SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha inaugurated Musical Harmony event organised by Koshur Raag, in association with J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, at Srinagar today. In his address, the Lt Governor called upon the people to celebrate diversity in art, culture and literary field, which is the source of India's greatness.
"Art and culture connect and inspire the society. It should be seen as a thread connecting the past with the future," the Lt Governor said. The Lt Governor impressed upon the artists to affirm and promote the cultural heritage of Jammu Kashmir. It should be our resolve to make the priceless artistic heritage of J&K prosperous and elevate it to the global stage, he said.
He commended the Koshur Raag for its endeavours to promote Kashmiri cultural heritage through music and other art forms. "India's culture is rich and diverse and always guided the society to embrace and celebrate cultural roots to fulfill their dreams and aspirations", the Lt Governor said.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor felicitated the artists for making significant contribution in their respective fields. He also highlighted the important role of the artists in spreading the message of unity, harmony and peace in the society. The musical evening witnessed the soulful performances by maestros like Pandit Abhay Rustum Sopori, Sh Munir Ahmad Mir, Ms Sunayana Kachroo and other legendary and young artists from Jammu Kashmir.
Sh Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Sh Suresh Kumar Gupta, Principal Secretary, Culture Department; Sh Arvind Mattoo, Founder, Koshur Raag; senior officials, members of Koshur Raag and eminent artists from Jammu Kashmir were present on the occasion. Padma Shri Dr SP Varma; Dr Farooq Abdullah, former Member of Parliament and prominent citizens from different walks of life were also present.
SRINAGAR: A unique initiative called “Uri Ki Udaan” was organised by the Indian Army at Govt Degree College, Uri. The event saw felicitation of 25 local citizens, young men, women and others, who were awarded Certificate of Appreciation in recognition of their invaluable contribution across various fields primarily to include Women Empowerment, Education, Sports, Art & Culture and Environment.
The contribution of each of the achievers were highlighted and were referred as ‘Heroes of Uri'. They were encouraged to continue their good work for the betterment of the society and the region of Uri. The harmony and brotherhood among the people of Uri was lauded during the address.
The awards ceremony was held in the presence of a large gathering of eminent people from various walks of life from Uri and adjoining places including senior military officials, Sub Judge of Uri, Vice Principal GDC, SDPO, BMO and Tehsildar. The felicitation ceremony was complimented by a cultural kaleidoscope in which the rich heritage of the region was showcased by the dance performance of students from Army Goodwill School, Uri and other local artists.
The event culminated with guests and audience felicitating the awardees and interacting with each other. Positive and selfless contribution of the local ‘Heroes’ felicitated would definitely motivate all citizens to come together and work towards the larger cause of creating a more Prosperous and Progressive Uri.
JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization, in collaboration with Invest India has facilitated twelve entrepreneurs from the UT of Jammu and Kashmir dealing with ODOP products to attend a capacity building program at IIM Jammu being hosted from 8th to 12th July 2023. Today, the group of entrepreneurs was briefed about the counters of the workshop at a facilitation session attended by Kulraj, JD, Handicraft and Handloom, Jammu, Imran Mehmood, FA / CAO, JKTPO, Harpreet Singh, Invest India.
The Capacity Building Program by IIM Jammu, in collaboration with Invest India, aims to equip participants with enhanced skills and knowledge to boost their businesses and set the stage for transformative growth, empowering aspiring and existing entrepreneurs to realize their dreams and contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic development of the nation. The programme would focus on identifying, promoting, and branding products unique to each district, thus fostering economic growth, and creating employment opportunities. By attending the program at IIM Jammu, the entrepreneurs would get training in various aspects along with the certification.
JKTPO plays a crucial role in promoting ODOP products and supporting local entrepreneurs. The organization has also taken many significant steps to support the ODOP initiative. This facilitation is a way to encourage more and more entrepreneurs to come forward to enhance their skills by hosting such programs.
SRINAGAR: Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) today sought public support in execution and time-bound completion of ongoing works under the premier loss reduction scheme of RDSS in the power sector. All 13 packages in 10 districts of Kashmir Division stand awarded with 05 KPDCL packages registering close to 40% achievement.
In a press statement issued here today, a KPDCL spokesperson stated that Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) of the Union Ministry of Power aims to improve the quality, reliability and affordability of power supply to the consumers through an efficient distribution system. “Loss reduction works include installation of Steel Tubular Poles, impregnable LT-AB cable and creation of new DT substations,” he added.
The spokesman further stated that all 13 packages worth Rs 2,118 crore stand awarded and work commenced on ground. ‘While 5 packages of three Divisions of Srinagar and one each of Budgam & Baramulla Districts is being executed by KPDCL, 4 packages each of North/Central Kashmir (Bandipora, Kupwara, Ganderbal & ED IV Srinagar) & South Kashmir (Pulwama, Anantnag, Kulgam & Shopian) are being executed by the premier power sector Corporations like NTPC and Powergrid,” the spokesman said, adding that timeline for completion of RDSS works has been fixed up to 2025 with sunset date of 2026.
Seeking public support in timely execution of loss reduction works, the KPDCL spokesman identified hassle-free installation of steel poles and DT substations as key elements for turning around the LT distribution network. “KPDCL in close coordination with District Administrations resolve issues which crop up while laying of loss reduction network,” he said, while urging civil society members to cooperate with Turnkey Contractors working at sites.
To tide over huge AT&C losses on account of meter bypass by way of hooking on bare conductor and exceeding of sanctioned load, KPDCL has flagged installation of aerial-bunched insulated cable under the flagship scheme. “With installation of LT-AB cable and smart metering under RDSS, KPDCL will be able to reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply to its consumers,” the spokesman added.
Highlighting the challenges faced by KPDCL in replacing the existing power infrastructure under the Government’s modernization programme, the spokesperson stated that close monitoring of its own packages as well as that of NTPC and Powergrid are being monitored on fortnightly basis.
SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today held a meeting to review status of different ongoing projects of Smart City Mission (SCM) here in twin cities of Srinagar and Jammu besides assessing other schemes of Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD) under implementation in J&K.
Present in the meeting were Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD, VC, LCMA, CEO, JSCL, HoDs besides other concerned officers. The Chief Secretary had a detailed project-wise assessment of smart city works currently under progress in twin cities of Srinagar and Jammu.
Regarding the operation of 100 e-buses by the concerned smart city authorities, the Chief Secretary asked for taking a relook into the distance covered by each bus in a day and its occupancy during each trip. He emphasised optimum utilization of capacity of these buses with minimum coverage of about 200 kms a day.
The Chief Secretary reviewed the plan for cleaning and beautification of Dal and Nigeen Lakes. He asked for accelerating the pace of progress on all the works. Regarding running of water transport, the Chief Secretary asked for choosing routes that are more treaded and economically viable for people.
The Chief Secretary also impressed upon the department to lay added focus on implementation of PMAY-Urban scheme as it provides necessary support to urban poor for constructing their own houses. He asked for making it’s traction more amenable for public by making the process attractive for the eligible applicants.
Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD, Mandeep Kaur, presented an overview of the works in progress under the Smart City Mission. She detailed out the specific reasons and challenges faced in timely completion of certain works and the renewed deadlines fixed for each project.
She revealed that out of 127 projects, 117 have been completed and 10 are at different stages of completion under Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL). Similarly, for Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL), out of 184 projects, 114 have been completed and rest are under progress.
Giving details about the JSCL projects under progress, it was informed that these included Tawi River Front development, Street development from Mubarak Mandi to Raghunath Bazar, street development from Canal road to Talab Tillo, Library cum Cafeteria at Mubarak Mandi, Oceanarium at Bagh-i-Bahu, Heritage conservation works, improvement of 23 road junctions besides newly taken-up ‘waste to wonder’ projects in Jammu.
The ongoing works of SSCL that came up for discussion included Lakefront development from Nishat to Naseembagh, development & beautification of Shalimar Canal, upgradation of Batamaloo Qamarwari Road,upgradation of Batamaloo-Moominabad Road, Traditional Souq market at Batamaloo, phased upgradation of Downtown/Shehr-i-khaas markets, Jhelum waterfront development besides other projects. It was revealed that most of these projects are at advanced stages of completion and are expected to be dedicated to public by September this year.
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