The Minister was replying to the question raised by Sajad Gani Lone in the Legislative Assembly Monday.

The Minister apprised that the government of J&K has announced provision for refilling cost of 06 free domestic LPG cylinders per annum for AAY families through Aadhaar enabled DBT into the bank account of the beneficiaries. Necessary action for implementation of the scheme is underway and examination of various aspects/modalities involved is presently underway. The exact financial implication shall be worked out upon finalization of the scheme.

Govt ensures transparency, fairness in allotment of works below departmental estimates: Dy CM

Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary Monday informed the House that the government follows a well-defined, transparent and rule-based mechanism for allotment of works, including those where the accepted bid is lower than the departmental estimated cost.

Replying to a question raised by MLA  Mehraj Malik regarding the allotment of works below departmental estimates, the Deputy Chief Minister said that departmental estimates are prepared strictly in accordance with the applicable Schedule of Rates, prevailing site conditions, approved technical specifications and quantities. Wherever required, prevailing market rates are also taken into consideration, he added. He said that all estimates are subjected to due technical scrutiny and are sanctioned by the competent authority in accordance with the prescribed rules and procedures.

The Deputy Chief Minister stated that works are subsequently allotted through a transparent and competitive e-tendering process to the lowest responsive and eligible bidder, strictly as per the applicable tendering provisions.

He clarified that where a bid is substantially lower than the departmental estimated cost, it is not accepted mechanically. Instead, its reasonableness, financial viability and the bidder’s capacity to execute the work are examined in accordance with the applicable rules, Standard Bidding Documents (SBDs) and prescribed procedures before a decision on award is taken.

He further informed the House that a well-defined mechanism is in place for scrutiny of substantially low or abnormally low bids. Before awarding such works, the bidder’s eligibility, technical and financial capacity, past experience, available resources and the reasonableness and viability of the quoted rates are duly assessed with reference to the tender conditions and applicable SBDs.

Wherever prescribed under the tender conditions, Additional Performance Security is also obtained from the successful bidder to safeguard the government’s financial and contractual interests, he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister emphasized that allotment of a work at a rate lower than the departmental estimate does not dilute the prescribed quality standards. During execution, compliance with the approved specifications, quantities, quality parameters and contractual conditions is ensured through regular inspections, testing and established quality-control mechanis

He stated that appropriate Defect Liability and Maintenance provisions are incorporated in contracts, wherever applicable. The concerned field officers remain responsible for monitoring the condition of completed works during the stipulated period and maintaining prescribed inspection and maintenance records.

“Where any defect attributable to the contractor is noticed, the contractor is directed to rectify the same in accordance with the contractual provisions and within the stipulated time,” he said.

Surinder Choudhary added that in case of failure to comply with the contractual obligations, necessary action is taken under the relevant provisions, including withholding or recovery of payments and invocation of performance securities, wherever warranted.

Referring specifically to PMGSY works, the Deputy Chief Minister said that maintenance and performance of completed road works are also monitored through the e-MARG portal, in accordance with the applicable provisions. The system facilitates systematic monitoring of road conditions, maintenance obligations and timely rectification of deficiencies, he added.

The Deputy Chief Minister maintained that every bid, whether above, at or below the departmental estimate, is considered strictly on the basis of the prescribed rules, eligibility criteria, financial and technical viability and contractual safeguards.

Water Supply in Batamaloo, Aloochi Bagh to get major augmentation; new WTPs, OHTs  to strengthen supply network: SakeenaItoo

Minister for Health and Medical Education, SakeenaItooMonday informed the Legislatiuve Assembly that the government is undertaking a series of long-term measures to augment potable water supply in S.D. Colony, Batamaloo, Aloochi Bagh and adjoining densely populated areas.

The Minister said this while replying on behalf of Minister-In-charge Housing & Urban Development Department to a question raised by MLA Lal Chowk Constituency, Sheikh Ahsan Ahmed Pardesi, during Question Hour regarding upgradation and augmentation of the water supply scheme in the area, the Minister said that a number of interventions have already been taken up to address the existing deficiencies and improve the adequacy, reliability and service levels of drinking water supply.

She stated that additional storage infrastructure is being created through construction of a 70,000-gallon capacity RCC Overhead Tank (OHT) at Danderkha, Batamaloo, under AMRUT 2.0. The work is presently under execution and is targeted for completion by the end of 2026-27. On commissioning, the facility is expected to enhance the storage capacity and improve the availability and service levels of potable water in Batamaloo and adjoining areas.

Similarly, the department has taken up construction of another 70,000-gallon capacity OHT at Khadi Mill, Aloochi Bagh, including complete electro-mechanical works and operation and maintenance, under AMRUT 2.0. The project, estimated to cost ₹213.00 lakh, is presently in progress and is targeted for completion by the end of 2026-27.

The Minister said that, upon commissioning, the facility is expected to improve the water supply to approximately 477 households in Aloochi Bagh and adjoining areas.

SakeenaItoo informed the House that two new Water Treatment Plants (WTPs), with capacity of 5.50 MGD at Alusteng and 5.00 MGD at Rangil respectively, are presently under execution and expected to be completed and commissioned by the end of the current year.

The Minister said that commissioning of these additional treatment capacities would substantially augment the availability of treated water in Srinagar city and, consequently, improve the water supply position in Batamaloo and its adjoining areas.

She further informed that, with a view to provide additional augmentation in the area, a 2.50 MGD Water Treatment Plant at Mehjoor Nagar has also been proposed. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project has been prepared and submitted for approval and subsequent funding of the scheme.

The Minister assured the House that the ongoing augmentation measures and projects under execution will help strengthen the water supply network and improve the availability and reliability of potable water in the city, including S.D. Colony, Batamaloo, Aloochi Bagh and adjoining areas.MLA also raised a supplementary to the question.

Jammu, : Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha–Nominated) Er. Gulam Ali KhatanaMonday held a Public Darbar at Panchayat Ghar, Sunjwan Lower, Bathindi, providing residents from the surrounding areas and panchayats a direct platform to raise their grievances, civic concerns and developmental priorities.

The Public Darbar witnessed participation from people belonging to Malik Market, Lower Sunjwan, Upper Sunjwan, Narwal Bala, Bathindi and other adjoining areas, besides residents from 74 wards of the Jammu Municipal Corporation. People from several panchayats and localities attended the programme and apprised the MP and concerned officials of issues affecting their day-to-day life.

Residents raised a wide range of concerns relating to road connectivity, drinking water supply, power, drainage and sanitation, public infrastructure, civic amenities and other developmental requirements. The issues reflected the local community’s expectations for improved public services and timely resolution of pending matters.

Senior officers and representatives from various government departments, including JPDCL, Rural Development Department, Education, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Health, Revenue, Tourism, Agriculture, Floriculture, Horticulture, Sheep Husbandry, Animal Husbandry, Jal Shakti, Irrigation & Flood Control, PWD, Social Welfare, Labour & Employment, Youth Services & Sports, Mining, BRO, NHAI, J&K Bank and other concerned departments, attended the Public Darbar.

The presence of officials from different departments enabled residents to place their grievances directly before the authorities concerned. Several issues were resolved on the spot, while the remaining matters were referred to the concerned departments with directions for timely follow-up and resolution.

The Public Darbar was also attended by prominent citizens, former chairmen, Sarpanches and local representatives.

Addressing the gathering, Er. Gulam Ali Khatana said that direct engagement with the public is essential for understanding issues at the grassroots level and ensuring that genuine concerns receive due attention.

He emphasised the importance of coordinated action among different departments and regular public interaction to ensure effective follow-up on issues raised by citizens. He said that the participation of officers from various departments provides an opportunity for grievances to be discussed directly and appropriate action to be initiated.

Er. Gulam Ali Khatana assured the gathering that the genuine issues raised during the Public Darbar would be taken up with the concerned authorities and followed through the appropriate channels.

The Public Darbar highlighted the importance of sustained public engagement, responsive administration and coordinated efforts to address the civic and developmental concerns of residents across Bathindi, Sunjwan, Malik Market, Narwal Bala, adjoining panchayats and areas falling under the Jammu Municipal Corporation.

The meeting was attended by CEO KDA Kaiser Bhawani; GM DIC Mohsin Raza; DSEO/CPO Suresh Kumar Sharma; EO MC Mirza Mumtaz Iqbal; AD Handicrafts Pardeep Shan; CHO Sajid Mustafa; DAO Manzoor Ahmed; DIO NIC Faizal Khan; Manager JK Bank Cluster Head, besides other officers and representatives from various concerned departments.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the General Manager DIC and all concerned Heads of Departments to formulate a six-month action plan for effective implementation of the One District One Product initiative.

He directed the concerned departments to identify and include prominent local products such as Rajmash, Buckwheat and Red Rice in the district’s export product list. He further directed the preparation of a comprehensive flow chart covering the production, processing, packaging and marketing of these products to facilitate value addition and market linkages.

The Deputy Commissioner also directed the GM, DIC, to take up the matter with higher authorities and initiate efforts for organising capacity-building programmes in the district for stakeholders associated with the ODOP and DEH initiatives.

Highlighting the potential of organically produced buckwheat from the Paddar area, the DC observed that the produce is being supplied to other parts of the UT and the country at comparatively low prices, while processed buckwheat flour returns to the district at significantly higher rates.

He directed the GM, DIC and the Agriculture Department, Kishtwar, to sensitise and facilitate the FPO already functioning in Nagseni to undertake grinding and processing of buckwheat into flour locally. He stressed the need for proper packaging and marketing so that quality buckwheat flour is made available to buyers at affordable rates while ensuring better returns to farmers.

The DC further directed the Agriculture Department to register all farmers associated with the FPOs to strengthen their institutional linkages and ensure their participation in value-addition and market-oriented activities. He also directed the Cooperative Department Kishtwar and JKRLM to undertake awareness programmes and facilitate the registration of cooperative FPOs and SHGs to promote collective enterprise, processing and marketing of local products.

‎‎The directions were issued at a meeting convened to review the action taken in compliance with the directions of the Supreme Court of India regarding stray dog management and public safety.

‎‎The Deputy Commissioner directed the Animal Husbandry Department and municipal authorities to identify suitable locations for establishing Animal Birth Control (ABC) facilities and designated feeding grounds for stray dogs. ‎‎He further called for immediate measures to remove stray dogs from public places, particularly areas frequented by children and the general public, in accordance with applicable rules and animal welfare guidelines.

‎‎The concerned authorities were also directed to strengthen sterilization and vaccination efforts, ensure the availability of anti-rabies vaccination facilities and take necessary steps to prevent the congregation of stray dogs near institutional areas and open garbage sites.

‎‎The Deputy Commissioner emphasized coordinated action, regular monitoring and strict compliance with the directions to ensure public safety while adhering to prescribed animal welfare nor

‎‎The meeting was attended by the ADDC, MalikzadaSheraz Ul Haq; CAHO, EO MC Rajouri Ashiq Rafiq Malik; EO MC SunderbaniDilip Kumar; EO MC Nowshera Mohinder Pal; EO MC Kalakote, Manik Rathore and EO MC Thanamandi, Yousaf Ul Umar.

The Speaker nominated MLA Eidgah Mubarik Gul, MLA Samba Surjeet Singh Slathia and MLA Bandipora Nizam-ud-din Bhat as members of the panel.

The Panel of Chairmen will preside over the proceedings of the House in the absence of the Speaker.

In Baramulla, Police Post Mirgund seized a tipper (JK05B-8719) carrying illegal boulders, while Police Post Wussan seized a tipper (JK03L-4402) carrying illegal soil, initiating legal action under the MMDR Act. In Shopian, Police Post Berthipora intercepted four dumpers transporting minerals without valid royalty documents, registering FIR No. 98/2026 at Police Station Keller. In Ganderbal, Police seized 14 vehicles (11 tippers and 3 tractors) carrying minor minerals without authorization, handing the matter over to the Geology & Mining Department for the imposition of requisite fines.

Srinagar, :: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg Saturday chaired a high-level meeting of the Multidisciplinary Committee / Regional Transport Authority (RTA) to review the progress of various projects and interventions aimed at easing traffic congestion in Srinagar city.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Commissioner Srinagar Municipal Corporation, SSP Traffic, RTO Kashmir, Chief Engineer KPDCL and Executive Engineers of R&B, besides other concerned officers.

During the meeting, a detailed review was undertaken regarding the progress of key road infrastructure projects including Development of Natipora to Chanapora road, Development of T-Junction at Natipora crossing, Construction of flyover from Shalteng to Parimpora, Construction of footbridge at Pediatric Hospital, Bemina, Construction of underpass at Nowgam, Development of Shopping Complex at Noorbagh, Development of road along Doodhganga River Bank from Barzulla to Sanat Nagar.

On the occasion, the Div Com also reviewed the status of Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) projects, including identification of 10 additional junctions for installation of ITMS cameras, painting of zebra crossings and stop lines, implementation of IT-based parking system, and status of e-bus charging stations at Zoonimar and Batamaloo. He also reviewed the Action Taken Report submitted by R&B, SSCL, RTO and Traffic Police on the decisions taken in previous meetings.

The Div Com fixed fresh timelines for the concerned departments to achieve tangible progress. He directed SSCL and SSP Traffic to implement stop-line interventions at identified junctions within 10 days. He further directed Commissioner SSCL to hand over control room to the Traffic Police for augmenting deployment of traffic personnel to monitor the Traffic System.

The Div Com directed that the e-bus charging station at Batamaloo shall be made operational within ten days. He also directed SSCL for completion of 72 bus stops under Module-A by 31st October 2026. He further directed SE R&B and SE I&FC to conduct a joint inspection for development of the Lasjan Bund Road.

The programme aimed to sensitize judicial officers, prosecutors, investigating officers and other stakeholders on the legal, investigative and evidentiary issues arising under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985 (NDPS Act).

The Keynote Address was delivered by Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Chairman, Governing Committee, J&K Judicial Academy. He emphasized that the stringent provisions of the NDPS Act require strict adherence to statutory safeguards and highlighted the importance of lawful search and seizure, reliable evidence, proper chain of custody and fair investigation.

Referring to Sections 42, 50, 52A, 67 and 37 of the Act, Justice Rajnesh Oswal stressed the need for proper documentation, corroborative and digital evidence, and truthful investigation.

He also underscored the importance of a human-centred approach towards persons suffering from substance dependence while maintaining firm enforcement against organized trafficking.

Director, J&K Judicial Academy, Naseer Ahmad Dar, in his Welcome and Introductory Address, emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts among investigators, prosecutors and the judiciary in effectively addressing NDPS cases. He highlighted the need for lawful investigation, strict compliance with statutory safeguards and proper preservation of evidence to ensure effective and timely adjudication.

Sambit Mishra, IRS, DDG, NCB-NWR, emphasized the importance of interaction among investigators, prosecutors and the judiciary so that each stakeholder understands the expectations and constraints of the others. He stressed that effective prosecution depends not only on the evidence collected but also on strict compliance with procedural requirements and proper presentation of the case before the court.

In his Special Address, Abdul Qayoom, DIG Crime Branch, highlighted the growing challenge of drug abuse and emphasized coordinated efforts by police, prosecution and judiciary. He stressed capacity building, procedural compliance, proper documentation and preservation of chain of custody, besides the need to investigate the forward and backward linkages of drug trafficking networks rather than limiting investigations to persons found carrying contraband.

During Session-I, titled “Challenges Faced in Investigation of NDPS Cases (IO Perspective)”, Kubra Nazir, DySP, ANTF Kashmir, highlighted challenges relating to Sections 42 and 50, searches, independent witnesses, videography, inventory, chain of custody, sampling, forensic delays and collection of digital and financial evidence.

She emphasized timely compliance and proper documentation, particularly in view of the geographical and cross-border trafficking challenges in Jammu & Kashmir.

Session-II, titled “Identification of Investigation Gaps Affecting Prosecution and Evidentiary Strength”, was conducted by Aftab Jeelani Wani, Public Prosecutor, NCB, Srinagar Zonal Unit. He emphasized that the strength of an NDPS prosecution depends substantially upon the quality and legality of investigation, particularly compliance with statutory requirements, proper search and seizure, documentation, chain of evidence and establishment of foundational facts before reliance on statutory presumptions.

Session-III, titled “Appreciation of Evidence and Common Grounds Leading to Acquittals; Coordination between Investigators, Prosecutors and Judiciary for Strengthening Cases”, was conducted by Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir, Former Chief Justice, High Court of Meghalaya, with focus on appreciation of evidence and coordination among the stakeholders for strengthening NDPS cases.

During Session-IV, Srinivasan Gopal, Former Assistant Director, Directorate of Revenue Intelligence, highlighted the mandatory compliance framework governing search, seizure and arrest under the NDPS Act. He emphasized proper sampling, inventory, documentation and maintenance of an unbroken chain of custody from seizure through forensic examination and production before the court.

Session-V, conducted by Naseer Ahmad Dar, Director, J&K Judicial Academy, focused on the judicial approach to bail under Section 37 of the NDPS Act, including the twin conditions applicable in commercial-quantity cases. He emphasized that the bail stage should not become a mini-trial and highlighted measures for timely disposal of cases, including effective witness management, case tracking, prompt Section 52A compliance and FSL reports, reduction of unnecessary adjournments, time-bound charge framing and greater use of video conferencing.

The programme brought together the judiciary, prosecution, police, NCB, ANTF and other enforcement stakeholders, facilitating an interdisciplinary exchange aimed at strengthening investigation, evidence preservation, prosecution and adjudication of NDPS cases.

The programme concluded with Concluding Remarks by Piyush Kumar Ankit, Zonal Director, Narcotics Control Bureau, Srinagar, followed by the Vote of Thanks by Naseer Ahmad Dar, Director, J&K Judicial Academy. The proceedings of the day were moderated by Mufti Nahida, Additional Mobile Magistrate (T), Srinagar.

Jammu, | Sept. 19:Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, Saturday inaugurated a water supply project for the areas of Channi Himmat and Bahu and laid the foundation stone of a water supply augmentation project for Bathindi and Sunjwan, with the two projects having a combined estimated cost of ₹12.43 crore.

MLA Bahu Vikram Randhawa, along with senior officers of the Jal Shakti Department and other concerned departments, were present on the occasion.

The Minister inaugurated the water supply project for Channi Himmat and Bahu, executed at an estimated cost of ₹652.78 lakh. The project is aimed at ensuring regular and daily water supply to residents of the areas that have been facing shortages.

The project included the drilling of new tubewells and allied works to augment the availability of drinking water and strengthen the existing supply arrangements.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister said the completion of the project marks an important step towards resolving the water deficit in the affected areas and providing households with a more reliable supply of drinking water.

He said that ensuring access to safe, adequate and dependable drinking water remains a key priority of the government, adding that the newly commissioned infrastructure would provide much-needed relief to residents and improve the overall water supply position in the area.

Later, the Minister laid the foundation stone of the water supply improvement and augmentation project for Bathindi and Sunjwan, under SASCI, at an estimated cost of ₹590.50 lakh.

The project is aimed at strengthening the existing water supply infrastructure and augmenting its capacity to meet the present and emerging requirements of the rapidly developing areas.

Once completed, the scheme is expected to improve water availability and enhance the reliability of supply for residents of Bathindi and Sunjwan.

The Minister directed the concerned officers to ensure that the Bathindi and Sunjwan augmentation project is completed within the stipulated timeline, while maintaining the prescribed standards of quality.

He also stressed the need for proper operation and maintenance of the newly commissioned tubewells to ensure that the benefits of the completed project reach residents without interruption.

The two projects form part of a broader series of inaugurations and foundation stone-laying ceremonies undertaken during the past week to strengthen and expand water supply infrastructure across Jammu.

MLA Bahu Vikram Randhawa expressed gratitude to the Minister for taking up the projects and said the initiatives would provide significant relief to residents who had been facing difficulties due to inadequate water supply.

Later, the Minister chaired a meeting with senior officers of the Jal Shakti Department to take stock of the water supply situation in the area and review the progress of ongoing and proposed works.

During the meeting, the Minister directed the officers to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for all pending and proposed water supply schemes without delay, so that the projects could be processed for approval and funding at the earliest.

Emphasising the importance of long-term planning, he asked the department to take into account population growth, future water demand and the changing requirements of urbanising areas while designing new and upgraded water supply schemes.

The Minister also called for close coordination among field units and directed officers to ensure prompt and effective redressal of public grievances related to water supply.

The foundation stone was laid by MLA Jammu West Arvind Gupta, MLA Bahu Vikram Randhawa and MLA Jammu South Dr. Narinder Singh, in the presence of Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation Dr.Devansh Yadav and Deputy Commissioner Jammu Rakesh Minhas.

The rehabilitation initiative has been undertaken to address the concerns of shopkeepers whose existing shops had to be removed to facilitate the development of the Satwari Flyover. The affected shopkeepers had been operating from JMC-allotted shops and were regularly paying rent to the Corporation. With the removal of these commercial establishments for the infrastructure project, the shopkeepers were faced with the challenge of relocating their businesses and sustaining their livelihoods.

Recognising the need to provide a structured and permanent rehabilitation solution, the JMC has taken up the construction of new shops at Bhagwati Nagar. The project is intended to provide the displaced shopkeepers with organised commercial space where they can resume their business activities in a planned environment.

A total of 36 shops, each measuring 8 feet by 10 feet, will be constructed under the project. The proposed complex will also include parking space in front of the shops, ensuring better accessibility for customers and visitors. In addition, a toilet facility will be provided at the site for the convenience of shopkeepers and the general public.

The development of the shopping complex is also expected to create a more organised commercial environment, with proper provision for essential public amenities. The project reflects the Corporation’s approach of combining urban infrastructure development with measures aimed at safeguarding the livelihood interests of people affected by such development works.

On the occasion, the officials stated that the land for the rehabilitation project had been handed over to the Jammu Municipal Corporation by the Deputy Commissioner Jammu, facilitating the Corporation in taking forward the construction of the proposed shopping complex.

The foundation stone-laying ceremony marked the commencement of an important rehabilitation initiative for the affected shopkeepers. The project is expected to provide them with a dedicated commercial space and enable them to restart their business activities with greater stability and security.

The initiative also underscores the coordinated efforts of the district administration and the Jammu Municipal Corporation in addressing the concerns of affected stakeholders while advancing important urban infrastructure projects in the city.

The JMC reiterated its commitment to undertaking development works in a manner that remains responsive to the needs of citizens, traders and other stakeholders and to providing appropriate rehabilitation measures wherever existing commercial or public spaces are affected by infrastructure development.