Srinagar| Sept, 19: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is set to reconvene in Srinagar on September 21 for its autumn session, bringing the elected House back to the centre of political and policy debate after weeks of activity outside the legislature. The sixth session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will continue until September 30. Although the calendar spans 10 days, it will effectively have seven sitting days, with September 23 marked as a holiday for Maharaja Hari Singh’s birthday, September 26 designated as an off day and September 27 falling on Sunday. The session is expected to provide an important platform for the government and Opposition to debate issues ranging from employment and reservation to development, electricity, governance, public welfare and the demand for restoration of statehood. With 90 members represented in the House, including 41 National Conference MLAs, 29 BJP members, seven Independents, six Congress MLAs, four PDP members and representatives of the Peoples Conference, CPI(M) and Aam Aadmi Party, the Assembly reflects a diverse political composition. The return of the House is therefore significant not merely as a constitutional requirement but as an opportunity for elected representatives to place constituency-level concerns and wider policy questions before the government.
A House Prepared For Business: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has summoned the Assembly to meet from September 21 following the recommendation of the Council of Ministers. The formal convening has set the stage for a session in which the government will present its legislative and policy agenda while members are expected to raise matters concerning their constituencies and the wider public. The Assembly Secretariat has already undertaken extensive preparations to ensure that proceedings take place smoothly. Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather recently reviewed arrangements with senior officers from the General Administration Department, Law, Information Technology, security, traffic, health, hospitality and protocol, estates, Srinagar Municipal Corporation and other departments. The Speaker stressed the importance of advance planning, coordination and administrative preparedness, particularly because the session is relatively short but carries considerable legislative responsibility. The preparations cover virtually every aspect of the session, from security and traffic management to internet connectivity, sanitation, medical facilities, power and water supply and arrangements for media coverage. The Assembly Secretariat has also asked departments to ensure timely submission of replies to questions raised by legislators and to designate nodal officers for coordination with the House. This preparation assumes importance because the effectiveness of a legislative session depends not only on the debates inside the chamber but also on the administrative systems supporting the proceedings.
Digital Assembly Takes Centre Stage: One of the notable features of the upcoming session is the continued use of the National e-Vidhan Application, or NeVA. The legislative business for the autumn session is being processed and managed through the digital platform, which is designed to facilitate paperless functioning and streamline legislative work. The IT Department has been directed to ensure reliable internet connectivity and technical support throughout the proceedings. The move towards a hybrid digital system represents another stage in the modernisation of legislative functioning in Jammu and Kashmir. Through NeVA, members and departments can access legislative material, questions, bills and other House-related information through a common digital platform. For legislators, this can make access to information more efficient, while for the Assembly Secretariat it provides an integrated mechanism for managing legislative business.The digitalisation of the House also reflects the broader transition of public institutions towards technology-enabled governance.
Seven Sitting Days, Diverse Business: The provisional calendar provides a clear structure for the autumn session. The opening sitting on September 21 will begin with obituary references, followed by government business during the subsequent sitting days. September 24 has been earmarked for Private Members’ Bills, while September 25 will focus on Private Members’ Resolutions. Private Members’ Bills are scheduled again on September 28, followed by government business on September 29 and 30. The structure provides members with opportunities to raise both constituency-specific concerns and broader policy matters. The allocation of dedicated days for private members’ business is particularly significant because it allows individual legislators to bring legislative proposals and resolutions to the floor outside the government’s own legislative agenda.The government business days, meanwhile, will provide the administration an opportunity to explain its policies, introduce legislative proposals and respond to questions raised by members.
Issues Likely To Dominate Debate: The political focus of the session is expected to centre on several issues that have remained prominent in Jammu and Kashmir’s public discourse. Employment is likely to be among the major subjects. Unemployment and government recruitment remain important concerns for young people, and legislators are expected to seek information about recruitment, job creation and employment-related policies. The question of outsourcing is also expected to feature prominently, particularly in discussions surrounding government employment and service delivery. Reservation policy is another issue likely to generate substantial discussion. The subject has remained politically significant, with legislators from different parties expressing concerns and seeking clarity on the existing framework. The Assembly provides an institutional platform for these competing concerns to be debated on record. Development is another broad area likely to receive attention. MLAs are expected to raise constituency-specific requirements involving roads, public infrastructure, healthcare, education, water supply and other basic services. For legislators, the Assembly offers an opportunity to move individual constituency concerns into the formal policy process. For the government, the session provides an opportunity to present its development agenda and explain the implementation of ongoing schemes and projects. Power supply and electricity policy are also expected to figure prominently. With electricity remaining an important public issue across Jammu and Kashmir, legislators are likely to seek responses on supply, infrastructure, tariffs and the broader power situation.The debate could also connect with wider questions concerning the Union Territory’s economic development and household welfare.
Statehood Remains A Major Political Question: The demand for restoration of statehood is expected to remain among the most significant political themes during the session. The issue has continued to occupy an important place in Jammu and Kashmir’s political discourse since the reorganisation of the former state in 2019. The Assembly gives elected representatives a formal democratic platform to articulate their positions on the issue. The ruling National Conference has consistently made restoration of statehood an important political demand, while Opposition parties have their own positions and approaches on the matter. The coming session could therefore provide another opportunity for the House to debate the constitutional and political future of Jammu and Kashmir within the framework of the elected legislature.
Opposition Prepares For The Session: The BJP, as the principal Opposition party in the Assembly, has indicated that it will raise issues concerning the public. BJP MLA Vikram Randhawa said the party was prepared to raise unemployment, development, public grievances and questions of government accountability. “The BJP is fully prepared for the Assembly session,” Randhawa said, adding that the government would have to respond to issues concerning the people through the House. The Opposition’s role is expected to focus on questioning the government, seeking explanations on policy implementation and placing alternative viewpoints before the legislature. The presence of 29 BJP members gives the party a substantial strength on the Opposition benches, while the Leader of Opposition is Sunil Kumar Sharma, according to the official Assembly portal. Other Opposition and non-ruling parties are also expected to use the session to raise issues. Recent preparations have included an all-party and Business Advisory Committee meeting chaired by Speaker Rather, with participation from representatives of the BJP, National Conference, Congress, CPI(M), Peoples Conference, PDP and an Independent member. The meeting was aimed at ensuring that legislators receive adequate opportunities to raise constituency-specific and public-interest matters.

Jammu, Sept. 19:The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha Saturday laid the foundation stone of the Mata Lalleshwari Cultural Cum Heritage Centre at Mata BhaderkaliAsthapan, Thalwal, Jammu. The project, sanctioned under the Capex budget with an allocation of Rs. 4.5 crore, is envisioned as a landmark initiative to preserve and promote the timeless legacy of Yogini Lalleshwari.
Speaking on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted that Jammu Kashmir has, since ancient times, been a cradle of sages, saints and seekers of truth. The Centre, dedicated to Mata Lalleshwari, will embody India’s civilisational consciousness and serve as a beacon of cultural harmony, spiritual tourism, and academic research.

“This project reminds us of our timeless civilisational consciousness. Today, we stand at a significant juncture in our history, where the blessings of our ancestors and their timeless wisdom are converging with the aspirations for a confident, developed and self-reliant Jammu Kashmir,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor underlined that Mata Lalleshwari’s teachings transcended social divisions and embodied the ideals of tolerance, equality and inner transformation. Her verse, resonating with the highest truths of the Upanishads, continue to inspire generations.

“The Centre will act as a living repository of her philosophy, enabling scholars, artists and seekers to engage with her wisdom and disseminate it globally through modern platforms,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He also stated that the centre will not be merely a physical structure but an institutional foundation for cultural preservation. It will host exhibitions, translation initiatives, and archival facilities, while also fostering fellowships in Kashmir Shaivism.

“The Centre will empower youth through art and creative expression, promote social harmony, and strengthen national integration,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that cultural and heritage centres are a national imperative. He said beyond economic growth, a nation requires civilisational memory and moral direction.

“The Mata Lalleshwari Centre will reconnect society with its roots, provide spiritual resources for mental peace, and contribute to grassroots economic vitality by attracting seekers, historians and tourists. The initiative aligns with the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has consistently underscored the importance of integrating heritage with development. The Centre will stand as a monument to India’s cultural soul and a source of national strength,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that he has been constantly reminding the society that a tree without roots cannot withstand a storm and in the same way, a society disconnected from its foundational visionaries, cultural heritage and the philosophy of its sages loses its balance, sensitivity and sense of direction.
“In today’s fast-paced life, people are facing unprecedented mental stress, crises of identity and the challenges of existential loneliness. It is equally true that external, material success alone cannot fill the emptiness within. I believe that the teachings of saints such as Mata Lalleshwari, and the cultural centre dedicated to her, will help fill that void and provide spiritual resources for self-discipline, mental peace and emotional resilience.
Mata Lalleshwari Cultural and Heritage Centre will contribute to spiritual tourism and economic revitalisation. In this sacred land, where holy pilgrimage sites, ancient temples and centres of spiritual practice are spread across the region, this centre will attract seekers, historians and travellers from all over the world,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Tejinder Singh, IGP, Jammu; Shridhar Patil, DIG, JSK Range; Dr. Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu; K.K. Sidha, Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums; Arvind Karwani, Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner; Dileep Pandita, President, Mata BhaderkaliAsthapan Trust; Ashok Kaw, General Secretary, Mata BhaderkaliAsthapan Trust; Chand Ji Pandita, Organizing Secretary and other members of the Trust, senior officials, prominent citizens and devotees in large number attended the foundation stone laying ceremony.

Jammu, | Sept. 19::Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha addressed a gathering in Jammu on Saturday marking the unveiling of the statue of Acharya Abhinavagupt, the launch of the new logo of the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, the release of two books, and the inauguration of a welfare scheme for artists and writers.

The Lieutenant Governor described the occasion as the beginning of a cultural renaissance reawakening the soul of the Union Territory.
The Lieutenant Governor noted that the welfare scheme for artists and writers, conceived in 2021–22 and formalised in August 2024, reflects the nation’s gratitude towards those who preserve collective memory through stories, songs and our priceless traditions.
“I believe that artists and writers are not only creators but also guardians of society’s collective memory. They have given words to Jammu and Kashmir’s priceless culture, voice to the emotions of society, and have shouldered the duty of carrying this Union Territory’s heritage to future generations. Therefore, honouring them is nothing less than honouring our own civilization, our own culture, and our own identity,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor paid tribute to Acharya Abhinavagupt as a philosopher, spiritual practitioner, poet, and master of aesthetics whose profound contributions to Kashmir Shaivism and Pratyabhijna philosophy remained confined to limited scholarly circles for centuries. He termed this neglect not merely academic but a “damage to civilizational memory,” and called for correcting historical oversights so India’s youth can access their intellectual heritage.
“The time has now come to correct these historical oversights. This task must be inspired by our commitment to truth, because our youth have the right to know how vast, how ancient, and how connected to the global community is the intellectual depth of the civilization they inherit,” he said.
Highlighting Abhinavagupt’s seminal work Tantraloka and his theory of rasa, the Lieutenant Governor said that art serves as a doorway to inner awakening, reflecting the unique Indian vision where art, life, and the pursuit of truth are inseparable.
The Lieutenant Governor congratulated Dr.Vaidehi Taman on her book Abhinavagupt: The Voice of Eternal Shiva and Akriti Sharma on Raghunath Temple, ChanniParat: Hidden Heritage of Sunderbani, describing both works as vital contributions connecting Jammu Kashmir’s heritage to India’s shared civilizational consciousness. He noted that the Raghunath Temple at ChanniParat, begun under Maharaja Gulab Singh and completed under Maharaja Ranbir Singh, exemplifies Jammu Kashmir’s rich tangible heritage.
“I want the new generation to remember that our ancestors built this nation with their wisdom, with their questions, with their experiences, and with their continuous search for truth. It is our sacred responsibility to ensure that this knowledge does not fade from memory. Our duty is to understand that knowledge, honour it, pass it on to new generations, and preserve it for the times to come,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi new energy has been infused into Jammu Kashmir’s Economic and cultural landscape. He called upon universities, schools, and cultural institutions to introduce young people to thinkers like Abhinavagupt as living voices relevant to contemporary questions of consciousness and creativity, and urged greater private and institutional support for research and publishing in this field.
“We must encourage writers like Dr.Vaidehi Taman and Akriti Sharma, who, through the difficult and patient work of research, study, and interpretation, can build a bridge between ancient heritage, knowledge, and modern understanding. Such work should not only be a matter of appreciation; it must also receive our active encouragement and institutional support,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor expressed hope that the two books would reach readers across the country and that the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages would continue driving the region’s cultural renaissance forward.
“We must place the historical facts in the right perspective with confidence. We must adopt the same curiosity and the same honest scholarship that characterized our ancestors,” he said.
Arvind Gupta, Member of Legislative Assembly from Jammu West; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary, Culture Department; Shakti Kumar Pathak, Director Anti-Corruption Bureau, J&K; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Tejinder Singh, IGP, Jammu; Dr Rakesh Minhas, Deputy Commissioner Jammu; Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, IGNCA; Harvinder Kour, Secretary, JKAACL; eminent literary personalities; prominent citizens from different walks of life and attended the unveiling ceremony.

New Delhi, | Sept. 19:Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Saturday attended the concluding day of the two-day high-level conference on “Financing India’s Journey towards Viksit Bharat,” organised by the Ministry of Finance, Government of India, in New Delhi.
The conference brought together State Finance Ministers and Finance Secretaries of States and Union Territories with Legislature to deliberate on strategies for financing India’s long-term development and growth.
The Chief Minister noted the significance of the deliberations in shaping strategies for the long-term growth of the country and Jammu & Kashmir, particularly in areas of developmental financing, agricultural marketing and renewable energy.
The conference featured deliberations by eminent experts and economists on various aspects of financing the shared vision of Viksit Bharat.
The sessions covered key themes including the macroeconomic outlook, financing agricultural transformation and financing the energy transition.
The discussions provided insights into the challenges ahead while highlighting the opportunities before India in its journey towards becoming a Viksit Bharat.

Srinagar, | Sept: 19: Reserve Bank of India (RBI) Jammu today organised one-day conference on Financial Sector Initiatives and Cyber Security Awareness at Hotel Taj Dal View, Srinagar.
The conference was attended by Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo as the chief guest and Rohit Jain, Deputy Governor, Reserve Bank of India as special guest in presence of Prabhakar Jha, Regional Director, RBI Jammu.
The event was also attended by Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary, Home Department; M.K. Sinha, ADGP, CID and Administrative Secretaries of Industries & Commerce Department, Housing & Urban Development Department, Planning, Development and Monitoring Department, Information Department, Revenue Department and Labour & Employment Department; Amitava Chatterjee, MD & CEO, J&K Bank; Controlling and Zonal Heads of banks operating in the UT; and other senior officers from UT government, Jammu and Kashmir Police, RBI Central Office (Mumbai), Reserve Bank Innovation HUB, NABARD, NPCI and RXIL.
In his keynote address, the Chief Secretary emphasized the administration’s commitment to developing critical sectors such as Tourism, Agriculture, Hydropower, and MSMEs. He highlighted the importance of leveraging the region’s strengths and facilitating credit access to enhance agricultural lending, transform self-help groups into viable enterprises, and promote handicrafts. The introduction of the RBI’s Unified Lending Interface (ULI) was noted as a significant advancement in credit delivery, akin to the impact of UPI on retail payments. Additionally, he mentioned the Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) as a solution to liquidity challenges faced by MSMEs, and discussed the potential of Central Bank Digital Currency (Digital Rupee) for targeted welfare subsidies. The Deputy Governor of the RBI, in his address, outlined the central bank’s multifaceted role, which extends beyond traditional monetary policy and regulatory functions to include a developmental agenda focused on payment systems and financial inclusion. He reiterated the significance of ULI in facilitating seamless credit access across various economic sectors. While acknowledging the benefits of technology, he also warned of the associated risks of cyber fraud, emphasizing the RBI’s ongoing collaboration with government authorities to address these issues. He introduced innovative solutions aimed at enhancing fraud detection and customer protection, such as MuleHunter.ai and card tokenization, and stressed the necessity of increasing public awareness regarding these initiatives. The conference featured thematic sessions addressing various topics, including the current status and challenges of ULI, the Digital Rupee, and measures for fraud prevention in electronic banking transactions.

Srinagar | Sep, 19: Jammu and Kashmir is expected to experience predominantly dry weather conditions through the end of September, with only light, isolated rainfall likely in North and Central Kashmir on September 24 and 27. Meteorological department officials stated that two weak Western Disturbances will likely move across the upper region during the late evenings on those dates, bringing brief showers to select areas while leaving the rest of the territory unaffected.
Temperatures across most locations have remained slightly below normal over the past day. Jammu city recorded the highest maximum temperature across the region at 32.2°C, while Gulmarg registered the lowest maximum at 18.2°C. Srinagar recorded a maximum of 27.5°C and a night temperature of 10.5°C. Agricultural experts and weather officials have strongly advised farmers to take advantage of the extended clear skies to carry out apple picking, paddy harvesting, and other crucial seasonal farm operations without delay, sources said.