K H Snippets: J&K This Week

Srinagar: Below is the timeline of weeklong key public events and engagements of top public dignitaries witnessed within and outside Jammu & Kashmir this week:-
1. LG Attends Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas Celebrations In Jammu: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha virtually joined the Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas celebrations in Jammu. He paid tribute to freedom fighter Bhagwan Birsa Munda and highlighted the government’s efforts to uplift tribal communities in Jammu & Kashmir, ensuring their rights, culture, and heritage are safeguarded.
2. CS Dulloo’s Review Of Mega Recruitment Processes: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a meeting with the Services Selection Recruitment Board (SSRB) to review recruitment processes. He urged the Board to establish clear annual recruitment calendars to provide candidates with better clarity and reduce uncertainties.
3. Air Quality Concerns in J&K: Air quality in Jammu & Kashmir has worsened, with cities like Srinagar, Anantnag, and Jammu facing hazardous pollution levels. Srinagar’s Air Quality Index (AQI) has reached 183, categorized as “Unhealthy,” raising concerns among health experts.
4. Security Review In Kishtwar: Top officials from the Army, Police, and intelligence agencies held a security review meeting in Jammu and visited Kishtwar to assess the situation. GOC White Corps stressed the importance of coordinated efforts to eliminate security threats and maintain peace in the region.
5. Jammu & Kashmir Budget Session Announcement: The first budget session of Jammu and Kashmir’s Legislative Assembly post-reorganization will be held in Jammu in February 2024. The session, the first without a Legislative Council, will see the NC government present a people-friendly budget, with departments required to submit estimates by November 15.
6. Education Minister’s Commitment To Free Education: Minister for Education Sakina Masood Itoo reiterated the government’s commitment to providing free education from Class 1 to university level in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking at the National Academia-Industry Conclave at IUST, she praised the university for its successful implementation of NEP 2020.
7. PM Modi’s Condolences For Jhansi Fire Tragedy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed his condolences to the families of those who lost children in the fire at Jhansi Medical College. He announced an ex-gratia of Rs. 2 lakh for each deceased’s family and Rs. 50,000 for the injured.
8. Snow Clearance Mock Drill By SMC: Srinagar Municipal Corporation conducted a snow clearance mock drill to test the city’s preparedness for the upcoming winter season. The exercise involved deploying snowplows, loaders, and salt spreaders at key locations to ensure the smooth operation of essential services during heavy snowfall.
9. Bemina Bridge Restoration Completed: Deputy Commissioner Budgam Akshay Labroo reviewed the completion of restoration work on the Bemina Bridge. The 14-day project included retrofitting expansion joints, ensuring safer and more comfortable travel between Srinagar and Budgam.
10. Advisory On Underage Driving: The Jammu & Kashmir Transport Department issued an advisory urging parents and guardians to prevent minors from driving. The advisory, referencing the Motor Vehicles Act, emphasizes that parents will be held liable for offenses committed by underage drivers.