SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today held a periodical review of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) for taking stock of achieving its mission of providing Functional Tap Water Connections (FHTCs) to all the households in J&K.
Besides ACS, Jal Shakti Department and Principal Secretary, Finance the meeting was attended by Chairman, JKWRRA; MD, JJM; Chief Engineers of Jal Shakti and I&FC Departments besides other concerned officers.
During this meeting the Chief Secretary besides taking note of the progress made on completion of schemes impressed upon the concerned officers to simultaneously take steps for ‘Har Ghar Nal se Jal’ certification of villages by the community.
The Chief Secretary also advised for proper documentation of the inspections done by consultants with regard to source sustainability and technical feasibility to ensure that relevant reports are available for everyone interested to go through the same.
He maintained that since most of the schemes are going to be completed soon it is advisable for the Department to work out a reasonable O&M Plan for looking after these valuable assets and running these schemes smoothly for public.
Moreover Dulloo encouraged the Department to look out for possibleIoT based solution to have access to data like quality, quantity and timing of water supplied to public. He emphasised that this data would help in better monitoring of these schemes along with providing fair idea about the need of resources and manpower to operate each of them.
The ACS, Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra while throwing light on different aspects of the Mission highlighted that the Department had devised a scheme completion plan to achieve the objectives in a time-bound manner.
He gave out that this plan envisages completion of 229 schemes in first quarter of this financial year, 1111 and 1318 in next two quarters to meet the target. He added that currently 894 schemes had achieved the progress of 76%-99%, 922 (51%-75%), which demonstrates the commitment of the department to complete the Mission on time.
It was pinpointed in the meeting that the Department is carrying out third-party studies about the technical feasibility/source sustainability of schemes in order to double check these parameters.
It was revealed that till date 553 reports had been received from these consultants/PMs, out of which 512 had been analysed to gauge the specific issues faced in each case. It was added that out of 58 source sustainability issues found in these studies, 55 are related to ground water and 3 related to surface sources.
The meeting also discussed the status of electromechanical works carried out so far and the equipment installed or pending in each Jal Shakti Division. It also took notice of the establishment of electric substations, procurement of GI/DI/HDPE pipes for the mission.
It was divulged during this meeting that till date 1007 villages had been reported by the field functionaries to be ‘Har Ghar Jal Villages’ out of which 471 have been certified too by the locals there.
Later in another meeting called to review the schemes implemented by the Irrigation & Flood Control (I&FC) Department, the Chief Secretary took appraisal of works being executed for facilitating irrigation or protection against floods.
He stressed on spending funds received under the scheme ‘Har Khetko Pani’ and those received under NABARD. He asked for ensuring completion of works executed by the Department to receive the waters from Shahpur Kandidam.
Dulloo also enquired about the commissioning of Tawi Barrage after its completion by the executing agencies. He called for making strenuous efforts for its early pondageso that it adds to the beauty of Jammu city.
The meeting also discussed the flood protection works going on under PMDP phase II and those near AIIMS Jammu on River Devika. The meeting additionally took note of the desiltation works of irrigation canals carried out in convergence with the Rural Development Department.
Regarding the performance of the Department the ACS, Jal Shakti, Shaleen Kabra informed the meeting that there are some 1135 works/schemes approved at a cost of aroundRs4511 Cr in the UT.
Detailing out further he gave out that it comprises of 676 schemes under UT Capex, 36 under NABARD, 19 under FMBAP, 401 under PMKSY HKKP besides others. He disclosed that 320 schemes had already been completed and 614 are slated to be finished this financial year.
Giving the outcome of PMDP-I, it was divulged that the carrying capacity of River Jhelum has been enhanced by around 10000 cusecs from Sangam to Padshahi Baghand that of Flood Spill Channel at off take point Padshahi Bagh by 4700 Cusecs over what was before September, 2014.
About the minor irrigation schemes taken up in J&K, the meeting was apprised that out of 401 schemes at an estimated cost of Rs1242 Cr, 204 had been completed and 143 are currently under progress.
The meeting held discussions over status of Tawi Barrage, Shahpur Kandi dam and reconstruction of Balolesyphon on Ravi Canal. It held in-depth review about the extent of works completed physically and their financial progress too. The works includes those taken-up under NABARD, UT Capex and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS).
SRINAGAR: A newly constructed Girls Hostel at NIELIT Srinagar was inaugurated by S. Krishnan, Union Secretary, Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology (MeitY). Prerna Puri, Commissioner Secretary IT J&K; Dr. Sanjay Kumar Dhurandher, Executive Director, NIELIT HQ; Saleem Khan, SIO, NIC J&K; VinuKumar AR, Scientist-G, CDAC Trivandrum; Dr. Sanjay Kumar Dhurandher, Executive Director, NIELIT HQ welcomed the chief guest, S. Krishnan and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.
S. Krishnan interacted with students and conducted a thorough inspection of the newly constructed hostel. He reviewed the facilities available for students, with particular attention to amenities for persons with disabilities (Divyangjan). He emphasized that the new Girls Hostel is a significant step towards providing the necessary and emerging skills to the youth of Jammu and Kashmir.
Ashaq Hussain Dar DIC NIELIT J&K, gave a detailed PowerPoint presentation highlighting the various activities and achievements of the NIELIT J&K center. Union Secretary also toured the campus, where he appreciated the efforts of NIELIT J&K in imparting IT training across the Union Territory of J&K and added that NIELIT J&K is enthusiastic, and wishes to launch new activities to benefit the local students, Industry and Government agencies.
S. Krishnan encouraged the youth to contribute towards making India a talented nation. Additionally, Union Secretary interacted with the interns participating in the MeitY-sponsored Work-Based Learning (WBL) program and observed a demonstration of the Kashmiri Carpet Taleem Generation Application, developed by NIELIT Srinagar. He also visited the newly established MeitY-sponsored Drone Lab.
The inauguration of the Girls Hostel marks a significant milestone in enhancing the educational infrastructure at NIELIT Srinagar, reinforcing the commitment of MeitY to empower the youth of Jammu and Kashmir with advanced skills and opportunities. The event concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by Ashaq Hussain Dar, expressing gratitude for the to all the dignitaries and participants for their valuable contributions and presence.
SRINAGAR: The four-day special camp of Jammu and Kashmir Housing Board today concluded at its Camp Office here at Bemina. The camp, which ran from July 31st to August 3rd, saw an impressive turnout and active participation from residents of various colonies across the Kashmir division.
People from Housing Board Colonies in Bijbehara Anantnag , Nambal Pampore, Ompora Budgam, as well as those from Srinagar city, including Bemina, Soura, Bagh-e-Mahtab, Rawalpora, Bootakadal Lal Bazaar, and Jawahar Nagar, all engaged with the Housing Board Office. The technical team at the Housing Board Office, leveraging their expertise, efficiently addressed the majority of property portal-related issues on the spot.
They also handled concerns related to plot sales, lease extensions, conversion of leasehold rights, and issuance of NOCs for conveyance deed on a case-by-case basis. Cases involving deficiencies in statutory documents and violations of lease conditions due to plot amalgamation or division were carefully identified and listed for further review and decision by the Board of Directors.
Moreover, the Managing Director and the Housing Board team conducted a field visit to Bagh-i-Mehtab Colony, where there was a strong public demand for a Marriage/Community Hall and Graveyard. Recognizing the significance of these facilities, the MD assured to bring the matter before appropriate authorities for approval and funding, underscoring the Board's dedication to fulfilling the community's needs.
The Managing Director also assured residents from all colonies that the success of this special camp has paved the way for holding future camps to cater residents of Housing Board Colonies across Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring sustained support and issue resolution in the days ahead.
SEMPORA: Jammu & Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) on Saturday held an interaction session with the leading innovators of Kashmir valley. The session was aimed at identifying the various challenges faced by the aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators of the region and the possible solutions that can be offered to overcome the same.
Interacting with the innovators on the newly launched Startup Policy 2024-27, Rajinder Kumar Sharma, Director JKEDI assured them full support and stressed upon the commencement of seed fund process as soon as the operational guidelines of the Startup Policy are notified.
He urged the innovators to come up with more ideas that would transform the entrepreneurial landscape of the UT of Jammu & Kashmir. The meeting concluded with a roadmap for future collaborations, mentorship and the access to JKEDI’s programs and services thereby empowering the Innovators to turn their ideas into successful ventures.
The session was attended by notable innovators and entrepreneurs like Presidential Awardee Refaz Ahmad Wani (Wani Farming Tools Industries LLP), Bilal Ahmad Mir (Solar car patented innovator), Afsha Jan (Al-Rizq Foods) and several others. The interactive session was organized by Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Business Modelling (CIIBM), a program vertical of JKEDI.
Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) is dedicated to imbibe entrepreneurship and self-employment in the region through training, research, and development activities. It aims to create a feasible environment for entrepreneurship and innovation in the UT of J&K.
SRINAGAR: In a concerted effort to advance the protection and welfare of children with disabilities, the Juvenile Justice Committee, High Court of J&K and Ladakh today organized its Annual Consultation on the “Protection of Children with Disabilities” at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), here.
The Consultation was inaugurated by Chief Justice (A), Tashi Rabstan, who is also Chairman, Juvenile Justice Committee, High Court of J&K and Ladakh in the august presence of Justice Atul Sreedharan; Justice Sindhu Sharma; Justice Javed Iqbal Wani; Justice Mohd. Akram Chowdhary and Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani. The other Judges of High Court of J&K and Ladakh graced the occasion virtually.
The Consultation meet was organized by the Juvenile Justice Committee, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh under the aegis of Child Welfare Committee, Supreme Court of India in association with UNICEF, and Agri Industries Vikas Chamber and Social Welfare Department, UT of J&K as well as Social and Tribal Affairs Department, UT of Ladakh.
This significant event brought together a distinguished assembly of heads of various departments, Principal Magistrates JJBs, Medical Officers, Academicians, Police Officers, social activists, and other experts from the UTs of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to deliberate on the policies, challenges and pathways to improve the lives of children with disabilities.
The Chief Justice (A) in his inaugural address discussed the critical issues faced by children with disabilities and the efforts needed to provide them with equal opportunities and status. He shared insights on the welfare schemes and the gaps in their implementation, urging all stakeholders to work collaboratively for the betterment of these children.
Justice Rabstan also acknowledged the crucial role of NGOs and social organizations in uplifting the lives of children with disabilities. He called for tapping and channelizing resources from these organizations to organize awareness programs and reach out to the beneficiaries effectively.
He also emphasized on the importance of collective effort in creating an inclusive society where every child, regardless of their abilities, has the opportunity to thrive. He called upon all stakeholders to work together to ensure that children with disabilities are given the respect, care and opportunities they deserve.
Justice Atul Sreedharan, in his address shared the data of children with disabilities to impress upon that the States having good Health Care and educational facilities were having low ratio of children with disabilities.
Justice Sindhu Sharma, in her keynote address emphasized the importance of safeguarding and empowering children with disabilities. She highlighted the challenges these children face, such as social stigma, discrimination, and limited access to education and healthcare.
Justice Sharma called for collaborative efforts among stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of laws, inclusive education, comprehensive healthcare, and social inclusion. She urged society to work together to create an environment where every child can reach their full potential.
Justice Javed Iqbal Wani while delivering his special address, focused on the legislative frameworks that safeguard the rights of children with disabilities, including the Juvenile Justice Act, the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, and other pertinent child protection laws.
Justice Wani highlighted the necessity for stringent enforcement of these laws and the crucial role of judicial oversight in ensuring that the rights of children with disabilities are upheld.
In his welcome address, Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, Juvenile Justice Committee gave an overview of the programme and said that this UT level Consultation is being organized by the JJ Committee with a purpose to discuss comprehensive approaches to uphold and promote the rights and well-being of children with disabilities. The gathering aimed to foster collaboration, share insights, and develop an action plan for the future, ensuring better protection and support for children with disabilities.
The consultation unfolded across a series of meticulously curated technical sessions that illuminated the multifaceted aspects of protection of children with disabilities. The first technical session was chaired by Principal Secretary to Chief Justice, M. K. Sharma, focusing on the topic “Overview of Schemes, Services and Provisions for Children with Disability in the Dept. Of Women & Child Development, Social Justice & PRD”.
The Resource persons Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare UT of J&K and Padma Angmo, Commissioner Secretary, Social and Tribal Affairs Department, UT of Ladakh underlined various Govt Welfare Schemes which can be utilized by the Persons with Disability.
Sheetal Nanda further highlighted some of the institutional initiatives that would safeguard children with special abilities. The second part of the first session delved upon the Education & Health perspectives of the Schemes and Services for children with disabilities.
The second and third technical Sessions were chaired by Rajinder Sapru, Registrar Rules and M. Iqbal Lone, Commissioner, Disabilities respectively wherein focus was laid on the topics “Juvenile Justice and Children with Disabilities synchronization with focus on identification semantics hard and soft skills and infrastructure” and “Way Forward with challenges and opportunities on children with Disability and Child Protection (Focusing on Children in conflict with Law, Children in need of Care and Protection, Skilling/ Workforce strengthening)”.
The Resource persons were Bharti Ali, Child Rights & Juvenile Justice Expert and Renu Anuj Singh, Director, Rural Services, Action for ability development and inclusion. The last technical session which was chaired by Y. P. Bourney, Director, J&K Judicial Academy focused on the Police perspective in implementation of schemes and rehabilitation services. Owais Wani, DYSP, JKPS, SDPO Charar-i-Sharief was the resource person for the session.
The inaugural session was physically attended by Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Vijay Kumar Bidhuri, Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir; Achal Sethi, Law Secretary; Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary, Health and Medical Education; Yash Paul Bourney, Director, J&K Judicial Academy; M.K Sharma, Principal Secretary to Chief Justice; Jawad Ahmed, PDJ Srinagar; other Registry Officers and Officers from Civil and Police Administration besides virtual attendance by Padma Angmo, Commissioner Secretary, Social and Tribal Welfare Department, UT of Ladakh, Spalzes Angmo, Member Secretary, Ladakh Legal Services Authority.
The participants in the consultation were Secretaries DLSA, Principal Magistrates JJB’s, Officers from Health, Education and Police Departments, Members of JJBs, Chairperson and Members CWC’s, Superintendent Observation Homes, District Social Welfare Officers, Counsellors, Representatives of UNICEF, Heads of Law department of various Universities and PLVs.
On the occasion, the Concluding remarks were presented by Hilal Bhat, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF, J&K and the vote of thanks was proposed by Nusrat Ali Hakak, Secretary, DLSA Ganderbal. The proceedings were conducted by Jahangir Bakshi, Secretary, DLSA Srinagar.
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