AWANTIPORA: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha addressed the 3rd Convocation of Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Awantipora, today. The Lt Governor, who is also the Chancellor of the University, congratulated and extended his felicitations to the students and appreciated the commendable achievements of IUST in setting a shining example of gender equality.
“I am delighted to note that 22 of the 27 students who received their gold medals today are girls. The girls are excelling in education in our region, at both school and higher education levels. Educating women contributes meaningfully to societal progress, economic growth and sustainability. Their role is crucial in making the country a true Viksit Bharat by 2047,” the Lt Governor said.
He also commended the role of parents and teachers in paving a solid foundation for the prosperous future of the youth. Addressing the Students, the Lt Governor exhorted them to continuously innovate to meet the local challenges and work towards a bright and prosperous future of the country.
“Desire and Determination, the two key factors will guide you to harness opportunities and steadily contribute to build Viksit Bharat,” the Lt Governor told the students. I believe that the prime objective of education is to create higher values and independent thinking in students to shape the destiny of the nation. Our educational institutions must lay special emphasis on reinventing the class-room learnings to unleash students’ true potential, the Lt Governor said.
He further emphasised on strengthening Industry-academia connect and providing a collaborative space for startups and business ideas to prosper. Startups are powerful instruments to bridge the gap between universities and industries. Education should be driven by creativity rather than by a rigid curriculum, he said.
The Lt Governor also congratulated the Vice Chancellor, faculty members and students of IUST for making remarkable strides in the fields of academics, research, innovation and entrepreneurship. IUST has not only excelled in providing skill training to its students but has also been a pioneer in various educational innovations in J&K, the Lt Governor said.
As per National Education Policy 2020, IUST has made notable additions to its academic offerings, engaging in multidisciplinary education successfully blending humanities with sciences and introducing new pedagogies, he observed.
He said the introduction of UG program in Design Your Own Degree mode, 4- Year UG Programs with Multiple Entry Multiple Exit and other innovative programs like Robotics & Automation, Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Media Studies, Operation Theatre Technology, and many other areas stands as a testament to the commitment to offer flexible and modern educational opportunities that cater to the diverse needs of our students.
“We are witnessing massive transformation in J&K's education sector and I am confident IUST will be a beacon of knowledge and innovation in the UT,” the Lt Governor said. Speaking on the occasion, Padma Vibhushan Dr Anil Kakodkar, eminent nuclear scientist and former Chairman, Atomic Energy Commission, congratulated the students for embarking on their new journey.
“The World out there is full of opportunities as well as challenges. The capabilities the students acquire from IUST will enable them to lead a successful career ahead and empower them to make meaningful contributions to nation building,” he said. Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Vice Chancellor IUST, presented the University report and highlighted the achievements of the University.
During the convocation, 27 students were conferred with Gold Medals, while 53 students were awarded with merit certificates. A total of 1056 students have been awarded with degrees for UG/PG programmes, and 19 students received their Ph.D Degree Certificates. Sh Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to Lt Governor; Prof Dinesh Singh, Vice Chairman, J&K Higher Education Council; Vice-Chancellors of various Universities; HoDs of different educational institutions, senior officials of Civil and Police administration, faculty members, students and their parents were present.
SRINAGAR: A massive fire broke out in the main market of Boniyar in Baramulla district of Jammu and Kashmir, which resulted in endangering damage to persons and their shops& stores. However, the swift response of the Indian Army and Police played a crucial role in controlling the fire and preventing any loss of life.
Upon receiving reports of the fire, the Indian Army, stationed at Boniyar, immediately mobilised their resources, including water dozers, fire extinguishers and firefighting equipment, to the site. Their rapid action contained the fire, ensuring no further spread or additional damage to the market, or nearby structures and the persons.
Subsequently, the fire service arrived at the scene to reinforce the firefighting efforts. The collaborative response of the Indian Army, Police and the Fire Services effectively controlled the situation, demonstrating a coordinated and efficient approach to emergency management. The residents expressed their gratitude to the Indian Army for their prompt response and commendable efforts in preventing a life threatening disaster. The Indian Army is ever committed for the welfare of the citizens if India.
SRINAGAR: The Vice Chairman (V.C) Srinagar Development Authority (SDA), Dr. Owais Ahmed today chaired a review meeting focused on analyzing objections and suggestions received from the general public regarding the Master Plan-2035, at the SMC Headquarters, Karan Nagar.
The meeting was attended by the Senior officers from SDA, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC), Town Planning Organization (K), and Lakes Conservation & Management Authority (LCMA), highlighting a collaborative and inclusive approach to shaping the future of Greater Srinagar. Discussions revolved around ensuring that the Master Plan aligns with the evolving needs and aspirations of the residents of District Srinagar.
The Vice Chairman stressed the significance of incorporating diverse perspectives and public feedback into the development process, emphasizing a commitment to transparency and participatory governance. The meticulous scrutiny of objections and suggestions demonstrated SDA's dedication for crafting a plan that mirrors the collective vision for Srinagar's future.
Acknowledging the active participation of the general public, the Vice Chairman expressed gratitude for their valuable contributions in shaping the Master Plan-2035. The SDA reiterated its pledge to adhere to the highest standards of urban planning and development, with the goal of establishing the Master Plan-2035 as a sturdy framework for sustainable growth and progress.
Furthermore, the chair directed the organization to conduct stakeholder consultations and detailed field visits to validate the feasibility of public representations received in alignment with the Master Plan-2035. This proactive approach underscores SDA's commitment to robust urban development practices and ensuring the plan resonates with the ground reality of Greater Srinagar. The chair directed all line officials to finalize the draft recommendations at an earliest so that the same would be forwarded to the Government without any further delay.
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today released a commemorative postage stamp to honour the contributions of Late Shri Wazir Mohd Hakla Poonchi, renowned Gujjar Leader, social worker and writer. In his address, the Lt Governor recalled the significant contribution of Wazir Mohd Hakla Poonchi in socio-economic upliftment of the Gujjar Bakarwal community of J&K.
“Wazir Mohd Hakla Poonchi has played a vital role for the cause of national integration and dedicated his life for the upliftment of the downtrodden sections of the society. He always advocated for safeguarding the rights of Scheduled Tribes and led the movement demanding Tribe status to Gujjars Bakarwals,” the Lt Governor said.
The Lt Governor also threw light on the lifelong campaigns of Wazir Mohammad to inspire the youth of the Gujjar Bakarwal community to work towards nation building and selflessly serve the society. Following his footsteps, the members of the Gujjar Bakarwal community have made their valuable contribution to the security and development of this great nation, the Lt Governor added.
The Lt Governor reiterated the resolve of the UT Administration, under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi towards empowering and safeguarding the rights of every section of the society, especially the tribal community. He called upon the members of tribal community to help the administration in destroying the network of terror and drugs by providing correct information to the security agencies.
Our Gujjar Bakarwal community have always stood firm with the security forces against the enemies. We must identify and isolate those aiding and abetting the terror ecosystem, he said. Speaking on the occasion, Sh Shamsher Rana Hakla Poonchi, expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Lt Governor led UT Administration for honouring the contribution of his father, Late Shri Wazir Mohd Hakla Poonchi, to the nation.
Justice Mohd. Akram Chowdhary, Judge High Court of J&K and Ladakh; Sh Amitabh Singh, Chief Postmaster General, J&K Circle; family members of Wazir Mohd Hakla Poonchi, prominent personalities and members of the Gujjar Bakarwal community were present. Ms. Tazeem Akhter, Chairperson, District Development Council Poonch; Ch. Mohd. Yasin, Deputy Commissioner Poonch and former legislators were also present on the occasion at Raj Bhawan.
JAMMU: In a significant move towards strengthening child protection mechanisms in UTs of J&K and Ladakh, Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chief Justice (Acting), High Court of J&K and Ladakh, and Chairperson, Juvenile Justice Committee presided over a crucial meeting today that aimed at finalizing the date, venue and all other allied arrangements for organizing the State Level Stakeholders Consultation for the year 2024 focusing on the welfare of persons with disabilities.
The meeting was attended physically by Additional Director General of Police Anand Jain representing the Police Department, UT of J&K and virtually by Sheetal Nanda, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, UT of J&K and incharge Women and Child Development; Dr. Shahid Iqbal, Secretary, Rural Development Department; Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah, Secretary, Health and Medical Education, UT of J&K; Iqbal Lone, Commissioner Disabilities, UT of J&K; Ghulam Nabi Bhat, Additional Secretary, School Education, UT of J&K, Ashok Sharma, Director School Education, Jammu; Tassaduq Hussain, Director School Education, Kashmir; Padma Angmo, Commissioner Secretary, Women & Child Development and Social welfare & Tribal Affairs, UT of Ladakh; Amit Sharma, Commissioner Secretary, Panchayati Raj and Rural Development, UT of Ladakh; Tashi Angmo, Director Social Welfare, UT of Ladakh; Shahzad Azeem, Registrar General, High Court of J&K and Ladakh; M. K. Sharma, Pr. Secretary to Chief Justice; Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority as well as Juvenile Justice Committee; Spalzes Angmo, Member Secretary, Ladakh Legal Services Authority; Prem Sagar, Secretary, HCLSC; Hilal Bhat, Incharge, UNICEF and Manojj Gupta, Director, AIVC.
Justice Tashi Rabstan emphasized the importance of collaborative efforts to ensure the success of the upcoming State Level Conference. During meeting, the venue for the conference was finalized to be at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC) Srinagar. The consultation is tentatively scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 03, 2024.
The discussions highlighted the roles and responsibilities of various departments and organizations involved in the consultation. Notably, Commissioner Secretaries from the Social Welfare Department, UT of J&K, and the Social & Tribal Affairs Department, UT of Ladakh, assured their full support for the event. Additionally, the Incharge UNICEF voluntarily accepted to bear all the financial liabilities relating to the conference, including boarding and lodging of the resource persons, providing refreshment to the participants, making IT arrangements and other incidental expenses.
A consensus was reached for the nomination of minimum 10 participants from each participating department along with a nodal officer to ensure success of the event. The meeting concluded with a resolve to work in collaboration to ensure the success of the State Level Stakeholders Consultation on Child Protection, reflecting a unified commitment to the Child Welfare and Protection across the Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh focusing on persons with disabilities.
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