City News – The Kashmir Horizon

Hr Education Deptt felicitates Shamim Firdous on appointment as Education Minister

K H News Service — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 18:52:45 +0000

Srinagar | Oct, 31:Secretary in Higher Education Department, Shafqat Iqbal and Director Colleges, Professor Twinkle Suri, along with officers and officials of the Higher Education Department, Saturday felicitated Shamim Firdous on her appointment as Minister for Education.
On the occasion, the Secretary and Director Colleges extended their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the newly appointed Minister. They expressed confidence that her leadership and vision would provide fresh momentum to the growth, development and transformation of the education sector in Jammu and Kashmir.
Shafqat Iqbal reaffirmed the Department’s commitment to work in close coordination with the Minister and implementing key educational initiatives aimed at strengthening the higher education ecosystem across the Union Territory.
Professor Twinkle Suri highlighted the importance of promoting academic excellence, institutional development, research and innovation, skill-oriented education, digital transformation and, above all, student welfare.
She also emphasised the need to further the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, strengthen Government Degree Colleges, enhance the quality of teaching and learning, and expand meaningful educational and skill-development opportunities for the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
The officers and officials of the Higher Education Department conveyed their best wishes to the Minister. They expressed resolve to work collectively towards building a more vibrant, inclusive and progressive higher education system in the Union Territory.

DC Jammu administers National Unity Pledge on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

K H News Service — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 18:48:30 +0000

Jammu| Oct, 31:On the occasion of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu Minga Sherpa Saturday administered the National Unity Pledge to the officers and staff here at the DC Office.
The pledge-taking ceremony was held in the Conference Hall of the DC Office to commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India and architect of national integration.
The officers and officials took the solemn pledge to dedicate themselves to preserving the unity, integrity and security of the nation and to spread the message of oneness among fellow citizens, in the spirit of the unification achieved by Sardar Patel.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner paid rich tributes to Sardar Patel and called upon the officers and staff to imbibe his ideals of unity, dedication and selfless service in their day-to-day working.
The observance was part of the various activities organised across the district Saturday .
Among those present were Additional Deputy Commissioners AnsuyaJamwal and Ishita Rathi, Chief Planning Officer Ajaypal Singh besides other officers and staff of the DC Office.

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas celebrated in Handwara with “Run for Unity” Rally

K H News Service — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 18:48:26 +0000

Srinagar | Oct, 31:Sub-Divisional Administration Handwara including Handwara Police organised a “Run for Unity” rally to commemorate Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), celebrating the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man of India, and reaffirming the spirit of national unity, integrity and solidarity.
The programme was headed by ADC Handwara, Javed Naseem Masoodi, SSPHanwara, Sajjad Khaliq Bhat and other Police and civil officials.
The rally commenced from Chotipora T-Junction and proceeded through the Handwara Bypass Road, culminating at the Environmental Hall, Handwara.
The event witnessed enthusiastic participation, highlighting the importance of unity, communal harmony and collective responsibility in strengthening the nation.
This programme was attended by thousands of local people including students,Traders,Transporters, Civil Society members including different Govt departments across sub Division Handwara.
Upon reaching the Environmental Hall, participants reaffirmed their commitment to upholding the unity, integrity and security of the nation.
The initiative by the Sub-Divisional Administration Handwara aimed to spread the message of national integration, promote a sense of patriotism among citizens and inspire people to work together for the progress and prosperity of the country.
The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment to the ideals of unity, peace and brotherhood, reflecting the enduring legacy of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and his contribution to the unification of India.

DIPR Jammu staff takes National Unity Pledge on Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

K H News Service — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 18:48:10 +0000

Jammu | Oct, 31:To observe Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu Saturday organised the National Unity Pledge Taking Ceremony here at the Directorate office premises. The Day coincides with the Birth Anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel- the Iron Man of India.
Deputy Director Information (PR) Moksha Dogra administered the pledge to officers and officials, who resolved to dedicate themselves towards strengthening the spirit of harmony, brotherhood and national integration.
Deputy Director Ashu Kumari (HQ), Culture Officer Rajinder Kumar Digra, Field Publicity Officer Mohit Sharma, besides other officers and staff members of the department joined the pledge ceremony.

Agriculture Directorate Jammu observes Vigilance Awareness Week 2026

K H News Service — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 18:47:58 +0000

Jammu|Oct, 31: The Directorate of Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Jammu Saturday observed Vigilance Awareness Week 2026 by administering the Integrity Pledge to officers and officials of the Department.
The pledge ceremony was led by Director Agriculture Production & Farmers Welfare Anil Gupta and attended by Sanjay Anand, Joint Director Agriculture (Inputs), Aman Jyoti Sharma, Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms), sectoral heads, SMS RL, SDAO Marh, senior officers and other officials of the Department. The pledge was taken under the theme “Probity for Prosperity.”
Speaking on the occasion, Anil Gupta emphasized that vigilance is a continuous process and an essential component of good governance. He urged all officers and officials to remain vigilant, adhere to ethical practices in their day-to-day functioning and discharge their duties with honesty, dedication and fairness.

Div Com stresses coordinated efforts for cleaner, greener Jammu

K H News Service — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 18:47:15 +0000

Jammu | Oct, 31:Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Vikas Kundal, who is also the Chairman of the District Level Monitoring Committee (DLMC) under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), Saturday chaired a meeting at his office chamber to review the City Action Plan for 2026-27.
During the meeting, Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC), Ayushi Sudan, briefed the Chair about the proposed infrastructure improvement projects and ongoing initiatives under the City Action Plan, with particular focus on road improvement, pavement development, urban beautification, creation of green spaces and measures to mitigate dust pollution.
The JMC Commissioner apprised the meeting of various projects undertaken under the plan, including road improvement and pavement development works. The status of completed projects and proposed interventions for further strengthening urban infrastructure were also discussed.
The meeting held detailed deliberations on upgrading existing infrastructure, including roads, pavements and public spaces, besides the development of parks, plantation and landscaping to enhance green cover and provide improved recreational facilities to the public.
The proposed initiatives also include improvement of the existing Tawi Riverfront infrastructure and strengthening of the drainage interception system. The meeting was informed about the functioning of the Intermediate Pumping Station and the progress achieved in intercepting drains to ensure better wastewater management.
Development of public spaces, including parks and parking facilities, was also discussed, with emphasis on optimum utilisation of available land, improvement of public amenities and ensuring greater accessibility for the community.
Emphasising the importance of public participation, the Divisional Commissioner stressed the need to regularly seek feedback and suggestions from citizens while planning and executing development projects. He observed that community involvement and public consultation are essential for ensuring the effectiveness and long-term sustainability of urban development initiatives.
The Divisional Commissioner called for coordinated efforts by all concerned departments for effective implementation of the City Action Plan, with a focus on improving environmental quality, mitigating air pollution, strengthening urban infrastructure and creating cleaner and greener public spaces across Jammu city.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Minga Sherpa; Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation, Ayushi Sudan; Joint Commissioner (H&S) and Nodal Officer-NCAP, Abdul Star; representatives of JKPCC Jammu and other concerned officers.

5-Day Orientation Workshop on Revenue Laws organised for 63rd Batch of Forest Guards

K H News Service — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 18:46:54 +0000

Jammu | Oct, 31:A five-day Revenue Training Workshop for the 63rd Batch of Forest Guards, held from 27.10.2026 to 31.10.2026, concluded Saturday here at Revenue Training Institute (RTI) Gole Gujral.
On the inaugural day, Principal Revenue Training Institute Sunaina Sharma Mehta highlighted the importance of increased synchronization between the Forest Department and Revenue Department. She emphasised the need for forest officials to understand revenue laws and practical applicability vis a vis the settlement of land encroachment related issues, demarcation procedure through traditional method and ETS Machine, deciphering of revenue records etc. She also briefed the participating Forest Guard trainees on different aspects of revenue administration, including revenue terminology, KhasraGirdawari under Standing Order No. 22, Mutation under Standing Order No. 23-A, Jamabandi under Standing Order No. 23-B and relevant provisions of the J&K Land Revenue Act Svt, 1996 (Vikrami).
The trainees were also familiarised with the preparation and maintenance of Jamabandi and Record of Rights. Special emphasis was laid on practical aspects of land measurement, demarcation and survey techniques, including the use of various measurement instruments, preparation of Mussavi/Latha and Field Books and identification and creation of fields with the help of Field Book entries. The trainees were also acquainted with the provisions of the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013. She highlighted the significance of imparting practical knowledge of revenue laws, procedures, land records and modern technological tools to forest officers and officials for the effective discharge of their official duties.
Lalit Sharma, Principal, Forest Guards Training School, Doomi, also addressed the trainees and highlighted the importance of the training programme in enhancing their professional knowledge and understanding of revenue-related matters.
Rajesh Kumar Baru, Tehsildar RTI Jammu briefed about the orientation which was provided on various digital initiatives and online revenue platforms, including Revenue Plus, Jan Sugam, JK Zameen Sudhar, digitisation of land records, online verification of scanned documents, AgriStack, Digital Crop Survey, allotment of Unique Land Parcel Identification Number (ULPIN) and SUKOON. The sessions aimed at familiarising the trainees with the growing role of digital technology in revenue administration and land record management.
The programme provided the participating Forest Guards with an opportunity to enhance their understanding of revenue laws, land records, measurement procedures and digital revenue services, thereby strengthening inter-departmental coordination and facilitating the efficient handling of matters involving revenue and forest-related land issues.

Rashtriya Ekta Diwas observed with patriotic fervour at Jammu

K H News Service — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 18:45:36 +0000

Live telecast of PM’s message screened at Gulshan Ground

Jammu | Oct, 31:To commemorate the 151st birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and celebrate Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, the District Administration Jammu in collaboration with District Police, organised a vibrant programme here at Gulshan Ground, featuring a series of patriotic events.
The live telecast of the main national programme at Ekta Nagar, including the Prime Minister’s message, was screened at the venue, connecting the gathering with the celebrations at the national level.
The Rashtriya Ekta Diwas pledge administered by the PM at the event was repeated by officers, citizens and students present at the venue.
Musical and patriotic presentations were given on the stage. Families of defence and paramilitary personnel also attended the event.
Earlier in the evening, a Run for Unity was flagged off from the venue. Patriotic slogans echoed while the march went from Gulshan Ground to Ambedkar Chowk and back. Officers and officials from District Administration, students, eminent citizens and public participated in large numbers. Participants reaffirmed their commitment to national unity and integrity.
The event was graced by Divisional Commissioner Jammu Vikas Kundal; IGP Jammu Zone Tejinder Singh; DIG Jammu-Samba-Kathua Range Shridhar Patil; Deputy Commissioner Jammu Minga Sherpa; SSP Jammu Joginder Singh and Additional Deputy Commissioner Ansuya Jamwal.
A series of activities were also held in schools and government offices including pledge ceremonies, tribute paying to Sardar Patel and awareness talks.

Cultural Unit DIPR Jammu organises patriotic cultural Programs to celebrate Rashtriya Ekta Diwas

K H News Service — Sat, 31 Oct 2026 18:45:27 +0000

Scintillating events enthral public at Maharaja Hari Singh Park, Bahu Plaza

Jammu | Oct, 31:To commemorate Rashtriya Ekta Diwas (National Unity Day), the Cultural Unit of the Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) Jammu Saturday organised vibrant patriotic cultural programmes here at Maharaja Hari Singh Park and Central Park Bahu Plaza to spread the message of national unity, integrity, harmony and patriotism.
The artists of the Cultural Unit enthralled the audience with melodious patriotic songs, celebrating the spirit of nationalism, sacrifice and unity in diversity. The citizens present joined the artists in singing patriotic songs, making the celebrations interactive and engaging.
At Maharaja Hari Singh Park, children joined the celebrations with great excitement. Their active involvement added special vibrancy to the event and reflected the spirit of patriotism and national pride among the younger generation.
Similarly, the artists presented an impressive musical programme at Central Park Bahu Plaza, featuring popular patriotic compositions, which received an encouraging response from the audience. Officers and officials of the Department of Information & Public Relations along with members of the public thoroughly enjoyed the performances.
The cultural presentations served as an effective medium to connect with people from different walks of life and reinforce the message that the strength of the nation lies in its unity and collective commitment.
Later, officers, officials, artists, children and members of the public took the National Unity Pledge, reaffirming their commitment to uphold the unity, integrity and security of the nation and to strengthen the spirit of brotherhood, harmony and national solidarity.
The programmes highlighted the significance of Rashtriya Ekta Diwas, observed every year on October 31 to commemorate the birth anniversary of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, whose contribution towards the integration and unity of the nation remains an enduring inspiration.
The programmes were organised under the direction of Joint Director Information, Deepak Dubey and under the supervision of Cultural Officer, Rajinder Kumar Digra.
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KMC awaits NMC nod as MBBS aspirants urge early approval

KH Web Desk — Thu, 29 Oct 2026 11:58:50 +0000

Srinagar, Oct 29: Kashmir Medical College (KMC), Sempora, is awaiting approval from the National Medical Commission (NMC) to begin MBBS admissions, with aspirants and their families hoping for an early decision that would open new avenues for medical education within the Valley.

The institution is expected to expand opportunities for local students aspiring to become doctors, allowing them to pursue medical education closer to home while strengthening the region’s healthcare education infrastructure.

The KMC has invested around Rs 750 crore in developing its infrastructure, recruiting faculty members and doctors, and establishing essential facilities over the past two years as it prepares to commence its MBBS programme.

The institution has been working towards creating a comprehensive medical education and healthcare facility, with infrastructure and human resources aimed at supporting academic activities, clinical training and patient care.

The facility represents one of the biggest private-sector investments in the healthcare sector in Jammu and Kashmir and aimed to strengthen the region’s medical education capacity while expanding access to specialised healthcare services. It has generated employment for healthcare professionals and supportimg staff contributing to the overall healthcare infrastructure of the Union Territory.

Locals and health professionals believe the college could provide an important addition to the Valley’s medical education landscape, particularly at a time when many families are concerned about sending their children abroad amid geopolitical tensions affecting students in countries such as Iran and Bangladesh.

MBBS aspirants who appeared in the NEET-UG examination have been awaiting clarity on the admission process and are urging the concerned authorities to facilitate an early decision on the college’s Letter of Permission (LoP).

“We appeal to the National Medical Commission (NMC), the Jammu and Kashmir Government and all other concerned stakeholders to intervene urgently and make every possible effort to secure the LoP for Kashmir Medical College,” the aspirants said.

They said an early approval would provide aspiring doctors with an additional opportunity to pursue their ambitions within the Valley and help families make informed decisions about their children’s academic future.

The aspirants also expressed hope that the concerned authorities would address the matter on priority, enabling the college to begin admissions in accordance with regulatory requirements.

With the admission process approaching a crucial stage, they said a timely decision would be significant for students awaiting an opportunity to study medicine locally.

The institute is a major addition to Kashmir’s medical education infrastructure, with aspirants, their families looking forward to its commencement and opportunities it could create for future doctors in the region.