During the session, the team shared detailed information on tuberculosis (TB), including its symptoms, prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, nutritional support and the importance of treatment adherence. Participants interacted with the team and raised queries on TB prevention and care, which were satisfactorily addressed.

The officials also discussed community participation and the role of the Nikshay Mitra initiative in providing nutritional support to TB patients. Executive Director NHIDCL Ashish Shukla appreciated the efforts of the National TB Elimination Programme (NTEP), Jammu and expressed willingness to support the mission by becoming a Nikshay Mitra and contributing to the goal of a TB-Mukt Jammu.

The programme concluded with an appeal to all participants to spread TB awareness within their workplaces, families and communities and participate in the spirit of Jan Bhagidari for TB elimination.

KATHUA, JUNE 03: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today convened a Public Grievances Redressal Camp at Panchayat Mangloor East in Block Dinga Amb to listen to and address the issues and concerns of the local populace.

A large number of locals participated in the grievance redressal camp. They projected several demands concerning infrastructure development, improvement of public services delivery and other matters of public importance. They sought expeditious resolution of civic and developmental concerns, besides implementation of government schemes and projects in the area.

The DC patiently listened to the grievances and directed the concerned officers to take prompt action for the redressal of the same. He also instructed officers to undertake field visits at least once or twice a week to monitor developmental works and maintain close interaction with the public.

Regarding the demand for a playground, the Deputy Commissioner informed that the matter has already been taken up with the Sports Council. He further announced that a registration-cum-awareness camp on the government welfare schemes would be organized in the block on coming Wednesday to facilitate public outreach and service delivery.

The Deputy Commissioner also appealed to the people to actively support the District Administration’s 100-Day Nasha Mukht Campaign and contribute towards making society drug-free, particularly by safeguarding the youth from the menace of substance abuse.

The concerned district and sectoral officers assured the public that the genuine issues raised during the camp would be addressed on priority.

Among others, ADC Mahima Madan, SDM Phulail Singh, CPO Ranjeet Thakur, IAS Probationer Nidhi, ACD Akhil Sadotra and other district officers were present on the occasion.

During the drive, extensive cleaning operations were carried out inside the pond as well as in the adjoining surroundings. The sanitation workers removed accumulated waste, weeds, silt and other pollutants from the water body and nearby areas to restore cleanliness and improve the overall environment. The drive also aimed at spreading awareness among the local residents regarding the importance of keeping water bodies clean and preventing the dumping of waste into ponds and drains. The wet waste collected was sent to Bandurakh for composting.

To encourage and boost the morale of the sanitation workers engaged in the operation, Dr.Devansh Yadav personally visited the site and reviewed the progress of the sanitation drive. He interacted with the workers and appreciated their dedicated efforts towards maintaining cleanliness and hygiene across Jammu city. The Commissioner also issued on-the-spot directions to the concerned officers to ensure regular cleaning and maintenance of ponds and other public spaces under the jurisdiction of the Corporation.

While reviewing the sanitation works, the Commissioner stressed upon the need for maintaining high standards of cleanliness in view of the upcoming Swachh Survekshan 2025-26. He directed all officials and field functionaries to intensify sanitation activities across all wards and ensure proper waste management, regular desilting of drains and upkeep of public spaces throughout the city.

The Commissioner further stated that the Jammu Municipal Corporation is fully committed towards achieving the objectives of the Swachh Bharat Mission and making Jammu a clean, green and environmentally sustainable city. He appealed to the citizens to actively participate in cleanliness drives and cooperate with the Municipal Corporation by avoiding littering and maintaining proper sanitation practices in their respective localities.

Among those present on the occasion were Joint Commissioner (H&S), Abdul Sattar, Health Officer, Dr. Shahid Hussain, VAS and IEC Incharge, Dr.Divya Sharma, AFO, Dr. Rabia Khan, CTO South, Balkar Angurana, Sanitary Supervisors, field staff, sanitation workers and other officials of the Corporation who actively participated in the drive.

The Jammu Municipal Corporation reiterated its commitment to continue such drives in different parts of the city in the coming days to ensure better sanitation, environmental protection and public health for all residents of Jammu city.

During the visit, she inspected the overall functioning of the clinic and interacted with the Para Legal Volunteers deputed there. The records and registers maintained by the PLVs, including the inmate records and legal aid applications submitted by the inmates, were thoroughly checked.

The Secretary reviewed the status of pending applications and directed the PLVs to ensure timely forwarding of requests to DLSA Jammu with proper follow-up of cases. She also emphasized maintaining accurate and updated records as per NALSA guidelines.

The inspection was carried out under the guidance of Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, DLSA Jammu) Ravinder Nath Watal to ensure effective legal aid services to jail inmates and proper implementation of legal services schemes.

Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maan-Dhan (PM-SYM) is a voluntary, contributory pension scheme of the Government of India for workers in the unorganized sector.

While discussing the benefits of this social security scheme, the ADDC asked stakeholder departments to maximize the coverage of construction workers, labourers, municipal workers, ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, traders, domestic workers, members of Self Help Groups (SHGs), Vishwakarma workers and handicraft workers. He further directed the officers to make concerted efforts to enroll eligible workers falling under their respective departments.

The ADDC instructed the officers to identify unorganised workers in the age group of 18 to 40 years and submit weekly progress reports on the coverage of the targeted group.

The meeting was attended by Chief Planning Officer Ajaypal Singh; Assistant Labour Commissioner Rupali Jasrotia; Assistant Commissioner Development Danish Rasool; District Health Officer and other officers from concerned departments.

In this regard, the Commissioner JMC Dr.Devansh Yadav convened a comprehensive meeting with senior officers and officials of the Corporation to deliberate on strategies for strengthening sanitation measures, enhancing greenery and ensuring maximum public participation in the initiative.

The Commissioner revealed that under this special campaign cleaning and restoration works are underway at more than 20 ponds /water bodies across Jammu city.”These will continue in the coming weeks. To ensure the long-term maintenance and protection of these water bodies, local committees comprising residents living near the ponds will be constituted. These Committees will “adopt” the ponds and actively participate in their upkeep and cleanliness. Moreover JMC appeals to the citizens to voluntarily participate in the water body conservation around the city by filling a form through an online link,” he said.

Highlighting the Corporation’s commitment towards environmental conservation ahead of the forthcoming monsoon season, Dr. Yadav informed that over forty thousand trees and saplings will be planted across different parts of Jammu city under the “Clean Jammu, Green Jammu” initiative. In order to encourage greater public involvement, the JMC has also introduced a volunteer participation mechanism through which citizens can register themselves for plantation drives and adopt a tree through swachh.jk.gov.in/clean-jammu-cert⁠. Each adopted tree will be linked to the concerned citizen through a dedicated QR code, ensuring accountability and fostering a sense of ownership towards environmental protection.

The Commissioner further stated that flowering plants and ornamental saplings will also be planted in vacant spaces throughout the city to enhance the aesthetic appeal and green cover of Jammu.

Meanwhile, the Housing and Urban Development Department has introduced significant amendments to the Building Bye-laws, enabling citizens to self-certify and directly upload building maps online, thereby simplifying the approval process. Additionally, the installation of rainwater harvesting systems has now been made mandatory for all new building permissions. This step is expected to help recharge the groundwater table during the monsoon season and prevent the depletion of vital water sources such as tube wells and open wells.

Appealing to the citizens of Jammu for active participation, Commissioner Dr.Devansh Yadav urged residents, social organizations, volunteers and youth groups to join hands with the Jammu Municipal Corporation in making Jammu a truly “Clean and Green” city.

The farewell function was organized at the Directorate of Agriculture, Krishi Bhawan, Talab Tillo, Jammu, in recognition of his dedicated and distinguished service to the Agriculture Department

The function was attended by Director Agriculture Jammu, Anil Gupta; Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms), Aman Jyoti Sharma; sectoral heads, senior officers and staff members of the department, along with the family members of the retiree, who gathered to extend their best wishes on the occasion. Director Agriculture Jammu, Anil Gupta lauded the invaluable contributions of Dr. Ashwani Sharma during his long and illustrious career spanning more than four decades.   He wished him good health, happiness and a fulfilling post-retirement life.

Joint Director Agriculture (SLUB/Farms), Aman Jyoti Sharma also appreciated the dedicated services rendered by Dr. Ashwani Sharma.

In his address, Dr. Ashwani Sharma expressed heartfelt gratitude to the department, colleagues and staff for their continuous support and cooperation throughout his long service tenure.

As a mark of respect and appreciation, a memento was presented to Dr. Ashwani Sharma by the department.

Sanjay Jain, Chairman & Managing Director, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), was accorded a warm welcome by Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, in the esteemed presence of Rakesh Wazir, Chairman, PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Jammu Region, and President, Hotel & Restaurant Association, Katra;Group General Manager North Zone Naveen Dixit, Shri Arup Bhattacharya, Chief Program Officer, IIM Jammu; along with the faculty, officers, and students of the Institute.

Prior to the lecture, Sanjay Jain, Chairman & Managing Director, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), was taken on a comprehensive tour of the IIM Jammu campus, including the Program Office, the state-of-the-art Nalanda Library, technologically advanced smart classrooms, and the iconic Mandapam Auditorium. Deeply impressed by the world-class infrastructure and vibrant academic ecosystem, he lauded the Institute’s remarkable commitment to excellence and innovation.

In his highly engaging address,Sanjay Jain, Chairman & Managing Director, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC), inspired students to emerge as visionary, responsible, and transformative leaders who will play a pivotal role in realizing India’s aspiration of becoming a developed nation by 2047. He eloquently chronicled IRCTC’s extraordinary 25-year journey as a trailblazer in digital transformation, demonstrating how the organization has redefined customer experiences while managing operations at an unprecedented scale.

Highlighting IRCTC’s evolution, he spoke extensively about its rapid digitalisation, seamless ticketing ecosystem, integration of artificial intelligence, innovative payment solutions with two-way communication, and its exceptional market performance since its landmark IPO in 2019. He underscored how IRCTC has emerged as one of India’s most admired and best-performing public sector enterprises, setting new benchmarks in service excellence, innovation, and value creation.

Further strengthening the bond between academia and industry, he extended an invitation to IIM Jammu for collaborative initiatives and encouraged students to visit IRCTC to gain first hand exposure to its real-time operations, cutting-edge technologies, and innovative management practices. His address brilliantly highlighted the indispensable role of leadership, innovation, and technology in driving nation-building and economic transformation.

Speaking on the momentous occasion, Prof. B. S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, eloquently chronicled the remarkable journey of the Institute since its inception in 2016. He highlighted IIM Jammu’s meteoric ascent as one of the world’s fastest-growing and most dynamic management institutions, offering a diverse portfolio of academic programmes while nurturing a vibrant community of over 1,300 students. He further underscored the Institute’s strategic collaborations with premier institutions such as IIT Jammu, AIIMS Jammu, and leading international Institutions, alongside its prestigious global accreditations, which have significantly enriched its academic, research, and innovation ecosystem. Emphasizing IIM Jammu’s unwavering commitment to academic excellence, industry integration, and nation-building, he reaffirmed the Institute’s steadfast dedication to contributing meaningfully to the national vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. Drawing compelling parallels with IRCTC’s extraordinary transformation, he described it as a shining exemplar of visionary leadership, technological innovation, sustainable growth, and exceptional public value creation.

Prof. Jabir Ali, Dean, Faculty & Research, IIM Jammu, lauded IRCTC for revolutionizing India’s travel, tourism, and hospitality ecosystem through its relentless pursuit of innovation, customer-centricity, and operational excellence. He encouraged students to draw inspiration from IRCTC’s extraordinary journey, emphasizing that its transformation offers invaluable lessons in visionary leadership, strategic execution, digital innovation, and nation-building. He urged the future managers to imbibe these principles as they prepare to lead organizations and contribute meaningfully to India’s growth story.

Prof. Nitin Upadhyay, Dean Academics, IIM Jammu, reflected on India’s extraordinary economic transformation and the rapid evolution of its business landscape, drawing compelling parallels with IRCTC’s remarkable journey as a beacon of resilience, innovation, and national progress. He highlighted how IRCTC exemplifies the power of visionary leadership, technological advancement, and customer-centric excellence in creating enduring value, inspiring students to embrace change, drive innovation, and contribute actively to India’s journey towards becoming a global economic powerhouse.The session brought together students, faculty members, officers, and distinguished guests for an enriching interaction with one of India’s most accomplished public sector leaders.

The session culminated in an engaging and intellectually stimulating question-and-answer session, where students enthusiastically interacted with Shri Sanjay Jain, Chairman & Managing Director, Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) along with Prof. B.S. Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu on leadership, public sector management, digital innovation, and emerging opportunities in transportation and tourism. His practical wisdom, strategic foresight, and inspiring leadership journey left an indelible impression on everyone present.

The formal vote of thanks was proposed by Shri Arup Bhattacharya, Chief Program Officer, IIM Jammu, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to Shri Sanjay Jain for sharing his invaluable insights, inspiring leadership journey, and visionary perspectives with the IIM Jammu fraternity. This landmark session stands as yet another testament to IIM Jammu’s unwavering commitment to fostering meaningful industry-academia collaboration and providing its students with unparalleled opportunities to engage with distinguished leaders who are shaping the future of India and inspiring the next generation of transformative nation-builders.

Joint Commissioner (H&S), JMC  Abdul Star, welcomed the guests followed by ceremonial flag-off of 16 garbage collection vehicles including 10  for door-to-door (D2D) e-waste collection vehicles provided by HDFC Bank under the Parivartan Pariyojna under CSR initiative with a significant contribution of ₹1 crore.

The remaining 06 vehicles (3 tippers & 3 auto-tippers) approximating to an amount of ₹89 lakh have been procured by Jammu Municipal Corporation.

The Garbage Hotspot Challenge, an initiative of Jammu Municipal Corporation, with quick reaction teams has been established to dispose of the complaints regarding waste within 24 hours of lodging on MyJammu Portal & its helpline Number.

Further, the event also witnessed the launch of the Citizen Feedback System as a part of Swachh Survekshan 2025-2026. The platform provides residents a direct way to share their views on the quality of municipal services and the overall cleanliness of the city. Through this system, people can express whether they are satisfied with daily waste collection, the maintenance and cleanliness of public and community toilets and the efficiency of dustbin lifting in their neighbourhoods. It serves as a vital tool for the public to report on whether they find the city’s facilities clean and accessible, making every citizen an active auditor of the city’s progress.

An official Swachhata Awareness jingle in Dogri language written and composed by Padmashri Awardee Balwant Thakur was also released at the event. The lyrics of the song connect deeply with the cultural roots of Jammu, ensuring the message of a “Swachh City” resonates in every household through the mother tongue. To integrate social welfare with civic duty, the event also featured a solemn “NashaMukt Bharat” pledge by the participants.

MLA Yudhvir Sethi and MLA Vikram Randhawa addressed public, media and officials of JMC, appreciating their continuous efforts in improving the Swachh Shehar ranking of Jammu Municipal Corporation to 42 in the last Sarvekshan. They also assured continuous support of general public & community organisations to Jammu Municipal Corporation for improving the city cleanliness.

Commissioner JMC highlighted the significance of the Swachh Survekshan and emphasized the participation of the citizens and all stakeholders for enhancing the ranking of the city this year. He noted that the feedback system and the hotspot challenge are specifically designed to make sanitation a collective responsibility rather than just a Municipal task. He also shared his insights on the roadmap of Swachh Survekshan 2025-2026, its challenges & strategies.

“These initiatives are part of a broader vision to transform the city into a model of sustainability and social health. By integrating technology with corporate partnerships, local cultural outreach and a commitment to a drug-free society, JMC aims to secure a leading position in the national cleanliness rankings while providing a healthier living environment for all residents,” He added

The JMC Commissioner appealed to residents not to dump garbage, plastic waste, construction material or any other refuse into drains, canals and natural water bodies. “Such practices lead to choking of drainage systems, environmental degradation and increased risk of water logging, particularly during the monsoon season,” he noted.

He further directed citizens to adopt responsible waste disposal practices and extend full cooperation to the municipal authorities in maintaining the cleanliness of water bodies. Stressing the importance of environmental stewardship, the Commissioner underlined that keeping these water channels clean is essential for public health, ecological balance and efficient urban infrastructure.

As part of these measures, JMC has commenced the installation of Floating Trash Boom Barriers at identified locations to intercept floating waste and prevent it from spreading downstream. The initiative is presently in its initial phase and based on its effectiveness, the same would be expanded to additional locations across the city.

“In subsequent phases, these Floating Trash Boom Barriers will be extended to the Tawi River, also revered as the SuryaputriTawi, to further strengthen pollution control efforts in major water bodies,” the Commissioner said.