Srinagar : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday said the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are not merely job seekers but the architects of India’s future, urging them to dream big, embrace innovation and equip themselves with skills required for a rapidly changing world.
Addressing the 77th State-Level Mega Job Fair at Amar Singh College, Srinagar, the Lieutenant Governor said the event serves as a bridge between education and employment by directly connecting aspiring youth with industries.
The Mega Job Fair, organised by Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, and Cluster University Srinagar in collaboration with NIELIT, Nations Development Association (NDA) and MY Bharat, brought together more than 50 reputed companies from sectors including information technology, healthcare, banking, financial services, manufacturing, retail, hospitality, education, logistics and engineering.
Calling the job fair a platform “where dreams meet direction and education meets industry,” Sinha said such initiatives strengthen the foundation of a new Jammu and Kashmir while instilling confidence among young people.
“You are not merely job-seekers. You are the makers of India’s future. In your hands rests your career as well as the direction of the nation’s development. You are the strength of Skill India, the face of Digital India and the true bearers of Aatmanirbhar Bharat,” he told the gathering.
The Lieutenant Governor outlined six key objectives of the Mega Job Fair, including creating meaningful employment opportunities, strengthening industry-academia partnerships, aligning skill development with digital and technical requirements, simplifying recruitment through on-the-spot interviews, promoting entrepreneurship and preparing a future-ready workforce.
Encouraging students to adopt a growth mindset, Sinha advised them to follow three guiding principles—never make dreams small, never stop learning and always embrace innovation.
“Dream big and focus on new discoveries. The future belongs to those who seek new solutions, develop new thinking and lead change. Success is meaningful only when achieved with ethics and responsibility,” he said.
Highlighting the need for reforms in higher education, the Lieutenant Governor said educational institutions must prepare students for life beyond classrooms by imparting practical skills and confidence.
“Education should not be confined to classroo It must prepare every student to begin life’s journey with confidence, skills and practical understanding,” he said.
He also appealed to industry leaders to become partners in shaping the future workforce through mentorship, internships and collaborative initiatives.
“If industry and education work together, we can create an environment where knowledge and experience strengthen each other, and innovation and employment advance together,” he said.
Sinha noted the growing entrepreneurial spirit among the youth and said Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a significant rise in entrepreneurship since 2020. Referring to the Union Territory’s top performance under the Prime Minister’s Employment Generation Programme (PMEGP) in 2021-22, he expressed confidence that J&K would emerge as a hub for innovation, startups and modern industries.
He stressed that unemployment cannot be addressed through government jobs alone, emphasizing the need to align skills with industry requirements, encourage private sector employment through MSMEs and SMEs, and strengthen the transition from education to employment through internships, mentorships and career counselling.
“Let us resolve that this 77th Mega Job Fair will mark the beginning of a new chapter in the employment history of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Among those present were Commissioner/Secretary, Higher Education Department Ram Niwas Sharma, Vice Chancellor Cluster University of Srinagar Prof. Mohammad Mobin, Vice Chancellor Cluster University of Jammu Prof. K.S. Chandrasekar, Vice Chancellor IUST Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, President of Desh Bhagat University Dr. Sandeep Singh, Principal Amar Singh College Prof. Tehmina Yousuf, senior government officials, representatives of leading industries, heads of educational institutions and a large number of students.

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reviewed India’s future agenda with top bureaucrats, calling for seamless inter-ministry coordination and continuous administrative reforms towards a ‘Viksit Bharat.’
Focusing on key sectors like economy, industry, and technology, Prime Minister stressed that citizen welfare must guide every policy and called for breaking administrative silos. “Team building across Ministries and Departments is essential. All officers must work with a shared sense of purpose to achieve integrated outcomes,” the Prime Minister said. Alongside rapid infrastructure growth, PM Modi urged a sharp focus on indigenous technology and energy security, emphasizing that “Technological self-reliance and building domestic capabilities in critical sectors are essential for India’s future growth and security,”. He further highlighted the need for robust cybersecurity involving youth and startups, industry-aligned skill programs, and proactive communication to counter misinformation. Emphasizing continuous administrative evolution, PM Modi noted, “A government must always remain youthful, dynamic and forward-looking, continuously adapting to new challenges and opportunities with agility and innovation.”

Srinagar :Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level review meeting on Capital Expenditure (CAPEX) at the Civil Secretariat here and directed all departments to significantly accelerate the pace of expenditure, emphasizingthat timely utilization of available funds is critical for infrastructure development, public service delivery and sustained economic growth.
The Chief Minister underscored the need for focused attention on departments lagging in expenditure and cautioned against the practice of delaying spending until the closing months of the financial year.
“To have money and not spend it is incompetence. This is very difficult to justify. Not having money is easier to explain, but it is impossible to explain when funds are available and remain unutilized,” the Chief Minister said while addressing the meeting.
He said the review was intentionally convened at the beginning of the financial cycle rather than towards the end of the year so that corrective measures could be taken in time and departments could utilize the remaining working season effectively.
“There is still ample working season available in both the Kashmir Valley and the Jammu plains. There should be no reason why funds already released are not spent appropriately. Every department must give this focused attention,” he said.
The meeting was attended by Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Ahmed Rana, Javid Ahmed Dar and Satish Sharma.
Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Additional Chief Secretary, Tourism, Additional Chief Secretary, Public Works Department, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, all Administrative Secretaries, Director General Budget, Director General Codes, Heads of Departments and other senior officers attended the meeting. Outstation officers participated through video conferencing.
Reviewing the implementation of the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI), the Chief Minister directed departments to ensure full utilization of allocations under the scheme, warning that any unspent amount during the current financial year would reduce Jammu and Kashmir’s allocation in the next fiscal.
He stressed that every rupee available under SASCI Part-I must be utilized and instructed departments to identify eligible projects without delay. He also directed ministers to personally review reform-linked targets under the scheme on a fortnightly basis so that Jammu and Kashmir could qualify for additional financial assistance under the reform component of SASCI.
“The earlier we implement the specified reforms, the sooner we receive additional funds and the more time we will have to utilize them productively,” he observed.
The Chief Minister asked departments to immediately begin work on projects where administrative approvals and tendering had already been completed, stating that such projects could initially be funded through the CAPEX budget and later shifted to the reform-linked component of SASCI once additional funds become available.
He further directed departments to prepare a robust pipeline of projects for the next financial year instead of waiting for funding before identifying development works.
Expressing concern over the inability of some departments to identify projects despite the availability of financial resources, the Chief Minister remarked that the government’s challenge had shifted from shortage of funds to inadequate project preparedness.
He advised departments to revisit the development priorities submitted by Members of the Legislative Assembly during the Budget consultations and utilize proposals, particularly projects exceeding the ₹2 crore threshold, for inclusion under future SASCI funding.
The Chief Minister also instructed departments to initiate administrative approvals and other statutory formalities well in advance so that projects for the 2027-28 financial year remain implementation-ready as soon as funds are sanctioned.
Highlighting the need to improve expenditure under Centrally Sponsored Schemes, the Chief Minister directed departments to closely monitor utilization levels and ensure that funds released under all development programmes are spent efficiently and within stipulated timelines.
He also took note of suggestions made by ministers regarding simplification and streamlining of the tendering process and directed the concerned departments to evolve an appropriate mechanism to make procurement procedures more efficient while maintaining transparency and accountability.
Expressing confidence that departments would respond with urgency, the Chief Minister said the next review would assess tangible improvements in expenditure performance across sectors.
Earlier, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance, Shailendra Kumar, gave a detailed presentation on the Capital Expenditure position for the financial year 2026-27, covering expenditure under UT sector, District CAPEX and Centrally Sponsored Schemes. He also highlighted departments where expenditure remained below expected levels and outlined the factors contributing to slow utilization of funds.

Srinagar :Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday expressed deep concern over the road accident at Gund, Kangan in Ganderbal district, in which several Amarnath Yatra pilgrims returning to Srinagar after paying obeisance at the holy cave shrine sustained injuries.
The Chief Minister directed the Health & Medical Education Department to ensure the best possible medical care for all the injured pilgrims and deputed Minister for Health & Medical Education, Sakina Itoo, to Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura to personally oversee their treatment.
Acting on the directions of the Chief Minister, the Health Minister visited SKIMS, where she met the injured pilgrims and enquired about their well-being. She also interacted with the attending doctors and hospital authorities to assess the nature of injuries and the treatment being provided.
The Minister directed the hospital administration to ensure the best possible medical care for all the injured pilgrims and instructed that no effort be spared in their treatment and recovery.
The Chief Minister wished the injured pilgrims a speedy recovery and reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to extending every possible assistance to them and their families during this difficult time.
Earlier this morning, a bus carrying Amarnath Yatra pilgrims returning from the holy cave shrine skidded off the road near the Ganiwan/Hariganiwan stretch in the Gund area of Kangan, Ganderbal district, after the driver reportedly lost control while negotiating a curve. Thirty-nine pilgrims sustained injuries in the accident. A swift rescue operation was soon launched, shifting the injured initially to Sub-District Hospital, Kangan, before they were referred to SKIMS, Soura for specialised treatment.

Srinagar :Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Tuesday reaffirmed his government’s commitment to expanding employment opportunities for the youth, saying that while government jobs alone are not the solution to unemployment, it is the government’s responsibility to create more avenues for youth through private sector recruitment, entrepreneurship and industry partnerships.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while addressing the valedictory session of the 77th State-Level Mega Job Fair at Amar Singh College, Srinagar. The event was organised by Desh Bhagat University, Punjab, and Cluster University of Srinagar in collaboration with NIELIT, Nations Development Association (NDA) and MY Bharat.
Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Commissioner Secretary School Education Ram Niwas Sharma, Vice Chancellor Cluster University of Srinagar, Vice Chancellors of several universities from Jammu and Kashmir, President Desh Bhagat University Punjab Dr. Sandeep Singh, Principal Amar Singh College, principals and deans of various colleges, members of the teaching fraternity and students were present on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that institutions of higher learning have a responsibility that extends beyond awarding degrees. He observed that universities and colleges must actively support students in transitioning from education to employment through continuous engagement and career facilitation.
He noted that for decades, educational institutions in Jammu and Kashmir had largely considered their responsibility fulfilled once students graduated. Appreciating the initiative taken by Cluster University Srinagar and Desh Bhagat University in organising the mega job fair, he described it as a significant step towards bridging the gap between education and employment.
The Chief Minister highlighted the encouraging outcome of the job fair, stating that of the nearly 5,300 registered candidates, around 470 youth secured job offers, while another 430 candidates reached the final stages of recruitment, requiring only the completion of interview formalities. He said that nearly 900 young men and women had either secured employment or were on the verge of being employed, describing it as an impressive success rate for an initiative that is still in its early stages.
He expressed confidence that with more such employment drives, the number of placements would continue to rise. Calling the event a landmark initiative for Cluster University Srinagar, he said it demonstrated the immense potential of structured campus recruitment in Jammu and Kashmir.
The Chief Minister stressed the need to institutionalise campus recruitment across all universities and colleges in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that universities, including the University of Kashmir, Islamic University of Science and Technology, University of Jammu, Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology and other higher educational institutions, should organise recruitment drives regularly so that students get employment opportunities before completing their studies.
Stating that merely asserting government jobs are not the solution to unemployment is not enough, Omar Abdullah said the government cannot abdicate its responsibility after making such a statement. “If we cannot provide government employment to every young person, then it becomes our duty to open more doors of opportunity. We cannot simply tell our youth to look elsewhere; we must create opportunities for them through private sector engagement, skill development and industry partnerships,” he said.
Emphasising the immense talent among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister said that what they require is greater exposure and wider opportunities.
The Chief Minister also underscored the importance of promoting entrepreneurship alongside employment. Referring to the government’s recent initiatives to strengthen the startup ecosystem, he said efforts were underway to connect young entrepreneurs with venture capital fund and handholding of startups so that those wishing to establish their own enterprises receive the necessary institutional support.
He reiterated that the government would continue making every possible effort to ensure that the youth of Jammu and Kashmir receive opportunities comparable to those available elsewhere in the country and abroad.
Congratulating the candidates who secured placements during the recruitment drive, the Chief Minister wished them success in their professional careers. He also extended his best wishes to those who had reached the final stage of the recruitment process, expressing hope that they too would soon secure employment.
Earlier, the Chief Minister handed over offer letters to students who were selected during the campus recruitment process. Congratulating the newly recruited candidates, he expressed confidence that they would excel in their respective careers and serve as an inspiration for other aspiring youth.
On the occasion, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also signed between Cluster University of Srinagar and Desh Bhagat University, Punjab in presence of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, aimed at strengthening academic collaboration, skill development initiatives and enhancing employment opportunities for students.
The mega job fair brought together more than 50 reputed employers from various parts of the country, including companies with operations in the Gulf and Middle East.
The event offered direct employment opportunities to graduates, postgraduates, diploma holders and skilled youth through on-the-spot interviews, screening and recruitment, while also providing career guidance and valuable industry exposure.

Srinagar : A fresh batch of 3,029 Amarnath pilgrims, including 30 foreign male devotees, reached the Baltal base camp on Tuesday after departing from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu under tight security arrangements, officials said.
Reports said that 21st batch left Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas at 2:45 am in a convoy of 151 vehicles, comprising 57 buses, 30 medium motor vehicles (MMVs), 58 light motor vehicles (LMVs) and six two-wheelers, while no convoy was dispatched for the Pahalgam route. The batch comprised 2,310 male pilgrims, 590 women, 14 children, 45 sadhus, 40 sadhvis, and 30 foreign male pilgrims. Meanwhile, an incredible 9,073 pilgrims paid obeisance at the holy cave shrine on Tuesday—comprising 5,526 men, 3,090 women, 162 children, 41 sadhus, 12 sadhvis, three transgender devotees, and 239 security personnel—taking the total number of devotees who have undertaken the pilgrimage since its commencement on July 3 to 4,35,412. The total number of pilgrims departing from Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu this season has reached 1,30,355, officially pushing this year’s footfall past last year’s total of over 4.14 lakh devotees. Nestled at an altitude of 3,880 metres in the Himalayas, the revered cave shrine continues to draw thousands daily across its two main base camps at Baltal and Nunwan (Pahalgam) as it aims toward historical peaks like 2024’s 5.12 lakh and the record highs of 2011 and 2012.

Srinagar : Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday dismissed PDP president Mehbooba Mufti’s recent statement as a mere clarification rather than a genuine apology, while taking sharp aim at PDP leaders who spent days claiming her controversial video was AI-generated.
Talking to reporters on the sidelines of a Mega Job Fair at Amar Singh College, Abdullah noted that expressing regret differs from asking for forgiveness, stating, “When someone says ‘if anyone was hurt’, it is not an apology. There is a difference between regret and forgiveness,” and adding, “For five days people were told it was AI. Today their own party president admitted she herself made those remarks. Those who misled the people should answer for it.” Criticizing a PDP MLA for insisting the clip was fake, the Chief Minister remarked, “Her own party president has exposed that claim. He kept saying for five days that it was AI-generated, but today Mehbooba Ji herself has admitted there was no AI. Those people should also express regret. Even if they don’t apologise, they should at least express regret,”.
Shifting focus to the job fair, Abdullah highlighted that over 60 local, national, and international recruiting firms participated, engaging over 5,300 candidates with nearly 470 on-the-spot offers and 430 shortlists. Celebrating the initiative to tackle local unemployment, he stated, “If the shortlisted candidates are also selected, around 900 youth will get jobs. It is a significant achievement. We hope more such Mega Job Fairs are organised as our continuous effort is to reduce unemployment in Jammu and Kashmir,”. On national policy, he welcomed the NTA Bill, noting, “If the examination system improves because of the students’ protest, it is a positive outcome. Let Parliament pass the Bill,”. Finally, addressing PDP’s planned August 5 protest regarding Article 370, Abdullah laid the blame for J&K’s current political state squarely on their past alliances, declaring, “Had they not brought the BJP to power in Jammu and Kashmir, we would not have reached this stage. If they now realise their mistake and want to rectify it, that is their decision,”.

Jaiswal noted that Pakistan’s history of cross-border terrorism not only stymies SAARC cooperation but also invalidates its claims to a pluralistic heritage like the Indus Valley civilization. Addressing other pressing matters, he confirmed that search efforts are ongoing for two missing Indian crew members following an attack on the ship MV AGN Ragnar at Ukraine’s Odesa port, announced the reopening of border trade with China via the Lipulekh, Shipki La, and Nathu La passes, and reiterated India’s resolve to extradite fugitive Nirav Modi once UK legal proceedings conclude.

Srinagar : Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, Tuesday chaired a comprehensive review meeting to assess the implementation of the Jammu & Kashmir Competitiveness Improvement of Agriculture and Allied Sectors Project (JKCIP) being implemented by the Agriculture Production Department across the districts of the Union Territory.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Agriculture Production Department; VC, SKUAST-Kashmir/SKUAST-Jammu; Secretary (Technical), APD; Mission Director, JKCIP; MD, Horticulture Planning & Marketing; Directors of Agriculture, Horticulture, Sheep Husbandry, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry; Convenor, UTLBC besides senior officers of the Agriculture Production Department.
Addressing the meeting Chief Secretary highlighted the significance of agriculture in the region’s economy, introducing the Jammu & Kashmir Climate-Integrated Project (JKCIP) as a transformative initiative aimed at increasing farmers’ incomes through climate-smart practices, niche crop promotion, and sustainable livelihoods. He emphasized the need for implementing agencies to transition from merely seeking approvals to achieving tangible outcomes, focusing on the timely establishment of beneficiary units and measurable improvements in rural livelihoods. To enhance the participation of women and youth, the Chief Secretary instructed the Agriculture Production Department to engage women from Self-Help Groups and utilize the Mission YUVA database to connect with aspiring young entrepreneurs. This convergence is expected to broaden the program’s outreach and ensure greater inclusion of eligible beneficiaries. He also mandated Deputy Commissioners to implement a roster-based mechanism for regular field inspections to assess project implementation quality, verify beneficiary unit functionality, and gather feedback from applicants, thereby addressing any challenges faced by beneficiaries promptly. The Chief Secretary noted the importance of accelerating the establishment of sanctioned units and strengthening field-level supervision to support approved beneficiaries effectively. Dr. Ashish Chandra Verma, Additional Chief Secretary of the Agriculture Production Department, reported significant growth in farmer participation in JKCIP, indicating increased confidence in the program, while also calling for intensified awareness campaigns to ensure all eligible individuals can access project benefits. Dr. Sagar DoifodeDattatray, MD of JKCIP, reported a substantial increase in registered farmers and applications received, with thousands of beneficiary units established across various agricultural sectors. A detailed review showed considerable progress in multiple areas, including vegetable cultivation, horticulture, and allied sectors, aimed at enhancing rural income generation. The Chief Secretary also reviewed the development of Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs), noting that project targets for registration and identification have been largely met. In reviewing the Annual Work Plan and Budget for 2026-27, the Chief Secretary urged all agencies to ensure timely execution of activities and optimal financial resource utilization, aligning financial progress with physical achievements to maximize development outcomes. He concluded the meeting by directing all implementing agencies to maintain momentum, monitor progress against targets, and ensure that project interventions yield visible socio-economic benefits for farmers throughout the Union Territory.