JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha attended the Theatrical performance of Rashtrakavi Ramdhari Singh Dinkar’s epic poem ‘Rashmirathi’, organised by University of Jammu. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor paid homage to the great poet Ramdhari Singh Dinkar and recalled his invaluable contribution to Hindi literature, Indian nationalism, and society at large.
“Dinkar is incomparable. His poems are timeless and each verse is dedicated to existence. He induces intense feeling in his epic and the nation can sing a song through his words. Our ancestors and great warriors have given voice to their feelings through the immortal personality of Dinkar,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor said that the representation of Ramdhari Singh Dinkar's epic was dedicated to heroes of the Armed Forces, who taught a lesson to the terrorist nation Pakistan and demonstrated courage, sacrifice, prowess and justice. “Rashmirathi is not just our ancient history. It is a symbol of ancient values of righteousness and dharma which is more relevant than ever before in the evolving Geopolitical Situation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor saluted the valour and indomitable courage of brave soldiers of the Indian Armed Forces for their strong and decisive action against terrorist country Pakistan through Operation Sindoor. “India has warned terror state Pakistan that our forces can attack every inch of its land and its entire existence could be wiped off from the face of the earth, if it continues to nurture terrorists in its backyard.
I am proud to see that our young generation is fulfilling the dreams of our founding fathers. They are upholding the democratic values, protecting the sovereignty and integrity of the nation and making sure that terror state Pakistan is punished for its misadventure,” the Lieutenant Governor said. He also called upon the youth to seize the immense opportunity to serve the nation and play a vital role in shaping the country's future development.
“Just like brave soldiers are standing firm in protecting the borders, similarly our young students too should dedicate themselves in driving innovation and India's economic growth,” the Lieutenant Governor further said. The artists and students of Design Your Degree (SIIEDC), University of Jammu received special appreciation from the Lieutenant Governor for their enthralling performances. A magazine ‘Litzine’, published by Literacy Club of University was also released on the occasion.
Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; Prof. B N Tripathi, Vice Chancellor SKUAST Jammu, Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice Chancellor SMVDU; Dr. Mandeep K Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor; Maj Gen Sanjay Kumar, MG EME Northern Command, senior officials, renowned literary personalities, faculty, students and people from all walks of life were present.
SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today held an interaction with a delegation of the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce & Industry (KCCI) at the Civil Secretariat here where wide-ranging issues pertaining to different sectors were discussed.
The meeting was attended by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh, Commissioner Secretary Youth Services & Sports Sarmad Hafeez, Director Tourism Kashmir Raja Yaqoob and other concerned officers.
The delegation, led by KCCI President Javed Ahmad Tenga, highlighted concerns across industries including trade, travel and tourism, agriculture, horticulture, education, health, hospitality, urban development and transport sectors..
The Chief Minister assured the delegation of full governmental support and expressed solidarity with the business community of Jammu and Kashmir during these challenging times. “Whatever issues you have raised here, we are examining them with utmost seriousness. We will extend all possible help. If needed, we will approach the Government of India to secure the necessary assistance ,” he stated.
CM Abdullah emphasized that the economic slowdown currently faced by the region is not recent but a legacy of previous years. He underlined the need for a realistic and targeted relief package, designed in consultation with stakeholders from the business community.
“We are asking for support in light of the unprecedented circumstances we face. A joint proposal for a package will be prepared, but it must be distinct from regular demands to ensure focused and definite attention,” he said.
The Chief Minister specifically addressed concerns suggested by the KCCI demanding moratorium on repayment of loans, interest relief, account protection from NPA, emergency credit lines, soft loans for transporters, tourism promotion, issue of litigations in allotment of land to industrial units, facilitating export of goods through multiple airlines, conservation of wetlands, parking issues in downtown Srinagar. CM assured the delegation that these matters would be addressed and more specifically the difficulties faced by businesses shall be taken up with the Union Finance Ministry and other relevant authorities.
Recognizing the severe impact of the downturn in tourism, CM Omar Abdullah assured that restrictions on tourists to travel to 48 destinations needs to be reviewed gradually. He also called for measures which include promotion of local tourism and encouraging schools and colleges to plan excursions within Jammu & Kashmir.
He said that he has requested to the Prime Minister and Parliamentary Affairs Department to hold Standing and Consultative Committee meetings of Parliament in Kashmir, aimed at boosting confidence and visibility.
Besides he said that he had called upon participants at NITI Aayog conference to help organize PSU conferences, meetings incentive tours, and national-level events in Kashmir. CM announced participation in upcoming Travel & Tourism Fairs (TTFs) in Kolkata and Ahmedabad to reinvigorate tourists' interest.
To address long-standing structural issues such as lease policy, electricity amnesty to commercial sector, Ease of Doing Business measures, difficulties in obtaining of NOCs, business compliance, and environmental clearances, the Chief Minister said these concerns, some dating back several years, are being actively reviewed.
CM Abdullah stressed that the government’s priority would be the small stakeholders associated with tourism who had just started and invested in tourism and transport sectors and they are the most vulnerable: “I am deeply worried about the Sumo driver who upgraded to an Innova, the homestay owner who built a 15-room hotel, or the local vendor whose daily income fed his family. These are the people we must stand by now.”
He highlighted the importance of equitable relief to ensure that grassroots-level entrepreneurs, self-employed individuals, and small business owners are not sidelined in comparison to big & established players. Discussing agriculture and logistics, CM Abdullah shared updates on the ongoing efforts with the Railway Ministry to improve cargo movement, particularly for agriculture and horticulture produce. He expressed optimism that freight logistics would soon become more streamlined, aiding producers across the valley.
Reaffirming his commitment, the Chief Minister stated that his government will prepare a well-structured, implementable plan in consultation with all stakeholders. “We will present our case unitedly to the Government of India. The Union Finance Minister was receptive when I spoke to her, and I am hopeful of a positive response.”
The Chief Minister concluded by assuring the business community that the administration is committed to helping them overcome current difficulties and plan for a sustainable, resilient future.
While concluding, CM called upon all those associated with tourism to adopt ethical practices and transact honestly with tourists so that fair trade is ensured and tourists would want to come back to Jammu and Kashmir again and again. He warned against unfair trade practices being employed by some elements which would bring a bad name to Kashmir Tourism and products. He said that Government would also step in to curb instances of misbranding, overcharging and sale of counterfeit items.
SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo today inaugurated State-of-the-Art Histopathology Laboratory, a dedicated Oncology Services Unit and an advanced Electroencephalography (EEG) Lab at Jawahar Lal Nehru Memorial (JLNM) Hospital Rainawari here.
MLA Zadibal, Tanvir Ali Sadiq; Director Health Services Kashmir, ADC Srinagar, CMO Srinagar, Medical Superintendent JLNM Hospital, Heads of different specialities and other concerned officers were also present on the occasion.
Speaking on the occasion, Health Minister emphasized on the importance of accessible, quality healthcare services, stating that the Omar Abdullah led Government is committed towards strengthening of healthcare facilities and infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir. “This initiative is not just about upgrading infrastructure, but having accessibility to people with timely and accurate diagnosis, improving treatment outcomes and bringing specialized medical care closer to their vicinities”, she stated.
The Minister further highlighted that this new Histopathology Lab, equipped to provide in-depth tissue analysis, will be crucial for early and accurate detection of diseases, particularly cancers. She added introduction of Oncology Services will also support patients with consultation, diagnosis, and treatment planning under a specialized framework while EEG Lab will bring advanced neurological diagnostic tools to the hospital, enabling better assessment and treatment of brain-related disorders.
On the sidelines of the inauguration, Minister Sakeena also held a brief meeting and reviewed the performance and functioning of hospital. During the meeting, the Minister emphasized on better coordination between departments and community feedback mechanisms to enhance service quality. She urged the hospital administration to ensure transparency in operations and regular training for staff to meet evolving healthcare needs.
She reiterated the need for a responsive and accountable healthcare system that prioritizes patient dignity and timely treatment. After the meeting, Sakeena Itoo also toured several critical sections of the hospital as well as wards and diagnostic laboratories. She interacted directly with patients, attendants, and frontline medical staff to gain first-hand insight into the challenges and operational dynamics of the hospital. Later, the Minister also visited Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (IMHANS) Srinagar and took stock of its functioning.
During the visit, Health Minister inspected Brian Stimulation Centre, Addiction Treatment Facility and other wards of the hospital. Interacting with the doctors and other staff on the occasion, Sakeena Itoo stressed on the necessity of collaborative efforts among government bodies, educational institutions and mental health organizations to develop robust framework for mental health services across Jammu and Kashmir. She also called for proactive measures to address issues like substance abuse and psychological impact of social challenges on young minds.
SRINAGAR: The Health and Medical Education Department today convened a high level meeting under the chairmanship of Secretary, Health & Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rashid Shah, to review and finalise preparations for the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2025, scheduled to be held from 3rd July to 9th August 2025.
The meeting was attended by Director SKIMS, Directors of Health Services Kashmir and Jammu, Principals of all Government Medical Colleges including SKIMS Medical College Bemina, Managing Director NHM J&K, Managing Director JKMSCL, Executive Director of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, Director Family Welfare and Dr. L Swasticharan besides Deputy Director General (Health Services), Government of India, along with his team.
The Secretary asked the Directors of Health Services, Kashmir and Jammu, to submit comprehensive deployment plans for medical personnel by 30th May 2025. He directed the JKMSCL to ensure availability and pre-positioning of essential medical stocks at strategically located warehouses near Chandanwari and Baltal.
He asked the concerned for ensuring that the Base Hospitals at Chandanwari and Baltal must be fully operational before well commencement of the annual pilgrimage to manage the devotees effectively. The Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has already shared a list of 123 medical personnel with DHS Kashmir for deployment during the Yatra.
It was directed that doctors and paramedics shall be deployed well in advance before the start of Yatra 2025. Besides, healthcare personnel shall be relieved only after the reliever joins to ensure uninterrupted services.
It was decided that the telemedicine services will be operational and tested in advance. Besides, training in telemedicine and emergency response will be conducted by the Dhobiwan Institute and SKIMS, with SKIMS Medical College Bemina leading the effort.
The Secretary emphasised the need for meticulous preparedness, seamless coordination and timely implementation of all directions to provide efficient and reliable healthcare services to the pilgrims.
SRINAGAR: Following the directions of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, Drug and Food Control Organization (DFCO), Food Safety wing has launched intensified market inspections across Srinagar City to ensure food products sold in the market are safe for consumption and adherence to hygiene standards in food establishments.
A team of the Food Safety Department, led by Assistant Commissioner Food Safety Srinagar, accompanied by Food Safety Officers conducted inspections at various markets in the City including Bemina, Momin Abad, Tengpora, Batamaloo, Exhibition Crossing and Lal Chowk.
During the market inspection, Notices were issued to as many as 7 Food Business Operators for not adhering to good storage practices. The FBO owners were also sensitized about the critical importance of adhering to proper storage practices, particularly for packaged drinking water, carbonated water/beverages, and dairy products such as milk and milk-based items. Improper storage, especially exposure to direct sunlight, can degrade product quality.
Meanwhile, All Food Business Operators (FBOs), including wholesalers and retailers, have been directed to implement corrective measures within two days to ensure that sensitive food items including packaged drinking water, carbonated beverages, and dairy products are not stored under direct sunlight. Compliance with storage conditions specified on product labels is mandatory to uphold food safety standards and protect public health.
Failure to adhere to these storage requirements will result in strict enforcement action under the Food Safety and Standards Act. The Food Safety department has urged all stakeholders to cooperate in maintaining safe storage practices to ensure the highest standards of consumer safety and public health.
Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇
Bridging the World: In this category, we bring you a curated selection of extraordinary news stories from every corner of the globe. Whether it's groundbreaking developments, inspiring human interest stories, or pivotal events shaping our world, we cover it all with a global perspective. Our coverage offers insightful analyses and diverse viewpoints, ensuring you stay informed and connected with both national and international affairs.