SRINAGAR: Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Jal Shakti Department, Shaleen Kabra, today emphasized the critical need for enhanced inter-departmental coordination to address public grievances promptly and effectively. Speaking during a Public Darbar held in Srinagar, Shaleen Kabra highlighted the importance of meeting the high expectations of citizens by resolving their issues with priority.
The Public Darbar was convened to assess and address various demands and concerns raised by the local populace. The event saw a significant turnout of residents, civil society members, District Development Council members and Block Development Council members from Srinagar district. The participants raised a wide range of issues related to civic amenities, infrastructure, and other local concerns.
Delegations from various areas such as Padshahi Bagh, Harwan Dara, Onta Bhawan Soura, Shalteng HMT, Balhama, Shivpora, Jeelanabad, Peerbagh, Khonmoh, and other city locations raised their concerns regarding availability of drinking water. Specific grievances included inadequate water supply in Padshahi Bagh and Shivpora, where residents highlighted the need for improved drainage and completion of water pipe installations.
Similarly, residents from Noorbagh, Palpora, Khanyar Nowpora and HMT Omarabad requested for road widening in their areas to alleviate traffic congestion and improve road safety. A delegation from Central Shalteng brought to attention the need for effective dewatering solutions in their area.
Likewise, civil society members raised issues related to environment, progress on Smart City initiative and the need for identifying and addressing gaps in various developmental projects. During the darbar, ACS listened to the concerns raised by the people. He gave on-the-spot instructions to the officers for ensuring speedy redressal of grievances projected by the participants.
Shaleen Kabra expressed gratitude to all participants for their active involvement and reiterated his commitment towards resolving all the genuine issues on priority. The event was attended by Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, along with various HoDs and other officers.
SRINAGAR: Following the directions of Commissioner SMC, Dr. Owais Ahmed the corporation took a significant step towards creating encroachment-free public spaces and enhancing the urban landscape with a comprehensive anti-encroachment drive across various areas of Srinagar city. The operation, led by the Joint Commissioner along with Anti-Encroachment Officers, concerned ward officers, and other officials, targeted locations from Dalgate to Shalimar, surrounding SMHS Hospital Srinagar and Hari Singh High Street Jehangir Chowk.
The primary objective of this initiative was to address the pressing issue of encroachments on pavements, roadsides, and public spaces, which have been impeding the smooth movement of pedestrians and vehicles in the city. The proliferation of unauthorized structures, illegal vendors, and obstructions not only led to congestion but also posed safety risks to residents and visitors.
The SMC team diligently identified and removed encroachments in the designated areas, facilitating unimpeded traffic flow and pedestrian mobility. This proactive effort not only enhances the visual appeal of Srinagar but also underscores the Corporation‘s commitment in prioritizing the safety and convenience of its residents. The SMC reaffirmed its dedication to maintain accessibility and will continue similar drives to create a more sustainable and livable environment for the residents of Srinagar
GANDERBAL: Central University of Kashmir (CUKashmir) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, Wednesday emphasized the varsity’s commitment of resolving the students’ grievances and issues through constructive dialogue and discussions.
In a day-long interaction with the aggrieved students of the Departments of Law, Physics, IT and Education, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, reiterated the importance of open communication and invited students to participate in dialogue sessions to voice their concerns and grievances if any. “The students should desist from coming on the roads and resorting to indiscipline,” CUKashmir Vice-Chancellor emphasised, adding that those involved in violent protest and vandalism will be dealt strictly in accordance with the law of the land. Prof. A Ravinder Nath also explained the mode of protests which start from submission of written grievances, putting black bands and finally if nothing works, the students can sit on protest without disrupting the normal work of the institution. He said CUKashmir should be known for the intellectual discourse and disciplined students and there was no room for demonstrations.
Prof. A Ravinder Nath acknowledged the students' concerns and outlined the steps and measures taken by the administration in addressing them. "We understand the passion and dedication behind your actions," said the Vice Chancellor. "Our goal is to work together to create solutions that benefit the entire university."
Dean Academic Affairs, Prof. Shahid Rasool, Dean School of Legal Studies, and Chief Proctor, Prof. Farooq Ahmad Mir, Dean School of Education, Prof. Zahoor Ahmad Geelani, Dean DSW, Dr. Irfan Alam, faculty members, and administrative staff were also present.
About the issue of fee hike, the Vice-Chancellor said that there has been a marginal fee hike in some of the departments. “The grievance of the students was received and a high level Committee was constituted in which two students from each department have been co-opted as members. “The members of the Committee are holding deliberations about the issue the moment we are here,” Prof. A Ravinder Nath told the students.
Enumerating the measures taken by the CUKashmir for fostering inclusive education and supporting the underprivileged students across the country, Prof, A Ravinder Nath, said, the varsity has launched the Student Aid Fund (SAF) for variable tuition fee waiver for students under various categories. “The initiative has been designed to extend financial aid and tuition fee exemptions to deserving students facing economic challenges, emphasizing the university's commitment to inclusive learning. Under the scheme 40% students in each semester will benefit with a variable tuition fee waiver up to 100%,” he said.
Complementing the faculty, students and staff for bringing 33rd rank to the CUKashmir in IIRF, Vice-Chancellor, Prof. A Ravinder Nath, said the credit for the ranking goes to the dedication of the faculty members, employees and students who, despite constraints on the infrastructural front have been able to produce quality research and maintaining the academic decorum.
About the adoption of the Credit Based fee structure, the Vice-Chancellor said CUKashmir is the first university to adopt the same and has received huge appreciation from the Ministry of Education. “The students can take up to 40% credits from SWAYAM for which the students will not be charged any fee. They can also take courses from other institutions and get credits transferred to CUKashmir under ABC of UGC.” Thereafter, the Vice-Chancellor, gave on the spot directions to the staff about the certain issues raised by the students.
SRINAGAR: The second day of the cleanliness awareness campaign for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra was celebrated with great enthusiasm at Ganta Ghar (Clock Tower) Lal Chowk, here. Pilgrims were welcomed with a grand reception marked by cultural performances and a strong commitment to cleanliness. The event was graced by the chief guest Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur.
Among others present were Keshav Verma, Advisor to J&K Government on Smart Cities besides senior officials from SMC, LCMA, ULB, CTP and line departments. The celebration beautifully blended tradition and modernity to promote a clean pilgrimage experience.
The Housing and Urban Development Department has mobilized a dedicated Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) team in collaboration with 'Swaaha,' an IIT Indore startup, and the artists' group Hanuman Dhvaj Pathk. Their one-hour performance, "Swachhta ka Shiv Naad," used drums, cymbals and tambourines to convey a message of environmental responsibility to thousands of pilgrims.
Mandeep Kaur highlighted the significance of the awareness campaign, aiming to encourage pilgrims to minimize plastic usage and maintain cleanliness. The efforts of Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in SANJY-2024 have been pivotal in achieving this goal. Speaking on behalf of Swaha, Shri Sameer Sharma highlighted the comprehensive cleanliness campaign led by the Housing and Urban Development Department, Jammu and Kashmir.
Cleanliness camps have been established along the yatra route, complemented by educational programs promoting a litter-free pilgrimage. The inclusion of Nukkad Natak performances has further bolstered enthusiasm among pilgrims, fostering a collective commitment to uphold cleanliness standards and reduce plastic waste. These street plays will continue to engage pilgrims across various ULBs along the entire yatra route throughout the pilgrimage period.
SRINAGAR: Labour Department, J&K Wednesday launched a special drive across the UT to facilitate the registration of truck drivers on the e-shram Portal. The initiative was taken on the directions of Labour Commissioner, J&K Charandeep Singh, and aims at safeguarding the rights and promoting welfare of the truck drivers. The registration cum awareness camps were set up along the National Highway, Railway Stations, Transport Yards, Mandies, Union offices and other locations and CSCs across each district.
The truck drivers are an important component of the country’s labour force. Majority of them, however, do not get social security benefits and face many challenges. In order to protect their rights, the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had issued an advisory to protect Human Rights of Truck drivers. The advisory underscored the critical role of truck drivers in the logistics and transportation sector and the steps to be taken by the Government for their overall wellbeing including their registration on the e-shram Portal.
The e-Shram portal is the national database of unorganised workers. A unique Twelve (12) digit Universal Account Number (UAN) is uniquely assigned to each unorganized worker after registration on e-Shram portal. UAN number is a permanent number i.e. once assigned, it will remain unchanged for the worker’s lifetime.
The registration on the e-Shram Portal will facilitate the Government in ensuring that unorganized worker including truck drivers can avail benefits of social security schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PM-JJBY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha BimaYojana (PM-SBY), Old age Protection under Pradhan MantriShram Yogi Mann Dhan (PM-SYM) and other welfare measures meant for the workers including during any emergency or pandemic like situations.
Till date, over 21,000 truck drivers belonging to J&K have registered on the e-shram Portal and the registration cum awareness drive shall continue to facilitate registration of the remaining truck drivers. Labour Commissioner, J&K has urged the Truck drivers to pro-actively register themselves on the e-shram Portal along with their co-drivers and helpers.
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