BANDIPORA: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health & Medical Education, Sakeena itoo, on Wednesday chaired an extensive review meeting with Heads of Departments (HODs) and District Officers here to assess the progress on developmental activities across Bandipora district. MLA Bandipora Nizam Uddin Bhat; DDC Vice-Chairperson Kousar Shafeeq, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Manzoor ahmad Qadri; Director Social Welfare Kashmir, Director School Education Kashmir, Director Colleges J&K, Mission Director Poshan J&K, Director Health Services Kashmir, Director Ayush J&K, Director Family Welfare and Immunization J&K, Executive Director Rehabilitation Council J&K, DPO ICDS Bandipora, CEO Wullar Manasbal Development Authority, ACR Bandipora and other concerned officers were present on the occasion.
During the meeting, Minister Sakeena emphasized on the need for efficient implementation of government schemes and urged officials to ensure timely delivery of services to the people. She took feedback from sectoral heads and directed departments to collaborate closely to resolve any bottlenecks. The Minister appreciated the efforts of the district administration and field officers in implementing welfare measures and assured full support from the government in expediting projects for the benefit of the public.
During the meeting, key issues like road widening projects on Bandipora–Sumbal and Bandipora–Sopore routes, non-functional lift at District Hospital Bandipora, and staff shortages in Health and Education department were discussed. During the meeting, the Minister laid e-foundation of Lift Irrigation Scheme for augmentation of supplies to New Reshi Khul and Dehgam Khul. She also e-inagurated Composite School at N.M. HSS Kaloosa, Bandipora
Earlier, the Minister accompanied by MLA Bandipora Nizam Uddin Bhat, DDC Vice-Chairperson Kousar Shafeeq, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Manzoor ahmad Qadri and other dignitaries visited Government Degree College (GDC) Bandipora, where she inspected infrastructure facilities and reviewed the pace of ongoing developmental works.
Principal, GDC Bandipora, Dr. Gazala Firdous welcomed the dignitaries and highlighted the achievements and developments of the institution since its establishment. MLA Bandipora, Nizam Uddin Bhat expressed gratitude to the Minister for her visit and raised key infrastructural demands, including the need for a separate library block, auditorium, and development of the college playfield. He stressed that world-class infrastructure is essential for students to excel globally.
In her address, the Minister praised the scenic location of the college but noted the poor condition of the approach road, calling it a challenge for both students and staff. She appreciated the enrolment and efforts of the college administration. She assured that the government is actively addressing infrastructure issues in the education sector and directed the Director of Higher Education to initiate the development of a new library block and asked the Deputy Commissioner Bandipora to take up beautification work on priority.
During an interactive session, students raised concerns about transport facilities, faculty shortages, and delays due to academic arrangements. The Minister assured that transport issues would be resolved, additional vehicles with drivers would be provided, and faculty replacements would be addressed promptly. Later in the day, the Minister, accompanied by MLA Bandipora, Sakeena Itoo also held a Public Darbar cum Interaction with the residents of Bandipora and listened public grievances and suggestions directly and assured timely redressal.
During the tour of district, the Minister handed over 27 Retrofitted Motorized Tricycles to eligible persons with disabilities under the Department of Social Welfare. She also distributed sponsorship benefits among various beneficiaries to the tune of Rs. 1.23 crores under Mission Vastalya.
JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, conducted an extensive inspection of Government Medical College (GMC) and Super Speciality Hospital (SSH) Jammu at late hours to assess the patient care facilities, evaluate ongoing works and ensure effective functioning of other healthcare services for the people of Jammu and surrounding regions.
During the inspection at GMC and Super Speciality Hospital, the Dy CM visited the Cancer Care Unit and Cardiac Care Unit. He had comprehensive review of the infrastructure, equipment, patient care services and cleanliness standards being maintained at the facility. He also interacted with the patients to gain first-hand insights of the care being provided to them.
Interacting with the hospital administration, the Dy CM advised them to facilitate the public so that they can take due benefits of these advanced healthcare facilities. He asked them to notify the rates of all the diagnostic tests for the ease of patients and attendants. He asked the officers to work in synergy and ensure that every effort is made to provide affordable, accessible and high-quality healthcare facilities to all sections of the society.
The Dy CM also underscored the need of maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in healthcare facilities. “Adopt stringent measures to maintain a sanitized environment in the health institutions," he asserted. While appreciating the efforts of the hospital administration in providing quality healthcare facilities, Choudhary emphasised the need for continued improvements in healthcare services to address the existing gaps.
Highlighting the government’s commitment towards improving the healthcare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir, the Dy CM reiterated that patient-centric approach is priority of the present dispensation. Principal and Dean GMC Jammu, HoDs of different specialities, Medical Superintendents and other concerned officers accompanied the Dy CM during the visit.
SRINAGAR: In a major step toward revitalizing one of Kashmir’s iconic traditional industries, the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar hosted the valedictory workshop marking the successful culmination of a two-year-long technology gap assessment study in the cricket bat manufacturing industry of Kashmir.
The project, supported by the Technology Information, Forecasting and Assessment Council (TIFAC), was conducted by the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar and aimed at identifying and bridging critical technological shortcomings in this heritage industry.
Led by Principal Investigator Dr. Saad Parvez and Co-Principal Investigator Dr. Noor Zaman Khan, along with Project Associate Mr. Aqib and Project Assistant Mr. Junaid, the NIT Srinagar team presented their key findings and strategic recommendations. The comprehensive study aims to modernize the cricket bat manufacturing ecosystem, ensuring its competitiveness, quality, and sustainability in both domestic and international markets.
On the occasion, Dr. Saad Parvez said this study is part of our larger mission to connect academic research with the needs of local industries. The cricket bat industry is a symbol of Kashmir’s artisanal legacy, and it deserves to be equipped with modern tools and systems to thrive in today’s global economy.
He emphasized the institute’s continued commitment to supporting indigenous sectors through technology-driven innovation. Meanwhile the study identified five primary areas where intervention is necessary for transformation: supply chain modernization, technological upgradation, safe manufacturing practices, digital marketing, and improved production planning and control.
The team emphasized that these enhancements are crucial to preserving the industry’s artisanal legacy while aligning it with modern market expectations. In supply chain modernization, the study highlighted the need for better forecasting, streamlined raw material procurement, and the adoption of efficient inventory systems to make the value chain more resilient and responsive.
For technological upgradation, the study proposed transitioning from traditional tools to advanced equipment, including precision cutting tools, moisture monitoring systems, automated shaping equipment, and comprehensive quality control protocols. These innovations would reduce human error and ensure consistency across production batches.
On the topic of workplace safety, the study recommended a cultural shift toward proactive safety standards. Suggestions included ergonomic workstation designs, safe handling procedures for cutting tools, and improved air quality controls to ensure the well-being of workers, who form the backbone of this skilled craft.
To reach a global customer base, the study stressed the importance of digital marketing tools, including professional websites, targeted social media outreach, and robust e-commerce platforms. These tools would help manufacturers increase brand visibility and tap into new markets, connecting directly with international buyers and fans of the sport.
Data-driven production planning was another key area addressed. The team proposed systems that could optimize resource management, reduce waste, and improve operational efficiency, thereby enhancing scalability and profitability for small and medium-sized manufacturers. Beyond immediate reforms, the study envisions a technology-driven future for the cricket bat industry, integrating automation, computer-aided design and manufacturing (CAD/CAM), real-time quality monitoring, and predictive maintenance tools.
The report argues that these innovations are not just enhancements but essential transformations that can transition the industry from traditional, vertically optimized operations to dynamic, customer-oriented enterprises.
The workshop witnessed participation from a wide range of stakeholders, including local manufacturers, artisans, policymakers, and financial institutions. Among them, J&K Bank, represented by Mr. Khursheed Muzaffar, Additional General Manager, pledged institutional support for facilitating the implementation of the study’s recommendations through financial and infrastructural aid.
Participants at the workshop unanimously acknowledged the urgency of implementing the proposed reforms and committed to pursuing deeper engagement with the government and financial bodies to ensure the adoption of new technologies. The session concluded on a hopeful note, with all stakeholders expressing a shared vision to elevate Kashmir’s cricket bat industry to international standards.
The commitment to honor the industry’s traditional roots while embracing innovation was widely appreciated, setting the tone for a technologically empowered and globally competitive future.
RAJOURI: In a remarkable achievement, District Rajouri has secured the 2nd position at the national level in the category of Northeast and Hilly Districts under the Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari (JSJB) Abhiyan, one of the major constituents of the Government of India’s flagship ‘Catch the Rain’ campaign. The campaign is spearheaded by the Ministry of Jal Shakti to promote water conservation and rainwater harvesting across the country.
The recognition came as a testament to the tireless efforts of the district administration and the active participation of the local population. At today’s national-level review meeting, Union Minister of Jal Shakti, C.R. Patil lauded the outstanding performance of Rajouri and commended the District Administration for its unwavering commitment to the goals of the campaign amidst multiple challenges.
District Development Commissioner (DDC) Abhishek Sharma, in his presentation, highlighted the extensive progress made under the campaign, revealing that over 4214 groundwater recharge and water conservation/harvesting structures have been geo-tagged and uploaded on the JSJB portal. "These include 132 Amrit Sarovars, 894 small ponds, 510 bowlis, 2270 harvesting tanks, and 408 dugwells. This significant achievement has not only bolstered the district’s resilience to water scarcity but also earned it a national-level award under the Jal Shakti Abhiyan" he added.
What makes this achievement even more commendable is the fact that the district continued its developmental momentum despite disruptions caused by recent cross-border shelling. Under the close monitoring and guidance of the DDC, all targets under the Abhiyan were met with precision and dedication. This recognition places Rajouri among the leading districts in India in terms of community-driven water conservation and showcases its emergence as a model under the ‘Catch the Rain: Where it Falls, When it Falls’ initiative.
It is pertinent to mention that the launch of the ‘Jal Sanchay Jan Bhagidari’ initiative by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on September 6, 2024, in Surat, Gujarat, marked a pivotal moment in the nation’s efforts to build water-secure and climate-resilient communities.
JAMMU: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, who is also Chairman Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL), Ramesh Kumar today reviewed the to-date progress of different JSCL development projects being executed in different parts of the city of temples. The development projects being implemented in Jammu city include city beautification, smart urban mobility and up-gradation of other public facilities.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Jammu, CEO JSCL, SSP Jammu, Chief Engineers of PWD, JPDCL, I&FC and other concerned. The Divisional commissioner inquired about the physical and financial progress of each mega project, besides other ongoing works and issued necessary directions.
The Div Com conducted a detailed review of the progress of work on Tawi River Front Development project and channelization of adjoining sewerage drains to Sewerage treatment Plant.
Other major projects reviewed included Waste to Wonder Park, High Street Development Residency road, Canal road to Talab Tillo street development, Heritage Conservation and Development works, development of Junctions and rotaries, Development of Gummat Bazaar, construction/upgradation of Landoi choi nallah in Nanak Nagar.
The Divisional Commissioner emphasized timely project completion, resolving implementation bottlenecks, and improving coordination among departments. Later, the meeting also discussed arrangements for conducting Tawi Aarti on the left bank of the Tawi river front.
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