Following his assumption of office, Ramesh Kumar convened an interactive meeting with the senior officers and officials at the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar. They discussed the department’s priorities, ongoing initiatives and the way forward for strengthening rural development and Panchayati Raj institutions across Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Secretary in RDD, Rachna Sharma, Director Finance, Umar Khan, Joint Director Planning, Kamal Kumar, Additional Secretary RD&PR, Waseem Raja and Under Secretaries of the department.

The Secretary reviewed the operational status and progress achieved under several flagship programmes, including the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM-G), Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and Himayat.

The review focused on taking stock of the department’s ongoing initiatives and reinforcing the implementation of programmes aimed at improving the rural livelihoods, strengthening Panchayati Raj institutions, creating rural infrastructure, providing housing assistance to eligible households and expanding livelihood opportunities for rural youth and women.

Emphasising the fundamental mandate of the Rural Development Department, the Secretary said that the department primarily serves the rural population and must remain focused on addressing the needs and aspirations of people at the grassroots level. He directed the officers to accord priority to projects and interventions that deliver direct, visible and measurable benefits to the public.

Addressing the officers, Ramesh Kumar appreciated the initiatives already undertaken to streamline the departmental functioning and improve the implementation of rural development programmes. The Secretary further underscored the need for officers at all levels to remain focused on their respective responsibilities and work collectively towards improving the overall functioning of the department. The emphasis, he said, must remain on translating policy objectives and government initiatives into meaningful outcomes for people living in rural areas.

Srinagar | Oct 12:Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly and MLA Charar-i-Sharief, Abdul Rahim Rather, today convened a review meeting to take stock of progress of development works being executed in Charar-i-Sharief constituency under various schemes by the Public Works Department (R&B) and the Rural Development Department (RDD).

During the meeting, the Speaker reviewed the scheme-wise progress of works being undertaken under District Capex, UT Capex, NABARD, Bridges, C&T and SASCI by PWD (R&B), besides works being executed under DDC, BDC, PRI, ADBP, CDF, CDP, SBM and other schemes by the RDD.

Emphasising the need for timely execution of development projects, the Speaker directed the concerned officers to expedite the pace of ongoing works and ensure their completion within the stipulated timelines while maintaining the prescribed quality standards.

He underscored that timely completion of development works was a collective responsibility of all stakeholders. He added that the primary objective of these projects was to ensure that the benefits of various government schemes reach the people without any unnecessary delay.

“The benefits of government schemes can reach the intended beneficiaries only when the sanctioned works are executed efficiently and completed within the stipulated timeframe,” maintained the Speaker. He stressed the need for greater accountability and close monitoring at every stage of execution.

While reviewing the macadamisation of various roads in the constituency, the Speaker expressed concern over delay in execution of the works. He directed the concerned officers to expedite the pace of macadamisation and ensure its completion at the earliest. He emphasised that the available working season was nearing its end due to the onset of severe winter conditions, leaving a limited window for carrying out such works. He stressed the need for timely intervention and effective supervision to ensure that the road macadamisation works are completed within the available working season without compromising on quality standards.

The Speaker also directed the concerned departments to expedite the tendering and allotment process of pending works so that their execution could commence without delay and the projects could be completed within the prescribed timelines. He called for effective inter-departmental coordination and regular monitoring to address bottlenecks, wherever encountered, and ensure the smooth implementation of development projects.

The meeting was attended by the Superintending Engineer, Budgam; Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD), Budgam; Assistant Commissioner Panchayat (ACP), Budgam; Executive Engineers of PWD (R&B); REW; and Block Development Officers of Budgam, Charar-i-Sharief, Nagam, Pakherpora, Chadoora, Surasyar and Parnewa among others.

The meeting was attended by Secretary, Social Welfare Dr.Doifode Sagar Dattatray; Managing Director JKWDC, Purnima Mittal representatives of Planning & Finance Departments, J&K and Apex Corporations from New Delhi.

During the meeting, the Board deliberated upon various important administrative, financial and policy matters concerning the functioning of the Corporation and took several key decisions.

Speaking during the meeting, the Minister emphasised the need for the Corporation to function with greater efficiency, transparency and responsiveness. She advocated a focused approach towards ensuring that the intended benefits of welfare and development schemes reach the eligible Women beneficiaries in a timely manner.

SakeenaItoo called for strengthening the institutional mechanisms, streamlining procedures and improving coordination among the concerned stakeholders to facilitate easier access to financial assistance, self-employment opportunities and other support measures for the Women entrepreneurs.

“Welfare interventions should translate into tangible improvements in the socio-economic conditions of beneficiaries, particularly through initiatives that encourage entrepreneurship, sustainable livelihoods and economic self-reliance”, maintained the Minister.

The Minister directed the Corporation to maintain close engagement with the beneficiaries and community representatives, identify emerging requirements and take necessary measures to address genuine concerns within the prescribed framework.

SakeenaItoo appreciated the efforts of the Corporation and stressed upon all concerned officers to ensure transparency, accountability, efficiency and timely implementation of the decisions taken by the Board in the larger public interest.

During the meeting, the Board directed the Corporation to intensify and expedite the recovery of outstanding loans, particularly long-pending dues and adopt all permissible measures for effective follow-up and timely recovery. She enquired about the establishment of online system for recovery and disbursement of various schemes.

The Board further approved the Budget Estimates for the financial year 2026–27, covering the revenue and capital requirements of the Corporation and providing for effective implementation of its developmental and welfare-oriented programmes. Also, financial statements for the year 2024-25 were approved by the Board which shall be sent for Audit.

The Board emphasized the need for greater financial discipline, improved recovery of outstanding loans, timely implementation of approved programmes and effective delivery of benefits to eligible Women entrepreneurs.

The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Director Tourism, and officers from the departments of Information,  PHE, KPDCL, R&B,  SMC, YSS, Health,  JKTDC, Hospitality and Protocol, SSCL,  SRTC, Agriculture, Sports Council,  LCMA,  SDRF, Police, Fire and Emergency Services, and other concerned departments.

During the meeting, it was informed that the Kashmir Marathon will be held on October 25, with a three-day Marathon Expo scheduled to be organised at Polo Ground. The event has attracted significant international participation, with 67 foreign nationals from 12 countries having registered so far.

Both the full marathon, covering 42.19 kilometres, and the half marathon, spanning 21.09 kilometres, will be conducted on the same day in the morning. To ensure the safety and well-being of participants, 17 aid stations will be established along the marathon route to provide necessary assistance.

Addressing the meeting, the Div Com directed all concerned departments to nominate nodal officers to ensure effective interdepartmental coordination and timely execution of assigned responsibilities.

Emphasising the need to enhance the visual appeal of the marathon route, he called for beautification through the placement of potted flowers. He also directed the Roads and Buildings Department to conduct a thorough inspection of the route and ensure that all potholes are filled to provide a smooth and safe running surface. The concerned authorities were further instructed to undertake the pruning of trees along the marathon loop.

Highlighting the importance of maintaining the scenic beauty of Srinagar, the Divisional Commissioner stressed the need to ensure cleanliness around Dal Lake. He also directed the deployment of volunteers at appropriate locations and the establishment of medical camps with adequate staff to address any health-related emergencies during the event.

Meanwhile, the Traffic Police was directed to publicise designated parking locations well in advance to facilitate participants and ensure the smooth regulation of vehicular movement on the day of the marathon.

The Srinagar Municipal Corporation  and Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited  were directed to ensure the proper functioning of streetlights along the marathon route. The Sports Council was instructed to make lighting arrangements at Polo Ground for the smooth conduct of the event.

The SMC was further directed to ensure proper cleanliness and sanitation along the marathon route and at the inaugural venue.

The Divisional Commissioner emphasised that close coordination among all stakeholder departments and timely completion of preparatory measures would be essential for the successful organisation of the 3rd Edition of the Kashmir Marathon.

Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur who presided over the first of its kind convention said that all business establishments and other Bulk Waste Generators have to take responsibility for processing and managing the waste generated by them.

Addressing the gathering, Mandeep Kaur said that waste generators can adopt appropriate mechanisms such as on-site processing, home or institutional composting, or engaging authorised waste collectors or agencies for collection and disposal of waste. She said the practice of dumping waste outside commercial establishments after closure of markets has to change, emphasising that every waste generator must take responsibility for its own waste.

“Municipalities cannot be expected to take responsibility for the waste generated by every establishment,” Commissioner Secretary said, adding that waste generators can engage private or municipal agencies for collection and management of their waste.

The Commissioner Secretary said similar conventions would be organised in every district to create awareness and strengthen implementation of waste management rules in both urban and rural areas. She said the committees constituted under the directions of the Supreme Court and the responsibilities entrusted to Deputy Commissioners would play an important role in ensuring effective enforcement.

Emphasising that public participation is crucial for achieving a clean environment, Mandeep Kaur said people are willing to contribute but systems need to be strengthened and responsibilities clearly assigned. She called upon the welfare associations, societies, organisations, business associations and other stakeholders to establish and implement effective systems for management of the waste generated by them, describing it as an important step forward in the Swachh Bharat journey.

The Commissioner Secretary also urged the local youth to become Swachhta entrepreneurs and create avenues of economic opportunity for themselves and others while contributing towards cleanliness and sanitation.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Athar Aamar highlighted the importance of strengthening institutional capacity and fixing responsibility at every level. He stressed the need for active participation of PRIs and communities in fulfilling the objectives of Swachh Bharat Mission and safeguarding the environment. He also elaborated Budgam’s rich natural heritage including Doodhpathri and Shaliganga.

Managing Director, SBM J&K, Dr.Devansh Yadav, gave a detailed introduction to Bulk Waste Generators and apprised the participants of applicable Solid Waste Management Rules and Supreme Court guidelines. He highlighted the provisions related to identification and coverage of BWGs, processing of waste, appropriate disposal and engagement of authorised waste management agencies.

Earlier, the participants were sensitised about registration through the CPCB portal, engagement of waste entrepreneurs and private vendors and opportunities under Waste to Wealth initiative.

Director, Urban Local Bodies, Kashmir, Dr.Fayaz Ahmad Banday sensitised participants about the role and responsibilities of every citizen in safeguarding fragile environment of Jammu & Kashmir.

A dedicated session on BWGs was conducted by SWAAHA, followed by demonstration of CPCB portal and registration process by SBM(U) PMU. An interactive Q&A session was also held to address queries of the participants.

On the occasion, the Commissioner Secretary administered Swachhta Pledge. All district and sectoral officers, representatives from service sector, hotel industry, schools and other private institutions, restaurant owners, shopkeepers and other business holders attended the convention.

Srinagar : Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, Wednesday  e-inaugurated 10 Water Supply Schemes in Lolab Constituency, completed at a total cost of ₹35.64 crore benefiting 5,662 households across various villages.

The schemes, executed by the Jal Shakti PHE Division Kupwara, are aimed at strengthening the drinking water infrastructure and ensuring improved access to safe, reliable and sustainable water supply for people in the constituency.

Speaking on the occasion, Javed Rana said that the Omar Abdullah-led Government is committed to the welfare and well-being of the people, with a focused approach towards strengthening the basic infrastructure and improving delivery of essential public services.

“The Omar Abdullah-led government is committed to improve the quality of life of people by ensuring that the benefits of development reach every household. Our focus is on strengthening the essential infrastructure and delivering reliable public services at the grassroots,” the Minister said.

He said that access to safe and reliable drinking water is fundamental to the well-being and dignity of every household. He added that the government has accorded priority to the expansion, augmentation and timely completion of water supply schemes across Jammu and Kashmir.

Rana said the e-inauguration of the 10 schemes in Lolab marks an important step towards strengthening the water supply network in the constituency and providing improved drinking water facilities to thousands of households.

“Our objective is not merely to create infrastructure but to ensure that every completed scheme delivers the intended benefits to the people. We will continue to work with a people-centric approach so that every household gets access to essential services in a reliable and sustainable manner,” he added.

The inaugurated schemes included WSS Khabuth Dar Mohalla, costing ₹1.08 crore and covering 93 households in Maindanpora; WSS DeverAnderbugh, costing ₹3.50 crore and benefiting 1,400 households in Dever and Anderbugh; WSS Gangbugh, costing ₹3.77 crore and covering 450 households in Sogam and WSS Krusen, costing ₹4.67 crore and benefiting 626 households in Krusen.

Similarly, WSS Walkhul, constructed at a cost of ₹4.25 crore, covers 200 households in Tekipora, while WSS Gadwah costing ₹0.92 crore caters to 91 households in Sewer Thendipora. WSS Kawari Harden Sewer, costing ₹3.79 crore, covers 900 households in Sewer Thendipora, while WSS Mergi, costing ₹0.90 crore, benefits 250 households in DeverAnderbugh. Likewise, WSS Gundmacher constructed at an estimated cost of ₹2.95 crore, covers 452 households in RekhMuchwari and Rakhi Gundmacher. Besides, WSS SurigamWavoor Bon Maidanpora has been completed at a cost of ₹9.81 crore which covers 1,200 households in Surigam, Wavoora and Maidanpora.

The Minister directed the concerned officers to ensure proper operation and maintenance of the completed schemes so that the intended benefits are sustained and reach the targeted households effectively. He also stressed the need for close monitoring of ongoing water supply projects, timely completion of works and optimum utilisation of public resources, while directing officers to maintain regular field-level oversight of the schemes.

The e-inauguration marks a significant step towards strengthening drinking water infrastructure in Lolab and ensuring improved access to essential public services for the people of the constituency. He said that he would soon visit the constituency to review the functioning of the inaugurated schemes and take stock of the progress of other schemes currently under execution.

MLA Lolab, Qaisar Jamshaid Lone, thanked the Minister for his consistent support and personal attention to the development of the constituency. He said that many villages would, for the first time, witness the dawn of piped water supply, marking a historic milestone for the people of the area. He conveyed his deep appreciation to the Minister and the Department for the timely completion of these schemes, which he described as a significant step towards fulfilling a long-standing public demand.

It is pertinent to mention that, despite financial constraints, around 30 water supply schemes of the Jal Shakti Department are ready for inauguration across Kashmir, including in Kulgam, Anantnag, Baramulla, Budgam and Kupwara. These schemes are expected to be made operational in the near future.

Taking note of the readiness of these schemes, Minister Javed Rana directed the concerned officers to expedite the remaining works and complete all necessary formalities for their early commissioning. He stressed that the completed water supply infrastructure should be put to use at the earliest so that the intended benefits reach the people without any further delay.

Of these schemes, 10 have been taken up under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) at a cost of ₹64.78 crore, 14 under NABARD at ₹59.69 crore, three under UT Capex at ₹11.95 crore and one under AMRUT 2.0 at ₹1.41 crore.

The meeting was attended by Member of Legislative Assembly Baramulla Javid Hassan Beigh; MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar; MLA Pattan Javaid ReyazBedar; MLA Wagoora-Kreeri Irfan Hafeez Lone; Deputy Commissioner Baramulla S.F. Hamid, ADDC Baramulla, ADC Baramulla, ADC Sopore, senior officers from the HUDD and other line departments, public representatives, stakeholders, representatives of various organisations and members of civil society.

The meeting had a comprehensive presentation on the draft Master Plans highlighting the major provisions, proposed planning interventions, land-use considerations, infrastructure requirements, development priorities and other components envisaged for the systematic and sustainable development of the three towns.

The Commissioner Secretary held detailed discussions with the participants on various provisions of the draft plans and sought their suggestions and observations.

The elected representatives and other stakeholders also put forward their views and suggestions concerning urban development, infrastructure, connectivity, public amenities, institutional requirements and other local priorities.

MLA Baramulla Javid Hassan Beigh highlighted the limited availability of state land within Baramulla town as a major challenge. He suggested that the Master Plan should identify suitable peripheral areas where the government offices and projects that do not require daily public access could be shifted.

MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar stressed the need to address the scattered location of government offices and suggested provision for a Mini Secretariat in Sopore in the Master Plan.

MLA Wagoora-Kreeri Irfan Hafeez Lone emphasised that development envisaged under the Master Plan should be sustainable and balanced with adequate safeguards to protect the region’s agricultural and horticultural land and livelihood interests.

Meanwhile, ReyazBedar highlighted the need for widening of road in Pattan town, provision of a truck terminal, and effective utilisation of available state land for various developmental projects.

Various other stakeholders and representatives from civil society also raised issues. They offered suggestions concerning land utilisation, infrastructure, connectivity, public amenities, traffic management, institutional requirements and future development of the three towns.

Responding to the inputs, Mandeep Kour emphasised that the Master Plan is an important long-term planning document that will shape the future growth, infrastructure development and urban management of Baramulla, Sopore and Pattan and therefore requires extensive consultation with all concerned stakeholders.

The Commissioner Secretary urged all stakeholders to go through the draft Master Plans in detail and submit their representations, suggestions and observations within the prescribed timeline assuring that all representations would be examined carefully before the Master Plans are finalised and notified.

DC Baramulla urged all stakeholders, public representatives, departments and members of civil society to carefully examine the draft Master Plan and submit their representations, suggestions and observations within 21 days, so that the inputs can be duly examined and incorporated in the Master Plan.

Later, Mandeep Kaur, accompanied by DC Baramulla, conducted an inspection of various sites in Baramulla, including Baramulla Jetty, Janbazpora and other locations, to review the ongoing and proposed development works.

Kulgam | Oct, 01:District Development Commissioner (DDC) Kulgam, Shahzad Alam, Thursday  chaired a meeting at Mini-Secretariat, Kulgam to review the progress and implementation of Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission Gramin (VB-G RAM G) in the district.

The meeting reviewed key indicators including persondays generation, wage and material release vis-a-vis expenditure, Master Roll status, physical progress of works, delay monitoring, skilled employment and social audit issues.

It was informed that against an annual target of 14 lakh Mandays, 4,60,781 Mandays have been generated, achieving 32.91% of the annual target and 98.74% of the Q1 target.

The DDC stressed upon timely wage payments, expeditious processing of FTOs and Master Rolls, proper utilisation of funds and speedy completion of works, besides ensuring transparency and accountability in implementation.

The meeting also reviewed preparations for People’s Plan Campaign and Reform Utsav, scheduled from October 2 to December 31, with special Gram Sabhas to be held in every Halqa Panchayat. The DDC directed the concerned officers to ensure maximum public participation and effective awareness on key reforms, scheme convergence, institutional readiness and citizen awareness, besides facilitating participatory planning and identification of local development priorities.

The meeting was attended by ADC, Kulgam, Vikar Ahmad Giri; ACR, Reyaz Ahmad Shah; ACD, Bilal Ahmad Kamgar; CPO, Suhail Malik, DIO, CEO, Ex En, BDOs, ALC, besides other concerned officers and  officials of the Rural Development department, Kulgam.

This was stated by Minister for Education SakeenaItoo on behalf of Minister Incharge Information Department in Legislative Assembly Wednesday , in response to a question raised by Legislator Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri.

The Minister informed the House that the issue was discussed in detail during the previous Budget Session 2026 and MLAs across all political parties, highlighted the issue of dissemination of misleading and false information by unregistered and unregulated Digital/Social Media News Channels and the need to fix their accountability.

She added that as per the Government’s commitment to effectively address the issue, the Information Department is soon going to issue New Media Policy, 2026, wherein, besides Print Media, adequate provisions for registration and regulation of the Online News Media Platforms have been incorporated to ensure their accountability.

The Minister also said that as per the instructions given in House Committee on Govt. Assurances meeting recently, headed by Legislator Ali Mohammad Sagar, the Information Department has been asked to come up with a comprehensive guideline/SOP, mandating maintaining of the detailed lists of all unregistered social media news handles in the districts by the respective District Administration and to file cases under the relevant provisions of the Information Technology Act, 2000, the Bharat Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 (earlier IPC)

She added that these new Laws contain explicit provisions to penalize and manage the spread of misinformation, fake news, and provocative content on social media platfor

The Minister also informed that the J&K Home Department has also established the J&K Cyber Crime Coordination Centre (JK4C) as an independent organization under the overall superintendence and control of the Director General of Police, J&K, for coordinating, preventing, detecting and investigating cybercrimes in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.

She also informed the House that to keep a check on fake/ misleading News Items appearing in the Print/Electronic/Social Media, the Social Media Cell of the Directorate of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), J&K regularly tracks and examines such news through its dedicated Cell for monitoring of Fake/ Misleading News.

“As soon as any news item which is found fake or misleading, the Rebuttal of the same is issued through the Social Media handles of the Department on real time basis. It is also ensured that the Rebuttal of the Fake/ Misleading News items is issued for publication in the immediate next edition of the Newspapers, besides uploading of the same on the official website of the DIPR to keep the public informed”, she said.

The Minister also informed that the proposed J&K Media Policy, 2026, authorizes the DIPR to monitor content for fake news, plagiarism, and unethical/anti-national activities and to de-empanel the media house or withhold release of any government advertisement to such media entities. Besides, if such entities are registered by the Press Registrar General of India under the Press & Registration of Periodicals Act of 2023, their de-registration is recommended under the said Act, she added.

Legislators Altaf Ahmad Wani (Kuloo), Tanvir Sadiq, Saifuddin Bhat, Nazir Ahamd Khan (Gurezi), Waheedur Rehman Parra, R.S Pathania, Nizamuddin Bhat, Pawan Gupta and Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi raised supplementaries.