KATRA: Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University (SMVDU) successfully organized a two-day interactive workshop, "Sankalp to Sansad: From Preamble to Parliament", aimed at deepening students' understanding of India’s democratic processes. Day one featured a collective Preamble Reading to honor the Constitution’s spirit, followed by a highly engaging quiz competition focused on the Ancient History of India, encouraging participation and testing knowledge of our rich heritage.
Day two witnessed the much-awaited Youth Parliament session, where students actively took on the roles of parliamentarians. The proceedings began with an Oath-Taking Ceremony, followed by dynamic debates between the Ruling Party and the Opposition. Two significant bills were presented—one on the Delimitation of Assemblies and another proposing a cap on Election Campaign Expenses.
The simulated parliamentary session provided a hands-on experience in legislative proceedings, fostering critical thinking, public speaking, and a deeper appreciation for participatory governance. Mr. Rishav Bali served as the speaker of the youth parliament while Prof. Kakali Majumdar and Dr. Anurag Kumar served as the jury members. The workshop concluded on an enthusiastic and empowering note.
HANDWARA: Police in Handwara after obtaining attachment order passed by Hon'ble Additional Sessions Court Handwara attached property measuring 13 Marlas worth lacs belonging to terror handler based in Pakistan namely Habibullah Ganie son of Ab Rehman Ganie resident of Palpora Qaziabad.
The action was taken under sections of 88 CrPc (83 central) & is linked with case FIR No. 73/2011 U/S 2/3 EIMCO Act, 121-A RPC of Police Station Kralgund. The property was identified belonging to absconders during the course of investigation/enquiry conducted by Police. The operation reaffirms the commitment of Police to combat the terror activities.
JAMMU: In a significant stride towards educational rejuvenation, the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Divisional Office, Jammu, hosted a workshop and training under OASIS JYOTIRDHAR Movement phase-3, for the Heads of Institutions in Partnership with Department of School Education and SCERT Jammu and Kashmir.
The event was chaired by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Education, Shantmanu. The ACS, on the occasion, inaugurated an exhibition showcasing a diverse array of curriculum enrichment tools including academic documents, books and educational aids developed by SCERT Jammu Division. It served as a visual narrative of the institution’s academic journey.
In his address, the ACS applauded the vision of the proactive endeavours of SCERT in advancing educational innovation and excellence. He encouraged all stakeholders to remain cognizant of evolving pedagogies and adapt to the dynamic educational landscape through continuous reflection and innovation. Dr. Sindhu Kapoor, Joint Director, SCERT, highlighted the vision behind the Oasis Jyotirdhar Initiative. She underscored the importance of collaborative learning, innovation in teaching practices and development of an inclusive academic resource to ensure quality education for all.
The event witnessed the release of two strategic blueprints; The Syllabus cum Academic Planner 2025-26 and the BaLA (Building as Learning Aid) Vision Document, both poised to strengthen pedagogical practices and infrastructure-based learning in schools. The Academic Planner was meticulously developed through collaborative efforts of members of Assessment Cell including Ranjeet Singh Manhas (Head, Assessment Cell SCERTJ&K), Rakesh Chobber (Head, Assessment Cell, SCERT Jammu Division), Dr. Nazneen Mehraj and Dr. Saima Qadir from SCERT Kashmir Division. Besides, Manisha Chun and Parshotam Singh, Academic Officers, SCERT Jammu Division contributed significantly towards development of the vision document “BaLA”.
An incisive overview of the workshop was presented by Tina Vasudeva, Chief Coordinator Oasis Movement, who elucidated the key themes, participatory engagement and expected outcomes of the program. In the feedback session, valuable insights and reflections on the learning experiences and effectiveness of the workshop modules was provided by Anwar Khan, Principal, GHSS Sawjian Poonch and Kiran Bhadwal, Principal, GHSS Camp Nagrota Jammu.
Mehul Panchal, Project Lead, Oasis Movement, articulated the importance of pedagogical agility, design thinking in education and the cultivation of learning ecosystem. She appreciated the commitment of the SCERT in encouraging continued innovation in the educational sector.
JAMMU: The University of Jammu successfully conducted the Jammu University Entrance Test (JUET-2025) today,, for admission to the various Post Graduate Degree/ Diploma programmes offered by the University in its Main Campus/ Offsite Campuses and Affiliated Colleges.
The JUET was conducted across the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. In addition to Jammu, examination centres were established at distant locations - Bhaderwah, Kishtwar, Srinagar, Poonch, Rajouri, Kathua, and Udhampur to facilitate the convenience of applicants.
The examination witnessed a commendable turnout and was held in a smooth, fair, and transparent manner. A total of 1,949 candidates were allotted across various centres, with 1,762 candidates appearing for the test, reflecting an impressive attendance rate. The meticulous arrangements made by the University ensured the seamless conduct of the entrance examination.
Centre-wise attendance details are as follows:
MAM College, Jammu: 1,307 allotted | 1,179 appeared | 128 absent
Kathua Campus: 147 allotted | 126 appeared | 21 absent
Udhampur Campus: 188 allotted | 174 appeared | 14 absent
Bhaderwah Campus: 41 allotted | 38 appeared | 3 absent
Kishtwar Campus: 72 allotted | 70 appeared | 2 absent
Govt. Degree College, Poonch: 56 allotted | 47 appeared | 9 absent
Govt. Degree College, Rajouri: 109 allotted | 103 appeared | 6 absent
University of Kashmir: 29 allotted | 25 appeared | 4 absent
The Vice-Chancellor Prof Umesh Rai along with a Special Flying Squad comprising Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Anju Bhasin, Controller of Examinations, Sh. Sanjeev Mahajan and other officials visited various examination centres to oversee the arrangements and ensure the fair and transparent conduct of the test. The Vice-Chancellor expressed satisfaction over the smooth conduct of the examination and appreciated the efforts of the organizing team.
The University with the coordination of the Observers/Supervisory staff along with the Principals/Rectors/Directors of the various Colleges/Offsite Campuses ensured the efficient execution of JUET-2025. The entire process was conducted in strict accordance with the guidelines and protocols laid down by the University.
KATRA: To assess security and operational preparedness of Shrine area for hassle-free pilgrimage, Chief Executive Officer, Anshul Garg today presided over a joint security review meeting with security agencies and other stakeholders at Central Office, Katra. The meeting was attended by Addl. Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; SSP, Reasi; Commandant, CRPF; Jt. Chief Executive Officer, SMVDSB; SP, Katra; Sub Divisional Magistrate, Katra; Tehsildar, SMVDSB and officers from Army, intelligence agencies and Shrine Board.
The CEO stressed that the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) coming up at Katra must be operationalized by the first week of May to ensure pilgrim safety and facilitate smooth yatra regulation. He emphasized the importance of adhering to the timeline, highlighting that a robust security grid across all key sectors of the shrine relies on the timely activation of the ICCC as this center will enable real-time monitoring, swift response to emergencies and effective coordination among security agencies through a network of 700 CCTV cameras with features like gesture recognition, face recognition, PTZ and such others as per operational requirements. The CEO urged all concerned quarters to strictly follow the deadline to ensure a safe and secure yatra.
Intelligence sharing and coordination among security agencies also remained key focus areas. The meeting highlighted the need for seamless communication and data exchange to prevent security breaches. Strategies to verify the credentials of Pithoo and Ponywallas to prevent impersonation and ensure their legitimate involvement were also discussed to ensure a secure pilgrimage experience.
The meeting also explored deployment of additional security personnel, area domination and the use of drones and other advanced technologies to monitor the Shrine and surrounding areas. The latest advancements in security scenarios including AI-powered surveillance systems and data analytics were also discussed. The meeting emphasized the importance of staying ahead of potential security threats by adopting cutting-edge technologies and best practices.
The CEO reiterated the importance of effectively utilizing advanced security equipments crucial for maintaining robust security measures provided to security agencies as per the Hon'ble Chairman's (Lt. Governor, JK-UT) directives to ensure a safe environment for pilgrims. These equipments include X-Ray Baggage Scanners, Door Frame Metal Detectors, Hand-Held Metal Detectors and Under Vehicle Search Mirrors recently procured and installed by the Board in the Shrine area.
Geo-fencing technology to enhance security in the Shrine area was also discussed for optimizing resources and improving shrine management. The CEO emphasized that security agencies must maintain zero tolerance and not allow any relaxation or leniency in security checks at all points, ensuring strict adherence to protocols to guarantee the safety and security of pilgrims visiting the Shrine. It was informed by SSP Reasi that FIRs have been registered against unauthorized personnel caught plying as service providers on the track and continuous inspections are underway.
The meeting also thoroughly discussed the peripheral security of Katra town, focusing on strategies to strengthen surveillance, improve intelligence gathering and implement effective access control to ensure a secure environment for pilgrims.
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