on 25, January, 2025. The short listed candidates have been asked to reach Administrative block GMC Srinagar by 9:30 A.M on the said date for the test.