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SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today attended the inaugural ceremony of Ram Katha, at Srinagar, by Pujya Morari Bapu. The Lieutenant Governor said, the sacred Ram Katha has the universal language and Prabhu Shri Ram’s message of righteousness, compassion, justice and duty resonates across culture and sects.
“Ram Katha has undeniably shaped societies, offering moral guidance, shared narratives, and a sense of unity for billions over centuries. Lord Ram’s blessings have illuminated paths for humanity and Ram Katha by Morari Bapu across the world have united people, and inspired wisdom,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the Ram Katha will continue to guide us in building a better society. “Ram Katha powerfully emphasizes ethical and moral values. Lord Ram's life values hold immense power for the society to ensure equity and equal opportunity,” he said.
The Lieutenant Governor spoke on the lifelong campaigns of Pujya Morari Bapu ji dedicated to awakening society and spreading the teachings of Shri Ram through the core principles of truth, love, compassion and universal brotherhood. Morari Bapu is a renowned exponent of the Ram Charit Manas and has been reciting Ram Kathas for over fifty years throughout the world.
The Lieutenant Governor also extended his felicitations to the Shri Arun Kumar Saraf and Shri Kaushalesh Nandan Prasad Sinha - Trustees of Bhartiya Lok Kalyan Trust and everyone associated for organising the first Ram Katha in the valley after many decades. Devotees and people from all walks of life gathered at the banks of Dal Lake in large number for the auspicious inaugural ceremony of the 9-day long Ram Katha Shivir.
JAMMU: In pursuance of the directions issued by the District Administration, a joint enforcement drive was conducted today at various locations in Akhnoor town. The drive was carried out by a team of officers from the Motor Vehicles Department comprising ARTO Mohammad Saleem, MVI Er. Surinder Kumar, SMVI Amanish Sharma and MVTA Tarunjot Singh. They were joined by Tehsildar Akhnoor Naresh Kumar, DTI Anayat Ali and the Police team led by local SHO, with support from Traffic Police personnel.
During the enforcement, over 560 vehicles were thoroughly inspected and checked for valid documents and adherence to traffic rules. A total of 86 vehicles were challaned for various violations under the Motor Vehicles Act and 5 vehicles were seized. The total amount of fines expected from the challans stands at ₹1,58,000. Furthermore, eight school buses were challaned for non-installation of CCTV cameras, in violation of standing instructions issued by the Transport Commissioner. The drive aimed to ensure safety on roads and reinforce compliance with traffic norms.
SRINAGAR: In a significant initiative aimed at handholding the economically weaker sections of the society by extending assistance vis-à-vis marrying-off their daughters, J&K Government's Marriage Assistance Scheme has turned out to be a blessing for underprivileged families. This social assistance scheme, implemented by Department of Social Welfare was launched with the objective of providing support for the marriage to those families who are not able to conduct it due to their poor financial condition.
As far as the success of this scheme is concerned, a total number of 14965 cases have been sanctioned in Kashmir division during the year 2024-25 alone with financial assistance granted to beneficiaries amounting to Rs.74,82,50,000. Among these, the residents of Baramulla District have turned out to be most aware of the scheme, with 2472 beneficiaries availing the benefits of the scheme involving assistance of Rs. 12,36,00,000 followed by Anantnag District with 2293 cases worth Rs. 11,46,50,000.
Ganderbal District has figured at the last among all districts in Kashmir division, with only 592 cases registered during 2024-25 and Rs.2,96,00,000 amount sanctioned to the beneficiaries. Under this scheme, Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) or Priority Household (PPH) Ration Card Holder families are eligible to apply for financial assistance for marriage.
The financial assistance under the J&K Marriage Assistance Scheme for poor girls from for the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration card holder families is Rs.75,000 while for Priority Household (PHH) ration card holders the assistance being provided amounts to Rs 50,000.
This is a DBT Scheme through which the amount of financial assistance is directly transferred in the bank account of the beneficiary, ensuring that economically weaker sections receive support for marriage expenses in a smooth manner. Girl beneficiaries whose age is 18 years or more with minimum qualification of 8th Pass or Equivalent are eligible to apply.
Eligible girls can apply for assistance at least one month before the date of marriage. Documents including Date of Birth Certificate, AAY or PHH Ration Card, Adhaar Card and Education Qualification Certificate are needed at the time of applying for financial assistance under the said scheme.
Eligible beneficiaries can apply through Online Application Form available on Jansugam Portal. The intending beneficiaries can also reach the Jammu and Kashmir Social Welfare Department on its Helpline Number:- 0191-2542759 and Helpdesk Email :- socialwelfare.adm@gmail.com for further details about the scheme.
KATHUA: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reiterated that the progress and development of Jammu and Kashmir lies in cooperation between the J&K Government and the Central Government. The Chief Minister made these remarks while jointly inaugurating a new multi-storeyed Municipal Parking Complex in Kathua, alongside Union Minister of State Dr. Jitendra Singh and local representatives.
The event was also attended by the Chairperson of the District Development Council, MLAs of Kathua, Jasrota, Hiranagar and Bani constituencies, Commissioner Secretary of Housing & Urban Development, Deputy Commissioner Kathua and other senior officials.
Addressing a large public gathering following the inauguration, the Chief Minister said, “From here, I want to convey to the people of Jammu and Kashmir that the progress of Jammu and Kashmir lies in the fact that the J&K government and the central government work together for the better future of Jammu and Kashmir.” He emphasized that providing essential services such as clean drinking water, electricity, better roads, healthcare, and education remains the foremost responsibility of his government.
“I assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that we will continue to work in collaboration with the Central Government to ensure a better future for our citizens,” he added. Highlighting the importance of continuity in governance, Omar Abdullah stated, “My priority is to complete the projects already underway and to maintain the ongoing momentum of development.”
He also acknowledged the announcement of a major project by Dr. Jitendra Singh in memory of former Union Minister Arun Jaitley. “I assure the people of Jammu and Kashmir that my government will extend full support to the Union Government to realise this vision. We will build such world-class infrastructure that one day, instead of watching IPL matches on TV, people will watch them live in Jammu and Kashmir.”
Urging citizens to make use of the newly inaugurated facility, he said, “Please use this parking complex—it ensures your vehicle stays clean and safe. Let’s all benefit from this modern infrastructure.”
SRINAGAR: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), Srinagar, has initiated legal action following a verification (SLK-12/2017) prompted by a complaint from the Intizamia Committee of Masjid Shareef, Gagribal Boulevard. The complaint alleged that illegal construction activities by one Iftikhar Sadiq, S/o Rafiq Sadiq, a resident of Gagribal, who is accused of constructing multi-storey hostel buildings on approximately 12 kanals of custodian land at Gagribal, Srinagar.
The verification revealed a criminal conspiracy involving officials from the Lakes and Waterways Development Authority (LAWDA), Town Planning Organization, and Custodian Department. It was found that Iftikhar Sadiq received permission to construct five hostel structures in violation of J&K Building By-Laws of 2011, particularly regarding the minimum land requirement of 3 kanals per hostel for 50 students.
Despite initial permission (NOCs) for only three structures, subsequent permissions were issued for two more in gross violation of regulations. The construction deviated significantly from approved plans, resulting in structures resembling resorts rather than hostels. The case highlights abuse of official positions by several officials, including those from LAWDA and the Custodian Evacuee Property Department, who allegedly colluded with Iftikhar Sadiq for personal financial gains. Based on these findings, FIR No. 08/2025 has been registered at Police Station ACB Srinagar and further investigation has been taken up.
In another case, Anti-Corruption Bureau, (ACB) P/S Srinagar has registered an FIR following a joint surprise check (JSC No. 17/2020) conducted to enquire into the allegations of irregularities and professional misconduct committed during the dredging of the HokerSar Wetland at Narbal. The enquiry conducted has uncovered serious lapses on the part of public officials and a private contractor company, M/S Reach Dredging Limited.
The findings reveal that tenders were invited under NIT No.01 of 2018-19 dated July 7, 2018, for the work and construction of a channel across HokerSar Wetland. The work was allotted in favour of M/S REACH Dredging Ltd. for Rs. 2055.565 lacs by Chief Engineer Irrigation and Flood Control Kashmir with the Provision that no material shall be dumped withing the periphery of HokerSarwar Wetland. Despite major works being executed based on altered parameters through a Letter of Intent (LOI), the work was awarded based on original advertised quantities and costs, with no clarity on dumping sites or the disposal of excavated material.
The findings of the enquiry also revealed that significant variations in transportation leads (ranging from 8 km to 18 km) were clubbed together, allowing undue payments for transportation of excavated material, most of which was allegedly not disposed off as per the NIT. The manipulation of the specifications of work and quantities resulted in financial loss amounting to Rs. 2.29 crores (approx.), to the State Exchequer, excluding royalty and minor mineral costs and further damage to the ecology of the wetland.
Public servants namely Siraj-Ud-Din Shah and Ghulam Ahmad Beigh, the then Executive Engineers Flood Spill Chanal Division of Narbal and Irfan Ahmad Reshi, the then AEE Flood Spill Channel Division Narbal among others, colluded with the contractor company M/S Reach Dredging Limited thereby caused huge loss of funds to the State Exchequer and defeated the purpose for which the dredging in the wetland was initiated.
Based on these findings the FIR No. 07/2025 under sections 5(1)(d) r/w 5(2) of the J&K Prevention of Corruption Act and section 120-B/RPC has been registered and investigation set into motion.
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