Baramulla :In an initiative aimed at strengthening grassroots governance and ensuring effective implementation of development programmes in the border areas, the District Administration Baramulla successfully conducted a 3-day intensive field outreach under the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II).

During the outreach programme District Level Officers undertook mandatory 24-hour night stays in the 18 identified Strategic/Vibrant Villages of the district.

The unique initiative, on the directions of District Development Commissioner (DDC) Baramulla, S.F. Hamid, was designed to provide senior officers with first-hand exposure of public service delivery in the Vibrant Villages by living among the local population and directly engaging with them to understand their aspirations and concerns.

Speaking about the initiative, the DDC said that it was aimed at obtaining a first-hand assessment of the developmental progress under VVP-II, understanding the aspirations and concerns of the people, and ensuring that future interventions are aligned with the actual needs and priorities of the border communities.

Over the course of the programme, officers stayed overnight in 18 Vibrant Villages across the border blocks of Uri, Boniyar, Bijhama and Paranpeela. During their visits, they conducted extensive inspections of developmental works and reviewed the implementation of various flagship Government schemes.

The officers also assessed the availability and quality of essential services and evaluated the status of critical infrastructure including roads, electricity, drinking water supply, healthcare, education, mobile connectivity and other public amenities.

Meanwhile, the visiting officers held detailed interactions with Panchayati Raj Institution representatives, Village Level Nodal Officers, frontline workers, youth, women, senior citizens and other members of the local community.

These interactions enabled the administration to gather valuable grassroots feedback regarding the progress achieved under the Vibrant Villages Programme, identify developmental gaps, and understand the genuine needs and expectations of the people living in these strategically important border villages.

Unlike conventional inspection visits, the overnight stay component allowed officers to experience village conditions during both day and night, helping them assess the effectiveness of public services and availability of other civic facilities from the perspective of the residents themselves.

The exercise also facilitated on-the-spot resolution of several public grievances, while issues requiring departmental intervention were documented for immediate follow-up. Officers identified priority areas requiring focused attention and recommended measures for accelerating developmental works and improving service delivery.

The reports collected will form the basis for a comprehensive district-level action plan aimed at ensuring saturation of developmental indicators and further strengthening infrastructure, public services and livelihood opportunities in the Vibrant Villages.

Additional District Development Commissioner Baramulla,  Pranjal J. Hazarika; Additional Deputy Commissioner Sopore, S.A.Raina; ADC Baramulla, Syed Altaf Hussain Musvi; SDM Uri, Prince Kumar; ACR Baramulla, Arshad Ahmad Khan; CPO Baramulla, Nisar Ahmad; ACD Baramulla, Mudasir Ahmad; SDM Pattan, Gulzar Ahmad; DIO Baramulla, Iftakhar Naseem and other district officers led the teams that visited 18 vibrant villages over the course of 3 days

During the meeting, the DDC emphasized the need for a coordinated and time-bound approach for the effective implementation of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2026, which are being rolled out from this year. He directed all concerned departments to immediately initiate the groundwork, strengthen institutional mechanisms, ensure inter-departmental convergence and prepare comprehensive action plans for successful implementation across the district.

The DDC stressed that scientific solid waste management, source segregation, safe disposal, and effective utilization of organic waste through the GOBAR-DHAN initiative are essential for achieving sustainable sanitation and environmental protection. He instructed all stakeholders to launch implementation measures at the grassroots level and ensure strict adherence to the prescribed framework and timelines.

Block Development Officers were directed to take the lead in implementing the mission in their respective jurisdictions, while ensuring active community participation and close coordination with all line departments to achieve the objectives of a clean and sustainable Kulgam.

The meeting was attended by the Assistant Commissioner Development, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, District Programme Officer ICDS, Deputy CEO JAKEDA, Chief Agriculture Officer, Chief Medical Officer, Chief Education Officer, Chief Animal Husbandry Officer, all Block Development Officers and District Pollution Officer.

Deputy Commissioner and DIG took stock of the treatment and healthcare facilities being extended to the injured pilgri

A Maruti car carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims had skidded off the road near Toldi Nallah resulting in injuries to its occupants.

During the visit, the officers interacted with the injured pilgrims, enquired about their well-being and reviewed the medical treatment being provided by the hospital administration. The DC directed the hospital authorities to ensure the best possible treatment, round-the-clock medical attention and all necessary facilities for the speedy recovery of the injured pilgri

The Deputy Commissioner appreciated the prompt response of the security forces and medical staff in providing timely assistance to the injured. He instructed the hospital administration to closely monitor the condition of each patient and extend every possible support to ensure their early recovery and well-being.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Prem Singh, doctors and other concerned officers were present during the visit.

The examination was successfully conducted by the J&K BOSE under the Centrally Sponsored Scheme of the Government of India aimed at identifying and supporting meritorious students belonging to economically weaker sections studying in Government and Government-aided schools.

The examination was conducted smoothly under the overall supervision, guidance and support of Ghulam Hassan Sheikh, Chairman-cum-Secretary, JKBOSE, with Dr. Parveen Singh, Director Academics/Liaison Officer, NMMSS, superbly coordinating the conduct of the examination in association with the officers and officials of the Academics Division.

JKBOSE appreciated the wholehearted cooperation extended by the Chief Education Officers, who functioned as District Nodal Officer, centre superintendents, deputy centre superintendents, invigilators and inspection teams, in conducting transparent and orderly examination throughout the union territory.

JKBOSE also expresses gratitude to all stakeholders who contributed to the successful conduct of the examination and whose facilitation has been handy in providing an enabling environment to the examinee students.

The Board reiterates its commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness and excellence in the implementation of the National Merit-cum-Means Scholarship Scheme and extends its best wishes to all the candidates who appeared in the examination.

A total of 240 students from various colleges across the Jammu Division successfully completed the programme through seven batches. Of these, 200 students participated in six batches conducted at the JKEDI Regional Office, Bari Brahmana, while 40 students attended one batch at the District Centre, Jammu.

The internship programme was held under the overall supervision of Director, JKEDI Mohammad Younis Malik and Joint Director JKEDI Chand Kishor Sharma.

The 10-day (60-hour) internship programme was organized in line with the objectives of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 to provide experiential learning, entrepreneurial exposure and skill development opportunities to undergraduate students.

The programme provided participants with exposure to entrepreneurship development, startup promotion, innovation, business planning and the various institutional support mechanisms available for aspiring entrepreneurs. Through interactive sessions, practical assignments and expert interactions, students gained valuable insights into entrepreneurship and self-employment opportunities.

The programme was facilitated by JKEDI faculty members and resource persons, who served as trainers, mentors and batch coordinators, equipping participants with essential entrepreneurial knowledge, leadership competencies and practical problem-solving skills through a structured and experiential learning approach.

By organizing such experiential learning programmes, JKEDI continues to empower the youth of Jammu and Kashmir with entrepreneurial skills, foster innovation-driven thinking and encourage students to transform their ideas into successful business ventures.

Kathua | July, 10:Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma, Friday chaired a review meeting of concerned officers to assess the progress of Rural Internet Connectivity under the Digital Bharat Nidhi (DBN) initiative in the district.

The meeting was attended by IAS Probationer Nidhi, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Vishav Partap Singh, Chief Planning Officer, Ranjeet Thakur, officers of BSNL and other concerned departments.

During the meeting, BSNL officials informed that Rural Fibre Internet connectivity has been established up to Panchayat Ghars in Kathua, Hiranagar, Marheen and Dinga Amb under the DBN project. They said broadband services are being provided through BNU locations for extending individual internet connections to households in rural areas, with the objective of ensuring reliable and affordable internet access.

The BSNL authorities further informed that internet connectivity is also being extended to Government schools under the Samagra Shiksha programme to support digital learning and improve access to online educational resources.

Reviewing the progress, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the need to expand internet connectivity to the hilly subdivisions of Basohli, Billawar and Bani, where better digital access is essential for education, public services, healthcare and livelihood opportunities. He directed the concerned agencies to expand the coverage, speed up the remaining works and ensure timely completion of the project.

Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma also emphasised the need to create greater public awareness about the availability and benefits of the Rural Fibre Internet initiative. He directed the concerned departments and BSNL to widely publicise the scheme so that more households and institutions can avail the facility and benefit from improved digital connectivity.

The meeting discussed the detailed agenda of activities scheduled from July 30 to August 24, 2026, aimed at promoting spiritual, cultural and devotional engagement during the holy month of Shravan. The programme includes weekly Kavad Yatras, Shiv Katha, Bhajan Sandhya and concluding religious ceremonies at Shiv Khori Shrine.

The Deputy Commissioner reviewed the arrangements to be made by the concerned departments and stressed the need for coordinated efforts to ensure smooth conduct of the Mahotsav and convenience of pilgri He directed all departments to complete their preparations well in advance and maintain close coordination throughout the event.

As per the proposed schedule, Kavad Yatras will be organized on August 3, 10, 17 and 24 from Ransoo Base Camp to Shiv Khori Bhawan, followed by Rudrabhishek and Hawan. A nine-day Shiv Katha programme is proposed from August 16 to 24, while the concluding Bhajan Sandhya and devotional programme will be held on August 24.

The DC reviewed arrangements related to security, traffic management, medical facilities, sanitation, drinking water supply, uninterrupted power supply, road maintenance, fire safety and public awareness. The Police Department was asked to ensure foolproof security arrangements and deployment of adequate personnel during the Mahotsav.

The Chief Medical Officer was directed to provide adequate medical facilities, including deployment of doctors, medical staff, ambulances and oxygen support at Shiv Khori Bhawan and Ransoo. The Jal Shakti Department was asked to ensure adequate drinking water supply along the pilgrimage track and at key locations, while the Power Development Department was instructed to ensure uninterrupted power supply and arrange backup power support wherever required.

The Fire and Emergency Services Department was directed to deploy fire tenders at Ransoo and conduct inspections of fire safety equipment at langar sites. He further directed the Motor Vehicle Department to regulate transportation facilities, prevent overcharging and display approved fare rates at conspicuous places. Departments concerned with Food Safety and Legal Metrology were instructed to conduct regular inspections of eateries, shops and langars to ensure quality standards, verify rates and prevent overpricing.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized that all departments should work in close coordination to provide a safe, comfortable and spiritually enriching experience to devotees visiting Shiv Khori during the Shravan Mahotsav.

SSP Mukund Tibrewal, ADC Rakesh Kumar, Addl. SP Iftkhar Ahmed, XEN JPDCL and Jal Shakti, Tehsildar Pouni and other concerned officers were present during the meeting.

During the visit, he inspected the camp and reviewed the functioning of all key service points established for the pilgrimage.

Inspecting the langars, the Deputy Commissioner directed SDM Banihal and the Food Inspector to ensure strict monitoring of food quality, hygiene and availability, so that pilgrims are served safe, nutritious and hygienically prepared meals at all times. He also reviewed healthcare facilities, medical preparedness and emergency response mechanisms to ensure prompt medical assistance whenever required.

The DC further inspected accommodation, sanitation and cleanliness, drinking water supply, power and lighting arrangements, security deployment, traffic management, public conveniences and other essential amenities. Departments concerned were instructed to maintain high standards of service delivery and rectify deficiencies without delay.

During his interaction with pilgrims, the Deputy Commissioner sought first-hand feedback on accommodation, sanitation, healthcare, security arrangements and other services at the camp and enquired about their travel experience.

The Deputy Commissioner directed all officers to maintain round-the-clock monitoring of the camp and ensure immediate redressal of any issue or grievance raised by pilgrims, with sanitation, drinking water, healthcare and other essential public services maintained efficiently throughout the Yatra. Officers were instructed to remain vigilant and work in close coordination to ensure timely delivery of every essential service for pilgrims passing through Ramban district.

The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by Senior Superintendent of Police Arun Gupta, Additional Deputy Commissioner Varunjeet Singh Charak, ACR Shokat Hayat Mattoo, Sub-Divisional Magistrate Banihal Mohammad NaseebBajraan, SDM Ramsoo Sayed Mazahir Hussain Shah and other officers concerned.

During the meeting, the ADDC reviewed the status of all key performance indicators and directed all stakeholders to complete the assigned tasks in a time-bound manner. He laid special emphasis on expediting the onboarding of beneficiaries on ONDC and enhancing the mobilization of Self-Help Group (SHG) applications under Mission YUVA to ensure timely achievement of programme objectives.

The meeting was attended by the District Programme Manager (NRLM), Employment Officer, Career Counselling Officer, DECC, members of the SBDU and BHDs, and Mission YUVA Motivators.

The programme focused on creating awareness about the objectives of BBBP, women-centric government schemes, legal safeguards and the services available through the Women Helpline. Resource persons encouraged participants to seek assistance whenever required and to spread awareness about these services within their communities.

Awareness pamphlets containing information on women-centric schemes, legal provisions and helpline numbers were distributed among the participants to ensure wider dissemination of information.

The speakers underscored the importance of girl’s education, gender equality and collective community responsibility in safeguarding the rights and dignity of every girl. They appealed to parents, youth and community members to support girl’s education, promote equal opportunities and contribute towards building a safe, inclusive and empowered society.

The programme witnessed enthusiastic participation from local residents, who actively interacted with the resource persons, raised queries and appreciated the efforts of Mission Shakti in promoting awareness and empowering women and girls at the grassroots level.