- DC Srinagar urges youth to join hands in fight against drug abuse to safeguard present and future generations
SRINAGAR: On the eve of ‘International Day against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking,’ the District Administration Srinagar organized an awareness programme at Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) under the theme ‘Evidence is Clear: Invest in Prevention.’ Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat was the chief guest on the occasion.
Besides, Prof. Dr Mohammad Maqbool, HOD IMHANS; Chief Education Officer, Abdul Hameed Fani; District Social Welfare Officer, Srinagar, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad; the programme was attended by staff and students of the Institute, Experts from Kashmir University and other concerned Departments.
Addressing the function, the DC said that the observance of this day is aimed to raise awareness about the threat that illicit drugs pose to the society at large. He said the main focus of organizing today’s event is to spread awareness among the masses particularly in youth about ill effects of drug abuse and further measures required to achieve the goal of Drugs Free J&K.
The DC underscored the stringent action being taken against the illicit trafficking of drugs and its peddlers. He said the District Administration has adopted a zero tolerance policy against drug peddling. He also highlighted the measures taken by the District Administration in imposing greater deterrence to combat dangerous trade of drug-trafficking in Srinagar.
While emphasising the need of conducting mass awareness programs and contribution of society at large in curbing the menace of substance/ drug abuse, Dr Bilal urged the young participants to work actively and extend their support to Administration in containing the drug peddling and break the supply chain so that timely action against the culprits involved in the hazardous trade of drugs is taken to make Srinagar a Drugs Free District.
He also urged youth of the District to join hands in fight against drug abuse to safeguard our present and future generations. During his speech, the DC spoke of Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) Centres established in the District to fight against drug menace and mitigate the sufferings of the persons struggling with addiction through proper counseling and rehabilitation measures.
He also said that the victims are also being provided treatment facilities at IMHANS, at SMHS and Kathi Darwaza Badamwari besides being taken care through Tele-Counseling facilities from the Administration. Moreover, awareness programmes and various theme based activities were also organised by different departments in their respective institutions across the District.
- DC Pulwama chairs quarterly DLRC meeting to assess & review performance of Banks
PULWAMA: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Pulwama, Dr. Basharat Qayoom Thursday chaired the District Level Review Committee (DLRC) quarterly meeting to review the performance of Banks and related sectors.
The meeting focused on evaluating the performance of various banks and financial institutions operating within the district on parameters of Priority Sector Lending, disbursement under various government schemes, advances and Credit and deposits.
The LDM informed the chair that banks operating in the district have recorded deposits of Rs. 4775.48 Cr. and advances of Rs. 5178.39 Cr. as of 31.03.2024. The C.D. Ratio of the district was 108.44% and improvement over previous financial year. Further a detailed overview was presented about various employment generation schemes of the Government. It was informed that a consistent improvement has been recorded in applications and disbursals.
Meanwhile, RSETI Director informed the house about the development in different training courses during the financial year 2023-24. The training target for the year was 450, with an achievement of 467, i.e., 103%. Settlement was 70%, and out of this, 50% have been given bank loans.
The DC directed all financial institutions to improve their performance metrics and enhance service delivery to the masses of Pulwama. At the same time, he issued specific caution to bankers with low performance, urging them to take immediate corrective actions to meet their targets and improve customer satisfaction.
Dr Basharat highlighted the importance of financial inclusion and encouraged bankers to expand their outreach programs, particularly in rural and other backward areas. Special emphasis was laid on enhancing financial inclusion through various services including social security cover and affordable insurance instruments.
Bankers were urged to focus on providing easy access to credit for agriculture, small businesses and other key sectors to boost economic growth in the district. The DC emphasized the need for active participation of bankers in government schemes aimed at economic development and poverty alleviation.
Financial institutions were instructed to streamline processes and ensure timely disbursement of loans under various government schemes. Bankers were advised to enhance their customer service, addressing grievances promptly and ensuring a hassle-free banking experience for all customers. The bankers were given specific targets and timelines to address the issues discussed and report back on progress in the next meeting.
- Capacity Building Orientation/ Training program for Teachers held at Kupwara
KUPWARA: A Capacity Building Orientation cum Training program for Teachers from Zones Sogam and Khumeryal for identification of Children with Special Needs (CWSN) under Inclusive Education Wing of SAMAGRA SHIKSHA J&K.
I/c Principal BHSS Sogam, IE team and more than 120 teacher participants at BHSS Sogam and Principal BHSS Khumeryal at BHSS Khumeryal in presence of IE team and more than 160 teachers participated in the event.
The program aimed to achieve goals under the banner of Inclusive Education and carry out a survey for early identification of CWSN (Children with Special Needs & OOSC) at school level and in respective catchment areas.
The objective of the orientation program is identification, enrolling, retention, providing them with academic support and various benefits, aids and appliances, and different allowances to achieve the aim of Inclusive Education under the banner of SAMAGRA SHIKSHA J&K.
Hereafter, a survey shall be carried out at school level to identify CWSN enrolled and OOSC so that their medical assessment can be conducted for providing them free Aids and Appliances as a support and encourage them to fulfill their dreams for their independent livelihood and thrive for the society as well.
Morethan, 280 teachers were covered from both the Zones during the day long program and were given training and know-how regarding the Disabilities and issues related to CWSN.
The Capacity Building cum Orientation program for teachers concluded in 11 Zones of the District so far and will be organized in both the Zones of Karnah Sector as scheduled with the awareness message among community to achieve the objectives aimed under Inclusive Education Component of SAMAGRA SHIKSHA J&K.
- Training on ‘New Three Criminal Laws’ imparted to Lawyers at Ganderbal
GANDERBAL: A training programme was today organized on “New Three Criminal Laws” for lawyers practicing in various courts of District Ganderbal at District Court Complex Ganderbal.
On the occasion, lawyers of District Court Ganderbal as well as Court of Munsiff from Kangan participated enthusiastically to learn about new laws. The programme was devised into various sessions with its commencement by recitation of speech or statement of the object of the three laws delivered by Amit Shah, Home Minister in the Parliament.
The speech was audio-visually played with the object to convey a clear message and purpose of overhauling the existing criminal justice system by new indigenous laws having the fragrance of Indian society.
In the next session Fayaz Ahmad Qureshi Ld. Chief Judicial Magistrate Ganderbal through Power Point Presentation highlighted various major changes brought in Bhartiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS, 2023).
The major changes brought in the amended law on remand and custody was delivered by Mainaaz Qadir Ld. Muniff/JMIC Ganderbal, who highlighted the changes with specific reference to various judgments and the remedial measures in the new statute.
A special and unique change in the new criminal justice system of trial in absentia was thoroughly explained and discussed by Easer Un Nabi, Ld. Munsiff/JMIC Kangan, who vehemently emphasized that the trial in absentia particularly pronouncement of the judgment in absence of the accused subject to inbuilt safeguards is a unique feature of new criminal justice system.
The Assistant Public Prosecutor and Public Prosecutors shared the problems which may probably arise in due course which were discussed in separate Interactive Session and solutions were also worked out.
Sajad Salati Ld. Advocate President Bar Association Ganderbal, Shabir Masoudi Ld. Senior most advocate, Sheikh Imran, Adv General Secretary Bar Association, Mohammad Younis Treasurer, Rameez Raja, Spokesperson of Bar Association and Bar members, were present. Major changes and new features of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS, 2023) and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA, 2023) were also deliberated upon by Ld. Chief Judicial Magistrate Ganderbal who was the main Resource Person.
In the working sessions of the training programme, various issues concerning the practical application of new laws were discussed which were thoroughly deliberated upon by Ld. Resource Person. This training was being monitored by the Worthy Principal District & Sessions Judge, Ritesh Kumar Dubey through virtual mode.
- Training Program on ‘Three New Criminal Laws’ for Advocates of Peripheral Courts of District Budgam held
BUDGAM: As part of imparting Training on Three New Criminal Laws for advocates, District Judiciary Budgam, in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Budgam, successfully conducted a training program for advocates of Peripheral courts of District Budgam on the ‘Three New Criminal Laws’ on the consecutive day.
The event, held at the Bar Room, District Court Complex, Budgam witnessed the active participation of the advocates, fostering an environment of learning and professional growth. The program was graced by Khalil Ahmad Choudhary, Principal District & Sessions Judge and Chairman DLSA Budgam, who served as the chief guest.
In his introductory remarks, Choudhary emphasized the significance of understanding and adapting to the new legal frameworks, stating, “The three new criminal laws; Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam represent a monumental shift in our legal system. It is imperative for advocates to thoroughly comprehend these changes that have been incorporated in the said laws to ensure that justice is served efficiently and effectively.”
The training program featured a series of comprehensive presentations by distinguished judicial officers. To begin with Farah Bashir, Munsiff/Judicial Magistrate Budgam, commenced with an engaging presentation on the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, earlier known as the Indian Evidence Act. She highlighted the pivotal changes incorporated for the admissibility and handling of evidence, emphasizing the importance of these modifications in the pursuit of justice.
Following this Mir Wajahat, Sub-Judge Choodra, captivated the audience with an in-depth PowerPoint presentation on the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), formerly the Code of Criminal Procedure. He meticulously outlined the significant procedural changes, providing clarity on the new procedural norms that advocates must adhere to.
Noor Mohammad Mir, Chief Judicial Magistrate Budgam, concluded the series/programme with a detailed and insightful Power Point presentation on the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), previously known as the Indian Penal Code. His session highlighted the critical updates and their implications for legal practice.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from members of the Bar of Peripheral Courts, who actively engaged with the resource persons through interactive discussions and queries. This collaborative exchange of knowledge and experiences underscored the legal community’s commitment to staying abreast of legislative advancements.
The training program besides providing a platform for advocates to enhance their legal acumen also reinforced the collective goal of upholding justice and legal integrity in light of the newly enacted laws.
- Cultural Unit DIPR organises Mehfil e Sama on Youm-e-Shamas Faqeer
SRINAGAR: A large number of devotees today attended the celebrations of the annual Urs of Shamas Faqir (RA), a revered Kashmiri Sufi saint, at Kalshipora Shamasabad in Khansahib area of Budgam district. Thousands of people from across the Valley assembled at Shamasabad, where the shrine of Shamas Faqir is located, and held special prayers.
On the occasion, a Mehfil e Sama was organised by Cultural Unit Kashmir, Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) J&K. Prominent folk singers of the valley sang the poetry of the late saint and paid glowing tributes to him.
Artists of Karam Buland Musical Theatre mesmerized the audience while singing the devotional sufi kalaam of Shamas Faqeer. Devotees appreciated Cultural Unit Kashmir for participating in sufi programmes.
- Extensive Inter-School Competitions energize Baramulla Youth
BARAMULLA: The Department of Youth Services and Sports (DYSS) district Baramulla today successfully organized a series of inter-school zonal level competitions across various zones, including Wagoora, Sopore, Nehalpora, Dangiwacha, Singhpora Pattan, and Tangmarg.
These events, held under the supervision of District Youth Services and Sports Officer (DYSSO) Baramulla, featured competitions in Kho Kho, Kabaddi, Volleyball, and Football for both boys and girls in the under-14 and under-17 categories.
In Zone Wagoora, an inter-school zonal level Kho Kho and Kabaddi competition for under-17 boys took place at HS Watergam. The event witnessed impressive participation of 276 students from various Higher Secondary Schools (HSS) and High Schools (HS). Similarly, in Zone Sopore a three-day inter-school zonal level Volleyball and Kho Kho competition for under-14 and under-17 girls was organized at Subhana Stadium Sopore. On the first day, the event for under-17 girls witnessed participation of almost 150 girls.
Also in Zone Nehalpora, an inter-school zonal level Kho Kho competition for under-14 boys was held with 124 students participating in it. In Zone Dangiwacha, an inter-school zonal level Kabaddi competition for under-14 boys at Marazigund and HSS Dangiwacha saw 262 students from various schools in the zone taking part.
Also, in Zone Singhpora Pattan, an inter-school zonal level football competition kicked-off at HSS Mirgund Pattan. On the inaugural day, the competition for under-14 boys featured more than 150 students from different government and private schools. These competitions will continue for three days, covering other age groups as well.
Moreover, in Zone Tangmarg, an inter-school zonal level competition in Kabaddi, Volleyball, and Kho Kho for under-17 boys was organized at GDC Ground Tangmarg, with 156 boys from various government and private schools participating. These competitions provided an excellent platform for young athletes to showcase their talent and promote sportsmanship among the students.