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JAMMU: The University of Jammu (JU) today celebrated a proud moment as its High Energy Physics (HEP) Group from the Department of Physics was recognized as part of the international team awarded the Breakthrough Prize 2025 in Fundamental Physics — referred to as the "Oscars of Science." Showcasing this yet another achievement, a special media interaction was organized at the University, with the High Energy Physics Group sharing insights into their contribution to CERN’s ALICE experiment and the broader impact of the work.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, congratulated Prof Anju Bhasin and her team for their outstanding achievement, calling it a matter of great pride not just for the University but for the nation.
"It is a breakthrough prize for this group, and a tremendous honor for the entire institution and the country that the University of Jammu’s significant contributions have been recognized internationally," said while acknowledging the team's work in the development of detectors, detector control systems, data analysis, and applications in sectors such as medicine and automobiles, noting that these technologies are already being utilized. Prof Rai emphasized that such global collaborations provide invaluable exposure to students , scholars and faculty, opening up new frontiers of research and innovation.
Dwelling in detail the University's unique distinction, Prof Rai said that the University of Jammu stands as the sole institution from Jammu and Kashmir to be associated with this prestigious international collaboration. This achievement has not only enhanced our national presence but has also significantly contributed to building our global footprint,he added.
Prof. Anju Bhasin, who led the High Energy Physics Group at the University, spoke about the University’s role in the prestigious ALICE collaboration at CERN. She highlighted that the University’s contribution, particularly the design and development of the Photon Multiplicity Detector (PMD), has been vital in the study of Quark-Gluon Plasma (QGP) — a state of matter believed to have existed moments after the Big Bang.
Prof. Bhasin also said that this milestone opens new avenues beyond fundamental research. “The skills developed through our work, such as in advanced detector technology, big data analytics, electronics, and high-performance computing, are highly transferable," she said, adding that the expertise gained has applications in medical imaging, nuclear safety, and information technology, making the research highly relevant to societal needs.
The Breakthrough Prize honors thousands of researchers from over 70 countries representing four major experimental collaborations at CERN’s Large Hadron Collider (LHC) — ATLAS, CMS, ALICE, and LHCb. The $3 million prize was awarded for investigations into the properties of the hottest and densest matter created in laboratory conditions.
At the University of Jammu, the ALICE team headed by Prof. Anju Bhasin, comprise Prof. Sanjeev Singh Sambyal, Prof. Ramni Gupta, Er. Anik Gupta (Scientist 'G'), Dr. Rajendra Patra, Er. Sanjay Mahajan, and Dr. Renu Bala (Project Scientist). Six faculty members, one postdoctoral researcher, and several research scholars from the University are actively engaged in the ALICE experiment.
The HEP Group has made valuable contributions across detector hardware development, simulation, data-taking, and physics analysis. The successful fabrication of the PMD at the University’s High Energy Physics Laboratory stands as a symbol of indigenous scientific excellence. The Breakthrough Prize will further support the ALICE collaboration by providing research grants to doctoral students from member institutes, allowing them to undertake research at CERN and gain invaluable hands-on experience.
The Vice Chancellor, Prof Anju Bhasin and other members of the HEP Group replied in detail the information sought by the media persons. Among others present during the Media Interaction included Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, Prof. Arun Bharti, Head Department of Physics, Prof. S. S. Sambyal, Er Anik Gupta, Er. Sanjay Mahajan.
JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau registered a case FIR No. 03/2025 u/s 5(1)(d) r/w Section 5(2) of J&K PC Act, Svt. 2006 & 120-B, RPC at Police Station ACB Jammu against revenue officer/official namely Tarsem Lal, then Tehsildar Vijaypur and Zassin Malik then Patwari, Patwar Halqa Gurha Slathia as well as beneficiary namely Rameshwar Singh and others.
The instant case was registered on the outcome of a verification conducted by Anti-Corruption Bureau into the allegations that the concerned revenue officer/official, attested illegal mutation no. 1102 (Sehat Kasht Indraj Girdawari) of Village Rajinder Singh Pura, Tehsil Vijaypur, in favour of Rameshwar Singh as tenant (Gair Maroosi), for land measuring 81 Kanals 19 marlas, contrary to the provisions of Agrarian Reforms Act 1976 and guidelines notified in the circulars/notifications by the Govt. pertaining to the protection of state land besides procedure adopted in the proprietary land etc.
During verification, it surfaced that the land in some khasra numbers is recorded as state land, but instead of evicting encroacher from state land, the same has been entered in mutation No. 1102 (Sehat Kasht Indraj Girdawari) in order to confer undue benefit to beneficiary. Similarly, the land in some Khasra numbers is recorded as proprietary land but as per Jamabandi of 1995-96, the said land in same Khasra numbers are recorded as state land, whereas in mutation no. 1102 dated 06.04.2015 (Sehat Kasht Indraj Girdawari), the land of one Khasra number is entered as proprietary land, the land in other two Khasra numbers is entered as state land. The concerned Patwari has not mentioned these facts in his report in the mutation report in question.
The mutation in question has also been set aside by Divisional Commissioner Jammu to the extent of illegal entries made in respect of state land with further direction for correction of same thereby authenticated the violations made by concerned revenue officer/official in this regard by conferring undue benefits to the beneficiary.
Further investigation of the instant case is going on.
JAMMU: Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB ) produced charge sheet before the Hon’ble Court of Special Judge, Anti-Corruption Srinagar in Case FIR No. 18/2009 under Section 5(1)(d) r/w 5(2) of J&K PC Act Svt. 2006 and Section 120-B,467,468,471 RPC against 22 accused persons including 02 Collectors of LAWDA, 04 other public servants(now retired) and 16 beneficiaries.
The instant case was registered on the basis of outcome of a Joint Surprise Check (JSC) conducted by ACB into the allegation of abuse of official position by the officers/officials of Rukhs and Farms department Kashmir by way of making insertions and tampering with the Revenue records which led to the subsequent drawl of fraudulent payments against the excess State land and shown allotted to Kamas (Tenants) at Rakh-e-Aerth Budgam.
During JSC conducted into compensation payments made for the rehabilitation of Dal dwellers under Govt. order No. 56-Rev(S) of 2006, it was revealed that the officials of Revenue and Agriculture department conspired with certain beneficiaries (Kamas/tenants) to fraudulently inflate land records to claim excess compensation. These officials abused their positions to show excessive land possession in favour of beneficiaries leading to undue payments and losses to the state exchequer.
The officials of Rakhs and Farms in connivance with officials of LAWDA and Revenue Department through tampering/insertions in revenue records and managed to inflate the quantum of land in possession of tenants (Kamas). Through fraudulent mutations, the land in possession was shown as 60 kanals instead of 6 kanals under Khasra No. 1692, 40 kanals instead of 4 kanals under Khasra No. 1666/750 and 07kanal-10 Marlas instead of 2 kanals under Khasra No. 1736.
Due to the inflated quantity of land the excessive payment to the Kamas/tenants was 38.20 lakhs and in this way, the officials misused the official position and the losses were incurred against State Exchequer. A case FIR No. 18/2009 was accordingly registered under J&K PC Act Svt. 2006 read with 120-B RPC in ACB Srinagar for further investigation.
After registration of Case FIR No. 18/2009 in P/S ACB Srinagar Kashmir, the investigation of the case was concluded as Proved and after the accord of Govt. sanction for launching prosecution against the following 22 accused persons including the then 02 Collectors of LAWDA, 04 other public servants and 16 beneficiaries, the challan of the case was produced before the Hon’ble court of Special Anti-Corruption Judge Srinagar on 12.04.2025 for Judicial determination:
1. Abdul Majid Akhtar S/O Abdul Ahad Akhtar R/o Saraiballa Srinagar A/P Chanapora Srinagar, the then Patwari Rakhs & Farms (now retired).
2. Zaffar Ahmad Hakak S/O Gh. Ahmad Hakak R/O DokaniSangeenFatehkadal, Srinagar (Now Habib Colony Baghat Barzulla Srinagar), the then Assistant Director Rakhs & Farms Department (now retired).
3. Manzoor Ahmad Rather S/O Gh. Hassan Rather R/O Dehrana Dooru District Anantnag (Senior Circle Inspector) Rakhs and Farms Department (now retired).
4. Ali Mohd Wani S/O Abdul Gani Wani R/O HabbakNaseembagh Hazratbal Srinagar, the then Girdawar Rakhs & Farms Kashmir (now retired).
5. Hafiz-ullah Shah S/O Peer Gh. Mohd Shah R/O Khiagam Pulwama, the then Collector LAWDA (now retired).
6. Mohd Hussain Mir S/O Qasim Ali Mir R/O S.K. Colony Sector 3rdQamarwari Srinagar, the then Collector LAWDA (now retired).
7. Aga Syed Mussa S/O Aga Syed Hussain R/O Budgam.
8. Aga Syed Aqueel S/O Aga Syed Hussain R/O Budgam.
9. Aga Syed Mohsin S/O Aga Syed Mustafa R/O Budgam.
10. Aga Syed Ali S/O Aga Syed Mustafa R/O Budgam.
11. Aga Syed Hassan S/O Aga Syed Mustafa R/O Budgam.
12. Aga Syed Ahmad S/O Aga Syed Mustafa R/O Budgam.
13. Aga Syed Rohullah S/O Aga Syed Mehdi R/O Budgam.
14. Mohd Sadiq Wani S/O Hassan Wani R/O Durbal,Bemina.
15. Mohd Talib Wani S/O Hassan Wani R/O Durbal,Bemina.
16. Ali Mohd Wani S/O Hassan Wani R/O DurbalBemina.
17. Gh. Hussain Wani S/O Hassan Wani R/O DurbalBemina.
18. Abdul Rahim Wani S/O Hassan Wani R/O DurbalBemina.
19. Hyder Ali Wani S/O Hassan Wani R/O DurbalBemina.
20. Nazir Ahmad Wani S/O Gh. Ahmad R/O DurbalBemina.
21. Gh. Rasool Wani S/O Gh. Ahmad Wani R/O DurbalBemina.
22. Ahamadullah Dar S/O Gh. Mohd Dar R/O KoliporaBemina (expired).
JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired the 13th UT Level NCORD (Narcotics Coordination) meeting to review progress on tackling drug trafficking and abuse across Jammu & Kashmir. The meeting highlighted key achievements, ongoing challenges and future strategies to curb the menace of narcotics in the region.
During the meeting, the Chief Secretary gave a set of comprehensive directions aimed at tightening the enforcement and judicial mechanisms under the NDPS (Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances) Act. He underscored the urgent need to adopt a multi-pronged strategy combining strict law enforcement, judicial efficiency and community awareness to successfully deal with this menace.
In a significant decision, the Chief Secretary asked for constitution of District Monitoring Committees in each district of the UT. These committees, to be headed by the respective Deputy Commissioners, with SSPs and Public Prosecutors as members, will be responsible for regularly monitoring the status of NDPS cases. They will specifically focus on long-pending cases and facilitate their speedy trial and disposal, he added. He also directed that a police station-wise review of all NDPS cases be carried out regularly to strengthen the quality of prosecution and enhance conviction rates.
The Chief Secretary also took stock of various FIRs registered years ago in different police stations that remain pending for final disposal. He asked the Deputy Commissioners and SSPs to personally monitor the progress on such cases and ensure investigations are concluded without any further delay.
The Chief Secretary raised concerns over underutilization of court time in handling NDPS cases, often due to gaps in the investigation process. He emphasized the need to identify these lacunae and hold officials accountable, particularly in instances where defective charge sheets (challans) delay or derail the judicial process. He asked the Police Department to closely examine whether procedural delays or poor-quality investigations were causing bail or acquittals, especially in serious cases involving commercial quantities of narcotics.
Recognizing the evolving nature of drug trafficking networks, Dulloo called for strengthening the intelligence-gathering mechanism to identify and apprehend key players involved in the drug trade. He advised the Police Department to utilize its intelligence network effectively to detect patterns, identify repeat offenders, and track supply chains.
In cases involving habitual or organized drug traffickers, he suggested invoking the provisions related to organized crime or Sec 346 of BNSS to effectively dismantle syndicates and create a strong deterrent in the society against drug trade.
The Chief Secretary expressed concern over the vulnerability of border districts to cross-border drug smuggling, particularly from neighbouring regions. He directed the concerned authorities to maintain heightened vigil in these areas and increase surveillance activities with several other measures to detect the involvement of locals in this illicit trade.
Dulloo also instructed that unauthorized drug de-addiction centres be identified and penalized heavily for violating norms. Additionally, he emphasized strict monitoring of chemist shops to ensure that no contraband substances are sold without valid prescription or authorization.
Highlighting the delays in trial due to pending forensic reports, Dulloo instructed the Forensic Science Laboratory to expedite the analysis and reporting of samples collected under NDPS cases. He asserted that early submission of forensic evidence plays a pivotal role in the timely conclusion of trials.
Reiterating the importance of community engagement, Dulloo called for continuous IEC (Information, Education, and Communication) campaigns to raise awareness among the masses, particularly the youth, about the harmful effects of drug abuse. He said such campaigns must reach even the remotest corners of the UT to prevent young people from falling prey to this life-destroying menace.
While speaking in the meeting, Director General of Police, Nalin Prabhat, emphasized upon adopting if ‘whole if government approach’ to successfully nip this evil from the society. He made out that the law enforcement agencies can not be successful without the active support of other government departments and responsible citizens.
In his remarks, Principal Secretary Home, Chandraker Bharti, made out that the quality of investigation can further be improved to further increase conviction rates. He also favours making of appeals in genuine cases and handing over of big value cases to NCB/ED for more professional investigation and better outcomes.
The DG, Prosecution and ADGP, CID along with othef senior officers including Divisional Commissioners, IGP, Kashmir/Jammu also gave their viewpoints to curb this menace in a more efficient manner. Some of the Deputy Commissioners/District SSPs also made their presentations highlighting the action taken by them to get rid off this drug abuse in their districts.
The meeting noted that enforcement agencies have registered significant cases and arrests over the past two years with some 1,514 cases registered in 2024 and 2,260 arrests made and 274 detentions under the NDPS Act.
For the first Quarter of 2025 (Jan-Mar), it was added that 464 cases had been registered till date with 637 arrests and 76 detentions, with 31 cases involving commercial quantities the properties of drug dealers worth Rs 12 Cr stands attached by the authorities.
Regarding the destruction of illicit crops and conduct of awareness programs, the meeting was informed that in 2023-2024, poppy cultivation on 273 acres of poppy and cannabis on 1,642 acres was destroyed. In addition, over 1,903 programmes on public awareness conducted across the districts, with Kupwara/Handwara leading at 347 events.
As far as the training and fixing of accountability is concerned, it was revealed that 195 training sessions were conducted since 2022, training 4,267 officers. It was further divulged that 27 departmental inquiries were initiated in 2024 against the IOs, with 16 punishments awarded including censures and withheld increments.
About the treatment facilities, the meeting was apprised that around 20 Addiction Treatment Facilities are functional across the UT (11 in Kashmir, 9 in Jammu). It was given out that 2,332 new patients were registered, with 77,382 follow-up visits recorded for the first quarter of 2025 in these treatment centres.
Besides, the Police and Social Welfare Departments run facilities reported 1,762 fresh OPD cases and 450 IPD admissions in 2024. Moreover, the IPD services will be expanded in districts like Kulgam, Shopian, Pulwama and Ganderbal shortly as the manpower is being trained for the same.
With respect to the regulatory actions against lenient pharmacies, the meeting was apprised that 22,379 licenses reviewed with 73 suspended and 4 cancelled in 2025.
The Housing & Urban Development and Rural Development Departments are further going to intensify awareness through wall paintings and hoardings to create awareness among the general public about the ill effects of drug abuse in nook and corner of the UT, informed in the meeting.
JAMMU: The Higher Education Department today convened a high level meeting in the Civil Secretariat, Srinagar, under the chairmanship of Shantmanu, Additional Chief Secretary, Education.
The meeting was attended by Director Colleges, Higher Education Department, Deans of Academic Affairs and Registrars from the University of Kashmir, University of Jammu, Cluster University Jammu and Cluster University Srinagar besides Principals of autonomous colleges, Government College for Women, Parade Jammu, GDC Baramulla and Islamia College of Science and Commerce, Srinagar.
The deliberations centered on critical issues pertaining to undergraduate admissions for the upcoming 2025-26 academic year and crucial progression of students to the 4th year under the transformative National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 besides other NEP related initiatives.
The meeting took several decisions aimed to smoothen the admission process for upcoming UG 2025-26 admissions. It was decided that the Universities across the Union Territory will formulate and implement statutory provisions by the end of this month, facilitating lateral entry for eligible polytechnic students into the 2nd year (3rd semester) of Four Year Undergraduate Program of Degree Colleges.
It was decided that admissions would continue to be granted through both CUET and non-CUET modes, aligning with established practices. However, timelines will be thoroughly reviewed and optimized to ensure greater student convenience and accessibility. In order to optimize the process, Director Colleges will coordinate and oversee the admission process, working in close liaison with the universities to ensure strict adherence to stipulated timelines.
All the universities are mandated to establish statutory mechanisms and guidelines as provisioned under NEP 2020 for multiple exit options at the end of the 1st and 2nd year, providing students with greater portability. Besides, the Universities shall come up with an implementation plan in terms of requirement of additional credits for award of Certificate or Diploma.
It was further decided that the Director Colleges, Higher Education Department, will undertake a reclassification of colleges based on admission grant criteria on CUET or NON -CUET, pre informing students and institutions, so that aspirants seek admissions without any ambiguity.
The ACS asked for ensuring that the admission process is completed well within the time to ensure adherence to the academic calendar. He said that the admissions should be centralized at the directorate level, instructing the Director Colleges to start the process of developing a robust centralized admission system.
The meeting also took decisions regarding progression of students to 4th Year of NEP in Honours and Research Mode and finalisation of the statuary provisions by the Universities for admission to 4th year under the Honours and Honours with Research programs. The exercise is to be completed by the month end to ensure smooth transition to 4th Year for enrolled students.
It was decided that the transition to the 4th year will be implemented in a phased and calibrated manner. The students will be duly informed about the modalities of transfer from various degree colleges to facilitate their pursuit of quality research and Honors programs. It was clarified that 4th Year programs will be offered at selected institutions, necessitating the student mobility across institutions.
The ACS instructed the Universities to finalise statutory provisions without delay to facilitate the identification and offering of courses through the SWAYAM platform, thereby enhancing credit transferability and providing students with greater academic flexibility. An Action Taken Report, in this regard, will be submitted by the HEIs to the Higher Education Department by the month end, he added.
He affirmed the department's commitment towards coordinating with the National Testing Agency (NTA) at the highest level, to ensure that CUET examination is conducted with an increased number of centers within the UT with enhanced facilities.
Shantmanu reiterated that the Higher Education Department is committed towards taking all necessary steps to facilitate the smooth and effective implementation of NEP 2020 and to continuously improve the quality of higher education in Jammu and Kashmir. He appreciated the role of Universities in implementation of NEP for the undergraduate students.
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