The applications had been duly verified by the Sub-District Business Development Unit (SBDU) before being placed before the Committee for approval.

The meeting reviewed the proposals submitted by aspiring young entrepreneurs seeking financial assistance and institutional support under Mission YUVA. The approved cases will facilitate eligible youth in establishing and sustaining their entrepreneurial ventures through financial assistance, handholding and capacity-building support under the scheme.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chair emphasized the importance of Mission YUVA in fostering entrepreneurship and generating sustainable employment opportunities for the youth. He underscored the need for timely processing of cases and coordinated efforts among all stakeholder departments to ensure effective implementation of the scheme at the grassroots level.

Among others, the meeting was attended by Deputy Director Employment Budgam, District Social Welfare Officer Budgam, Functional Manager, District Industries Centre (DIC) Budgam, District Nodal Officer, Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI), and Lead District Manager (LDM).

During the visit, the MD inspected various project sites, including Kawyard, Dasbal and Inshan in Warwan Block, besides Astan Gam, Qaderna and Yourdoo in Marwah Block, where he reviewed the progress of the ongoing works and interacted with field engineers, executing agencies and local residents.

The Managing Director was accompanied by Chief Engineer (Distribution), Er. Arshad Hussain Reshi, Chief Engineer (Projects), Er. Ravi Kant Kalsotra and other senior officers of JPDCL along with representatives of the executing agencies.

Reviewing the progress of material mobilization, transportation and line construction works, the Managing Director observed that the project is of immense significance for the socio-economic development of these remote regions, as it will connect Marwah and Warwan to the main power grid for the first time, replacing the existing dependence on standalone power systems and ensuring reliable, quality and uninterrupted power supply to the people.

The works are being executed by the Projects Wing of JPDCL under RDSS through executing agency M/s Pir Panchal Constructions (P) Ltd, JV at a total awarded cost of ₹78.16 crore for establishment of receiving stations, construction of transmission infrastructure and electrification of left-out unelectrified households. As part of the Grid Connectivity Project, JPDCL is establishing a 33/11 kV, 2×6.3 MVA Receiving Station at Marwah, a 33/11 kV, 1×6.3 MVA Receiving Station at Warwan, besides laying approximately 95 Circuit Kms of 33 kV transmission line on steel tubular poles to integrate these remote valleys with the existing electricity grid.

The Managing Director also reviewed the progress of the household electrification component under RDSS, which envisages providing grid-based electricity connectivity to 6,175 left-out households spread across 56 unelectrified habitations in 22 villages of Marwah and Warwan blocks. The project includes installation of 134 Distribution Transformers of 63 kVA, 67 Distribution Transformers of 100 kVA, construction of 178.37 kms of new 11 kV lines, 19.40 kilometres of LT ABC 70 sq.mm line and 101.90 kms of LT ABC 120 sq.mm line, thereby ensuring last-mile electricity connectivity to every eligible household.

The Managing Director was informed that substantial progress has already been achieved in mobilization of project materials despite the extremely difficult terrain, adverse weather conditions and limited accessibility. Around 1,000 steel tubular poles of 9-metre length and 500 steel tubular poles of 8-metre length have already reached the Marwah and Warwan areas for household electrification works. Similarly, 500 steel tubular poles of 11-metre length required for the 33 kV transmission line have also been received, out of which 248 poles have already been erected on the Dangdaroo–Suid stretch, while the remaining material is being transported to various work fronts through the challenging mountainous terrain.

Interacting with the executing agencies and field engineers, the Managing Director directed them to maintain the highest standards of quality while ensuring timely completion of the works. He stressed that all construction activities should be meticulously planned in view of the limited working season and the difficult geographical and climatic conditions prevailing in the region. He further instructed the officers to ensure uninterrupted availability of construction material, close coordination among all stakeholders and continuous monitoring of progress so that the projects are completed within the stipulated timelines.

Addressing the locals, the Managing Director said that the grid connectivity project would be a milestone in the development of the remote Marwah and Warwan regions by ensuring reliable electricity for households and public institutions, thereby improving education, healthcare, livelihoods and overall quality of life. He reiterated JPDCL’s commitment to completing the project at the earliest despite the challenging terrain, so that the benefits of dependable grid power reach every household in the region.

In a statement issued here, police said that the residential house, valued at ₹23,79,669/-, belongs to Abdul Hamid Thoker of Nusipora Keegam. “The property was identified as having been acquired purely through proceeds generated from the illegal trade of drugs and narcotics, and has been attached under FIR No. 31/2026,” the statement noted.

The attachment proceedings were conducted in presence of an Executive Magistrate and local village heads, reinforcing the department’s policy of dismantling the financial networks of drug syndicates.

In a statement issued here, police said that a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) has been implemented to regulate media access during VVIP visits, public events, and religious gatherings. “Under the new rules, only media personnel possessing valid identity cards issued by the District Information Officer (DIO) Baramulla will be permitted entry into designated venues and restricted areas,” the statement noted.

The department has sought full cooperation from media houses, emphasizing that the guidelines are aimed at ensuring hassle-free coverage while maintaining foolproof security protocols.

The Director reviewed district-wise physical and financial achievements under developmental schemes and assessed the progress of infrastructure projects, fund utilisation and implementation of the approved Action Plan for 2026-27. He directed timely execution of works under HADP, JKCIP, CAPEX, CSS and NABARD-funded projects to ensure optimum utilisation of resources and achievement of intended outcomes.

Anil Gupta directed officers to closely monitor the progress of ongoing works, remove implementation bottlenecks at the field level and ensure projects are completed within the prescribed timelines while maintaining quality standards. He also called for regular field inspections, coordination among implementing agencies and prompt submission of progress reports to achieve the targets set under the government programmes.

The meeting was attended by Chief Agriculture Officers Rajesh Verma (Rajouri) and Jograj Singh (Poonch); ADO (Vegetables) Rajouri Rajinder Singh Slathia; Agronomy Specialist Poonch Balbir Singh; DAOs (Extension) Neeraj Sharma (Rajouri) and Raj Kumar Sharma (Poonch); ASCOs Ajitpal Singh (Rajouri) and Raj Kumar (Poonch) and SDAOs Sanjeev Gupta (Mendhar), Surinder Kumar (Darhal), Siddharth Nanda (Nowshera), Rajesh Kumar (Budhal), Rohit Singh Baloria (Kalakote) and Vikas Sharma (Surankote); besides officers of the Directorate of Agriculture, Jammu.

The initiative received vital support from Dr. Zafar Akber Sahib, Chief Medical Officer of Kupwara, who facilitated the necessary administrative and logistical arrangements for the camp’s execution. The camp was inaugurated by Dr. Mir Mohammad Shafi Sahib, Block Medical Officer, alongside Dr. Gh. Hassan Khatana Sahib, District Tuberculosis Officer, which underscored the event’s importance and motivated both the medical team and attendees. Various national health programs participated actively, with the IDSP Unit conducting screenings for Non-Communicable Diseases and the NTEP Team offering Tuberculosis screenings through portable X-ray services and sputum collection. The involvement of RBSK Teams and the Mobile Medical Unit from multiple blocks, particularly Block Kupwara, enhanced the camp’s offerings by providing specialized pediatric and adolescent health screenings.  The success of the camp was bolstered by the contributions of Medical Officers from various blocks, with special recognition for the pharmacists of Block Kralpora for their hospitality and commitment.

Akhter Hussain Shah Cashier of JKGPA Kupwara, played a crucial role in coordinating the camp, ensuring smooth operations. Over 650 patients attended, receiving prompt consultations and treatments, with pharmacists efficiently dispensing medications on-site. The availability of medicines was supported by Mushtaq Ahmed Wani Sahib, District President of JKGPA Kupwara, and logistical support was provided by the NHM Unit, Kupwara. The Association also expressed gratitude to Gh. Nabi Sahib, Sarpanch of the area, for his cooperation. The J&K Government Pharmacist Association, Kupwara, remains committed to serving remote communities and bridging healthcare gaps, reflecting a collective effort to deliver quality medical services directly to those in need.

The Director reviewed implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY) and the Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, along with physical and financial progress of ongoing developmental projects, infrastructure creation, fund utilisation, district-wise implementation of the approved Action Plan 2026-27 under CSS and CAPEX, and status of NABARD-funded projects. He stressed timely completion of projects while maintaining quality and accountability.

On PMFBY, the Director expressed concern over the pace of farmer enrolment and directed District Agriculture Officers of Udhampur and Reasi to accelerate registration. He instructed that registration camps be organised in every Panchayat to ensure maximum coverage of eligible farmers before the deadline, so no eligible farmer is left out due to lack of awareness or access.

On the Kisan Credit Card scheme, the Director instructed officers concerned to achieve assigned targets within prescribed timelines through close coordination with banks and field-level mobilisation of farmers.

Anil Gupta directed all field functionaries to ensure every developmental work is executed in accordance with the approved action plan and prescribed timelines. He instructed officers to closely monitor implementation, remove bottlenecks at the field level, ensure optimum utilisation of funds and complete sanctioned projects within the stipulated timeframe without compromising quality.

Among those present were SMS (RL) Krishan Kant, Chief Agriculture Officer Udhampur and Reasi Harbans Singh, District Agriculture Officer Reasi Shiv Parshotam Jyoti, District Agriculture Officer Udhampur Sudhir Manhas, ADO (Vegetables) Udhampur Ajay Sharma, Mushroom Development Officer Udhampur Vinod Gupta, ASCO Dharmari Amit Sharma, ASCO Udhampur Sandeep Gautam, SDAO Udhampur Ajay Sharma, SDAO Ramnagar Ashwani Abrol, SDAO Dharmari Naresh Kumar, SDAO Reasi Aftab Ahmed Malik, technical officers and officers from the CSS and Planning Sections of the Directorate of Agriculture Jammu.

Jammu :  More than 570 sports and youth infrastructure projects with an estimated investment exceeding ₹650 crore are presently under various stages of planning and execution across Jammu & Kashmir during current financial year, under the Department of Youth Services & Sports, marking one of the most comprehensive infrastructure development programmes undertaken by the Department in recent years.

The progress of this ambitious programme was reviewed Tuesday by Commissioner Secretary, Youth Services & Sports, Dr. Shahid Iqbal Choudhary, chairing the first quarterly review of the implementation roadmap initiated earlier this year.

The meeting was attended by Director General, Youth Services & Sports, Special Secretary YSS, Secretary, J&K Sports Council, FA/CAOs, JDP, senior officers of the Administrative Department, engineering agencies, Heads of Wings, District Youth Services & Sports Officers from all twenty districts and officers of the J&K Sports Council.

The review covered Capital Expenditure, Special Assistance to Capital Investment (SASCI), Centrally Sponsored Schemes including the Khelo India Mission, Revenue Expenditure, Budget Announcements and district-wise implementation of sports infrastructure projects. The Commissioner/Secretary said that the Department’s infrastructure strategy is fully aligned with the vision of the  Khelo Bharat Niti, with emphasis on creating an equitable, accessible and future-ready sports ecosystem capable of serving every region and every section of society.

Dr. Choudhary observed that while significant investments have already transformed sports infrastructure over the past few years, the current phase represents a strategic shift from isolated project execution to a planned, data-driven expansion of sports infrastructure across urban centres, rural areas, border districts, tribal habitations, remote mountainous regions and other underserved locations. He said the objective is to ensure that every young person in Jammu & Kashmir has access to quality sports facilities within reasonable proximity, while simultaneously creating centres of excellence capable of nurturing national and international sporting talent.

The meeting reviewed the progress of 315 CapEx projects being implemented by the Directorate of Youth Services & Sports during 2026-27, including 167 ongoing works, 140 new projects and eight non-construction initiatives, in addition to projects under SASCI, Budget Announcements and other flagship programmes. The J&K Sports Council is simultaneously implementing 263 infrastructure projects, comprising 195 ongoing works, 57 new works and 11 SASCI Disaster Component projects, reflecting an unprecedented scale of coordinated infrastructure development across the Union Territory.

A comprehensive district-wise review was undertaken of all major projects. The Commissioner/Secretary reviewed progress on development of Khel Gaon, Nagrota as a flagship multi-sport hub through establishment of a Lawn Tennis Academy, new Directorate headquarters, Strength & Conditioning Centre, Youth Hostel and remodelling of cricket infrastructure. Progress was also reviewed on major new projects including construction of Khel Bhawans and integrated residential sports facilities at Rajouri, Ramban, Samba, Srinagar, Anantnag, Kulgam, Poonch, Jammu. and Nagrota; two Border Sports Academies; the proposed Centre for Mountaineering & Skiing at Sanasar; youth hostels at Nagrota, Wazir Bagh and Government College of Physical Education, Ganderbal; multi-purpose indoor halls; mini stadiums; sports academies; and playfield development works across districts.

The review also covered major projects being executed by the J&K Sports Council, including synthetic football and hockey turfs at Bandhurakh, Jagti, Gassu Hazratbal, Azad Gunj Baramulla and Draggad Shopian; Olympic-standard swimming infrastructure and toddler swimming facilities at Gindun Rajbagh; athletic tracks at Khour, Mendhar and Tulibal; sports stadiums at Sogam, Birpur, Panthan Thathri, Rehal Bishnah, Budgam and Bhalwal; water sports facilities at Manasbal; Sports Complex at Nilandrus; Cricket Academies at Srinagar, Jammu, Udhampur and Anantnag; Gymnastics, Archery and Shooting Centres; High Performance Taekwondo Centres; and Centre of Cricket Excellence projects presently under execution.

The meeting noted significant progress under the Playfield Development Programme, under which 108 playfields are being developed across Jammu & Kashmir this year at an estimated cost of over ₹39 crore, besides implementation of 118 additional sports infrastructure projects, including indoor stadiums, multipurpose halls, youth hostels, volleyball courts, badminton courts, pickleball courts, cricket practice facilities, sports office buildings and allied infrastructure aimed at strengthening grassroots participation and community engagement in sports.

Reviewing implementation under the Khelo India Mission, the Commissioner Secretary also assessed progress relating to Khelo India Centres, procurement of sports equipment, strengthening of centres of excellence, cricket academies and athlete support infrastructure, directing that these initiatives should complement the rapidly expanding physical infrastructure to create a complete sporting ecosystem across the Union Territory.

In a significant policy direction, Dr. Choudhary reviewed the creation of the Department’s first comprehensive geo-spatial inventory of sports infrastructure by geo-tagging every stadium, playfield, indoor hall, youth hostel, academy, sports complex and allied asset under both the Directorate and the J&K Sports Council. The integrated GIS-based platform will support scientific infrastructure planning, lifecycle maintenance, utilisation assessment, convergence with other development programmes and identification of infrastructure-deficit areas requiring future investment.

He further directed preparation of district-wise infrastructure gap analyses based on population, accessibility, sporting potential and regional requirements so that future investments are guided by objective assessment rather than incremental expansion. Particular emphasis, he said, should be placed on border areas, tribal regions, remote habitations, hilly districts and emerging urban settlements, ensuring balanced regional development and equitable access to sports infrastructure.

Calling for strict adherence to timelines, the Commissioner/Secretary instructed all executing agencies to expedite DPR preparation, statutory approvals, tendering and execution while maintaining the highest standards of engineering quality, transparency and financial discipline. He also directed institution of digital project monitoring, periodic field inspections and outcome-based review mechanisms to ensure timely completion of every sanctioned project.

Dr. Choudhary said that investment in sports infrastructure is ultimately an investment in the aspirations of the youth of Jammu & Kashmir. He observed that the Department’s vision extends beyond construction of physical assets to creation of vibrant community spaces that encourage participation, discover talent at the grassroots, promote healthy lifestyles and enable young sportspersons from every district to compete at national and international levels.

He expressed confidence that the ongoing infrastructure expansion, supported by the Khelo India Mission and the policy framework envisaged under the Khelo Bharat Niti, would lay a strong foundation for making Jammu & Kashmir a leading sporting destination while creating enduring opportunities for generations of young people.

In a statement issued here here on Saturday Police said that detainees have been identified as Junaid Ahmad Mantoo of Waghama and Mohammad Ashraf Dar of Tulkhan, Bijbehara. Both accused have been lodged in Kot Bhalwal Jail in Jammu. Both the individuals are repeat offenders with multiple active NDPS cases against them. “Despite repeated legal action, the accused continued their involvement in drug trafficking, posing a severe threat to public safety,” the police statement noted.

“This action reflects our continued commitment to dismantling drug networks,” the police said, warning that stringent legal measures will persist against anyone involved in the illegal narcotics trade. Authorities also appealed people to share inputs to help make society drug-free.

Srinagar|July 10: The University of Kashmir on Friday announced a 10-day summer vacation for all teaching departments at its main campus and off-site campuses from July 24 to August 2, 2026, in view of the ongoing summer season.

According to an official notification issued by the university, the vacation will apply only to teaching departments, while all administrative offices shall continue to function normally during the period.

The university has made it clear that examinations and other academic or administrative activities already scheduled during the vacation will be held as per the notified programme, with no change in the existing schedule.

The announcement provides a brief mid-summer break for teaching departments while ensuring that essential administrative work and time-bound academic engagements continue uninterrupted across the university.