During the meeting, the Principal Secretary directed the concerned departments to put in place innovative and theme-based arrangements to enhance public participation and patriotic fervour during the Tiranga Rally.

Brij Mohan Sharma called for installation of theme-based selfie points at SKICC and the Botanical Garden to encourage participants to capture and upload photographs. He also directed deployment of NCC volunteers to facilitate participants at these selfie points.

The Principal Secretary directed the Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department to undertake theme-based colouring of tree trunks along the rally route, while the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) was asked to install the National Flag on electric poles along the route.

He further directed to sensitize participants about adherence to the National Flag Code and called for organizing a Shikara Tiranga Rally in Dal Lake as part of the celebrations.

Principal Secretary also reviewed plan for setting up theme-based stalls and exhibition at SKICC. He directed the concerned departments to ensure attractive displays and effective public engagement.

Brij Mohan Sharma also reviewed arrangements for cultural programmes, band performances and the felicitation of VVIPs, war widows and war heroes.

On the occasion, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg directed all concerned departments and stakeholders to ensure overwhelming participation in the Tiranga Rally. He called upon officers to ensure that participants reach SKICC well in advance to facilitate the smooth conduct of the event.

He reviewed the transport plan for participants and directed the concerned agencies to ensure effective mobilization as per the prescribed targets. He also stressed the need for foolproof security arrangements at all venues and along the designated rally route.

Anshul Garg also directed for constitution of a committee comprising officers of SMC, Police and Sanik Welfare Department to monitor the strict compliance for respect of flag code during the event.

Besides, Div Com directed for enmass participation in Har GharTiranga and celebration of National Song.

The Divisional Commissioner further reviewed arrangements for drinking water and uninterrupted power supply at the venue and issued necessary directions to the concerned departments. He also directed the establishment of First Aid Camps and deployment of ambulances at strategic locations to meet any medical emergency.

Anshul Garg also reviewed preparations for the Independence Day celebrations at Bakshi Stadium and directed officers to ensure seamless, coordinated and foolproof arrangements for a vibrant celebration of the national event.

He issued detailed directions regarding the showering of flower petals by the Air Force, illumination of government buildings, constitution of parade and band contingents, issuance of security passes, appointment of nodal officers, organization of cultural programmes and nomination of commentators.

He also reviewed seating arrangements, security arrangements and other logistical requirements at the main venue.

Emphasizing the importance of basic amenities, the Divisional Commissioner directed the concerned departments to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, installation of adequate water dispensers, cleanliness and sanitation at the venue, proper traffic management and deployment of medical personnel and ambulances.

Anshul Garg stressed the need to sensitize participants regarding the protocol to be observed during the hoisting of the National Flag and singing of the National Anthem.

The Divisional Commissioner also directed that participants be briefed about the sequence of programmes in advance and called for preparation of a uniform schedule for the Independence Day celebrations across the division to ensure coordinated observance of the national event.

The meeting was attended by the DIG Police, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Heads of Departments and senior officers from Floriculture, Health, School Education, Colleges, SMC, R&B, PHE, I&FC, I&C, H&H, KPDCL, Information, Fire & Emergency Services, SSCL, RTC, Doordarshan, Government Press, Youth Services & Sports, University of Kashmir, NIT Srinagar, Traffic Police, security agencies, BSF, CRPF and other concerned departments.

During the interaction, residents and representatives projected issues related to roads, civic amenities, basic infrastructure and other developmental requirements in their respective areas.

The Minister gave a patient hearing to the delegations and said that their genuine concerns would be examined on priority and taken up with the concerned departments for early resolution. He reiterated the government’s commitment to equitable and people-centric development across Jammu and Kashmir.

Later, the Minister paid obeisance at the revered Dargah of Hazrat Sheikh Hamza Makhdoom (RA) at TujjarSharief, Sopore and prayed for peace, prosperity and well-being of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

During his visit to the shrine, the Minister bowed in reverence and sought the blessings of the revered Sufi saint, popularly known as Sultan-ul-Arifeen and Mehboob-ul-Alam. He offered prayers for peace, harmony and continued progress of J&K.

Speaking on the occasion, Javid Dar said the rich Sufi legacy of Kashmir embodies the timeless values of peace, compassion, tolerance, brotherhood and communal harmony. He stressed the importance of preserving this spiritual and cultural heritage and carrying forward the message of love, humanity and harmony associated with the region’s revered Sufi traditions.

Srinagar : Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, SakeenaItoo chaired a comprehensive review meeting at Civil Secretariat here on the welfare and rehabilitation of leprosy patients, with emphasis on dignified healthcare and social security.

The meeting was attended by MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Ali Sadiq; Commissioner SMC, Fazlul Haseeb; Director SKIMS, Prof. M.AshrafGanie; Principal GMC Srinagar, Dr.Iffat Hassan Shah; Director Health Services Kashmir, CMO Srinagar and representatives of Leprosy patients and Leper Hospital, Bharar.

During the meeting, the Health Minister took review of various issues including allotment of government quarters for leprosy-affected families, assessment of reconstructive surgeries conducted over the past two years, and provision of caretakers for patients without family support.

Speaking during the meeting, SakeenaItoo reiterated that the Omar Abdullah-led Government is committed for compassionate healthcare and dignified rehabilitation for every vulnerable section of society. She directed all concerned departments to work in close coordination and timely rehabilitation of Leprosy patients.

She directed the concerned officers to ensure  immediate allotment of residential quarters to eligible residents without any further delay as well as provision of a dedicated ambulance for the hospital to ensure timely access to medical care.

The Minister also directed to provide free medicines, investigations and treatment for all leprosy patients requiring medical care at any government hospital in Srinagar, ensuring they receive quality healthcare without financial burden.

Speaking during the meeting, MLA Zadibal Tanvir Ali Sadiq expressed gratitude to Health Minister for taking prompt decisions for welfare for the Leprosy patients. He said that these  decisions will go a long way in improving the quality of life, dignity and healthcare of the residents of the Leper Hospital, Bharar.

The Deputy Commissioner discussed an expanded programme for this year, with greater participation from various departments and sections of society. The celebrations, dedicated to the 150-year commemoration of “VandeMataram,” would feature a range of patriotic and public-participation activities across the district, aimed at honouring its enduring place in the country’s national spirit and encouraging people to participate in the celebrations.

During the meeting, it was informed that the campaign would feature a wide range of activities, including Tiranga rallies, cultural programmes, patriotic song and quiz competitions, painting and wall-painting activities, exhibitions and “Selfie with Tiranga” initiatives. Exhibitions would be organised by schools and colleges, ITIs and Polytechnics, while sub-divisional and tehsil-level Tiranga rallies would also be conducted across the district.

The Deputy Commissioner laid particular emphasis on wider participation from the Education, Sports, Health and ICDS sectors. Separate rallies involving ASHA workers and Anganwadi workers would also be organised.

It was informed that a major Tiranga Rally would be held on August 12, jointly by the Police and District Administration, from Mini Secretariat Bandipora to the Stadium.

The DC directed all concerned departments to ensure that all necessary arrangements are put in place well in advance, with adequate attention to the safety and convenience of participants. Participants from JNV, KV, NCC, tribal communities, national achievers and others would also take part in colourful traditional attire.

The meeting also reviewed arrangements for event creation and timely uploading of activities on the designated portal. The DC directed all departments to designate nodal officers for their respective activities and ensure close coordination for the smooth conduct of the campaign.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner directed the District Information Officer, Bandipora, to facilitate Public Address System and banners and undertake a dedicated social media campaign to highlight the district’s activities under Har GharTiranga 2026.

The Har GharTiranga 2026 campaign, from August 09 to 17, would provide an opportunity for people across Bandipora to participate in activities dedicated to the spirit of patriotism and the 150-year commemoration of “VandeMataram.” A Swachhta campaign along with Tiranga rallies would also form part of the celebrations.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Bandipora, Nazir Ahmad Mir; Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, ZaffarHusson Shawl; Additional Superintendent of Police Bandipora; Assistant Commissioner Revenue; Assistant Commissioner Development, Assistant Commissioner Panchayats, and district officers from various departments.

Detailed discussions were held on maternal and infant care, including institutional deliveries through C-sections, progress under RMNCH+A and coverage under Janani Suraksha Yojana (JSY), besides other related schemes. The DDC also reviewed the status of the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) and took stock of claim coverage and hospital-related issues under Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY.

He pitched for seeking collaboration of private hospitals in TB elimination efforts. “A special campaign shall be launched to reach out to vulnerable sections, with emphasis on intensive screening and providing assured health assistance.

Reviewing the status of Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) screening in the district, the DDC instructed for ABHA ID generation and maximum enrollment of beneficiaries. He stressed on competitive progress vis-a-vis national and UT benchmarks.

The status of development works, renovation and upgradation of health facilities under District Capex and other budgetary heads was also assessed, with officers giving a sector-wise appraisal of ongoing works.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Sher Singh; Additional Deputy Commissioner Vidhu Shekhar; Chief Medical Officer Dr Narinder Bhatial and Chief Planning Officer, besides Block Medical Officers and other concerned officers.

The DDC also lauded the role of the Health Department for its contribution to the ongoing Amarnath Yatra.

Preparedness for the upcoming National Deworming Day campaign, commencing August 10, was also reviewed during the meeting. The week-long campaign will target children of the specified age group for administration of deworming tablets across the district.

The meeting was attended by Chief Planning Officer Uttam Singh, senior officers from concerned departments and representatives from various banks.

The DC conducted a comprehensive review of the registration status and coverage achieved under the social security and labour welfare schemes in the district. He stressed upon the officers to adopt a coordinated approach to maximize enrollment under the welfare schemes.

Executive Engineers and other concerned officers were directed to prepare and submit, by Monday, division-wise and work-wise lists of all labourers/workers engaged in their respective jurisdictions and ensure their enrollment under PMJJBY and PMSBY at the earliest.

The DC called for close coordination among departments and banking institutions to achieve maximum coverage of eligible beneficiaries and ensure that the intended benefits of these social security schemes reach the grassroots level.

The DC inspected the under-construction buildings at the GMC Complex and took stock of the progress of ongoing works. He directed the concerned officers and executing agencies to expedite the pace of work and ensure timely completion while maintaining the required quality standards.

Later, the DC inspected the Gujjar-Bakarwal Boys and Girls Hostels and reviewed the facilities available in the rooms, mess halls and also inspected the hostel premises. DC Doda directed the concerned officials to ensure proper cleanliness and hygiene and regularly monitor the condition of the facilities.

The concerned officers briefed the DC about the progress of various works and apprised him of the bottlenecks affecting their timely completion. The DC directed the officers to resolve the issues promptly and ensure close monitoring of all ongoing works.

The DC stressed that all works must be completed within the stipulated timelines without compromising on quality.

The DC was accompanied by the SE PWD R&B Doda, Chief Planning Officer Doda, concerned Executive Engineers, AEEs besides officers and officials of the concerned engineering departments.

The ADC emphasized the need for coordinated efforts by all concerned departments to ensure effective implementation of the campaign across the district.

It was decided that a district-level programme shall be organized as part of the campaign, while the Rural Development Department was directed to organize similar programmes at Panchayat level to ensure wider public participation and outreach.

The officers were further directed to make necessary arrangements well in advance and ensure active participation of field functionaries and the public in the campaign activities.

The meeting also emphasized proper documentation of the activities. The concerned departments were directed to upload photographs of the programmes and activities on the designated portal to ensure proper reporting and monitoring of the campaign.

The ADC called upon all the concerned officers to work in close coordination and ensure that the Har GharTiranga Campaign-2026 and VandeMataram Commemoration are observed across the district with enthusiasm and active community participation.

The meeting was attended by the SE PWD(R&B) Manzoor Ahmed; CPO, Maqsood Ahmed; ACR, Mohd Jahangir Khan; ACP, MohdRafeeq; DSEO, Sandeep Sharma; DDE, Mohd Nawaz Choudhary; ARTO, Ashiq Rafiq Malik; CAHO, Dr Khalid Najeb and other concerned officers.

The programme was aimed at familiarizing pensioners with the   healthcare facilities, services and benefits available under CGHS and to address their queries regarding enrollment, treatment facilities, reimbursements and other aspects of the scheme. CGHS is a Government of India healthcare scheme providing cashless treatment to eligible Central Government pensioners and their families through CGHS Wellness Centres and empanelled hospitals. The scheme covers consultation, medicines, diagnostics, hospitalization, emergency and specialized treatment, with eligible family members including spouse, dependent children, parents/parents-in-law and eligible daughters.

The event was graced by distinguished dignitaries, including Rajesh Talwar, Director General, Accountancy Training Institute Jammu and Rajesh Kotwal, Director Accounts & Treasuries, Jammu, who emphasized the importance of ensuring accessible and quality healthcare for retired government employees.

The welcome address was delivered by Anudeep Kour, Treasury Officer Gandhi Nagar Treasury, Jammu. In her address, she highlighted that schemes such as CGHS are not merely about medicines, consultations, or reimbursements, but are fundamentally about providing peace of mind to pensioners. She underscored the need for a healthcare system that treats elderly patients with patience, dignity and care and encouraged beneficiaries to make full use of the facilities available under the scheme.

A detailed presentation on CGHS facilities and services was delivered by Amritanjay, spokesperson from the CGHS team, who explained the scheme’s provisions and addressed various queries raised by the participants.

There was active participation from pensioners. The vote of thanks was presented by the Additional Treasury Officer, Gandhi Nagar Treasury, who expressed gratitude to the dignitaries, resource persons, Gandhi Nagar Treasury team and participants for making the programme successful.

The newly launched portal has been developed to provide a seamless, transparent, and user-friendly digital platform for the online booking and management of SMC community halls. The initiative aims to simplify the booking process, eliminate unnecessary manual procedures, improve operational efficiency, and ensure greater transparency, accountability, and convenience in the allotment of community halls.

Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner stated that the launch of the portal reflects Srinagar Municipal Corporation’s continued commitment to leveraging technology for improving governance and delivering efficient public services. He observed that the adoption of digital platforms is essential for building a responsive, transparent, accountable, and citizen-friendly urban administration.

The Commissioner directed the concerned officers to ensure the effective implementation, smooth operation, and regular monitoring of the portal to provide hassle-free services to the public. He also emphasized the importance of conducting widespread public awareness and outreach initiatives so that citizens are well informed about the online booking facility and can conveniently avail themselves of its benefits.

Highlighting the broader vision behind the initiative, the Commissioner remarked that the portal is fully aligned with the Government’s objective of promoting digital governance and transforming public service delivery through technology-driven solutions that enhance accessibility, efficiency, and transparency.

The launch of the Online Community Hall Booking Portal marks another significant milestone in SMC’s digital transformation journey and reaffirms the Corporation’s commitment to delivering modern, accessible, efficient, transparent, and technology-enabled municipal services to the citizens of Srinagar.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior officers of Srinagar Municipal Corporation, including the Joint Commissioners, Informatics Officer, and other senior officers.