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JAMMU: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA), Science Technology and Transport Departments, Satish Sharma, today called for 100 percent digitization of Archives records in Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister was speaking as a chief guest at the inaugural session of two day 49th meeting of the National Committee of Archives commenced today at the Convention Centre, Jammu.
Speaking at the occasion, the Minister appreciated the remarkable progress being made in the areas of digital preservation of all Archives and cultural heritage in Jammu and Kashmir. He said that the ongoing efforts to digitize archival records, at both Srinagar and Jammu repository, is a great milestone and a significant step towards safeguarding J&K’s invaluable history.
“ These initiatives not only preserve our cultural identity but also make historical data accessible to students, researchers and institutions across the country and beyond,” maintained the Minister. He said that successful hosting of photographic and art exhibitions in New Delhi and the upcoming events in Jammu and Srinagar, are reflective of our growing emphasis on modernizing cultural capacity and embracing innovative preservation techniques. These platforms not only celebrate our heritage but also foster educational awareness and cultural pride among citizens, he added.
He called for 100 percent digitization of all the records and stressed on completion of pending digitization work in shortest span of time period. He emphasized upon all the departments and stakeholders for their collaborative spirit and commitment towards this digitalization project. “The Government of Jammu and Kashmir fully supports these efforts, which align with our broader vision of inclusive growth, heritage preservation and digital transformation,” he said.
The Minister, who also inaugurated an archival exhibition showcasing rare records and documents, stressed the need for support in archival management. The 49th Meeting of the National Committee of Archivists witnessed participation from representatives of around 20 States and Union Territories. The event started with the lighting of lamp ceremony followed by an online inaugural speech by Minister for Culture of India, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat. He encouraged the J&K Government for its endeavours towards preservation of it rich history and heritage.
Arun Singhal, Director General, National Archives of India; Brij Mohan Sharma, IFS, Principal Secretary to Government, Culture Department; Kuldeep Krishan Sidha, Director Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K and Raju Singh, I/c Deputy Director Archives, New Delhi were also present on the occasion. The meeting is being jointly organised by National Archives of India and Directorate of Archives, Archaeology & Museums, J&K.
Arun Singhal, Director General, National Archives of India (NAI), was the guest of honour. The session witnessed release of several initiatives aimed at enhancing public access to archival resources. These included launch of NAI publications meant for common masses, unveiling of Abhilekh Patal Version 3 and introducing Abhishree, an AI-based search tool designed to refine user accessibility.
In his address, Arun Singhal emphasized the critical role of archives in preserving the historical and cultural fabric of the nation. The second half of the day witnessed the Business Session which commenced with a detailed presentation of Abhilekh Patal V3, focused on enhancing user experience through an improved interface and accessibility. The newly introduced AI tool Abhishree was highlighted as a game-changing addition, designed to simplify and personalize archival research.
The meeting proceeded with discussions on a ten-point agenda. These included review of the action taken report on digitization, infrastructure concerns such as the condition of buildings and the need for round-the-clock temperature and humidity control and crucial conservation efforts like anti-termite treatments and compactor installations.
An insightful presentation was delivered by Kalpana Shukla, Consultant, on the checklist for visual inspection of records at field offices. This was followed by a presentation by the West Bengal State Archives, detailing the challenges they encountered in the preparation of documentary films.
JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, convened a comprehensive meeting to review the functioning of Labour and Employment department, here today. Secretary Labour and Employment, Rajiv Ranjan, Labour Commissioner, Charandeep Singh, Deputy Labour Commissioner, Assistant Labour Commissioners of Jammu division and other officers were present during the meeting.
The Department gave a power point presentation highlighting its progress and achievements under various schemes. He apprised that the department intents to establish 1.5 lakh nano entrepreneurships which are under Rs 10 lakh and need no collateral from the applicant as overall budget for Mission YUVA is Rs 1830 crore. The Dy CM had district wise review of all the schemes besides assessing the hindrances in desirable outcomes of the initiatives.
The Dy CM, while highlighting the need for creating awareness about various labour welfare schemes being implemented by the Government, said that the same will help in ensuring the benefit percolates to the targeted population. He asked the officers to regularly hold awareness camps so that the information about the benefits of different schemes is properly disseminated. “The officers should ensure that these camps are holistic, so that massive participation of stakeholders is ensured”, he maintained.
He asked the concerned officials to motivate the individuals and create supportive environment for all businesses to thrive besides focusing on capacity building. Surinder Choudhary reiterated government's commitment to establish J&K as a thriving hub of enterprises and holistic employment by fostering entrepreneurship culture. "Government's prime focus is on boosting entrepreneurship and employment," he added.
He also directed for undertaking regular inspection of various business establishments so that the welfare of workers is ensured. He said that there should be no laxity whenever a violation is observed. He asked the officers to conduct regular inspections of Industrial Estates, Hotels, Factories and other business establishments to gather feedback on production units besides the facilities and working conditions of human resource engaged there.
Later, the Deputy Chief Minister met several deputations who projected their issues and sought redressal of the same Surinder Choudhary assured them that the Government would ensure time bound redressal of their issues.
JAMMU: Jammu and Kashmir Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) registered a case FIR No. 02/2025 u/s 5(1)(d) r/w Section 5(2) of J&K Prevention of Corruption Act, Samvat 2006 and 120-B, RPC at Police Station ACB Jammu against Brij Bhushan Sharma, then MD, J&K Cooperative Housing Corporation Ltd (ii) Sewa Ram, then I/C Accounts Section J&K Cooperative Housing Corporation Ltd (iii) Bharat Bhushan, then MD, J&K Cooperative Housing Corporation Ltd. & others.
The instant case was registered on the basis of a verification. The verification conducted by this Bureau revealed that the then MD of J&K Housing Corporation namely Brij Bhushan Sharma, who was superannuated from services on 30.06.2006, obtained total loan of Rs. 23 lakhs from J&K Cooperative Housing Corporation, without following specified procedure/approval and without any further mortgage/any supplementary deeds thereby abused their official positions.
Verification further revealed that as per Board of Directors decision dated 01.03.2006 for extending pension benefit to said Brij Bhushan Sharma Ex. MD, it was decided that Rs. 15 lakhs will be deposited with the post office as pension fund out of which 50% contribution will be made by J&K Cooperative Housing Corporation and 50% contribution by him. The 50% share (i.e., Rs. 7.50 lakhs) to be paid by him was to be released in his favour by the Corporation which was to be refunded by him from his retirement dues. Only Rs. 1.50 lakhs stands recovered/deposited by him during the year 2022-23. Apart from, no effective steps have been taken by present Managing Director of Corporation to recover the balance amount from his monthly pension dues.
As per housing loan of Rs 23 lakhs drawn from time to time and repayment made by Brij Bhushan Sharma, Ex. MD, an amount of Rs 36,40,375.50 alongwith interest as on 31.03.2023 is still outstanding against him. Further, regarding the Advance of Rs 7.50 lakhs drawn by him against pension scheme, an amount of Rs 18,99,266 alongwith interest as on 31.03.2023 is still outstanding against him.
The probe conducted further revealed that Bharat Bhushan, present Managing Director of J&K Cooperative Housing Corporation Ltd. who took charge after retirement of Brij Bhushan, Ex. Managing Director in the year 2006 did not take any effective steps/legal action to recover the amount drawn by Brij Bhushan, thereby shown criminal silence on his part.
The concerned officers/officials in league with beneficiary facilitated the drawl of housing loan without following specified procedure as well as maintained criminal silence by violating corporation rules and did not take necessary steps as envisaged to recover the long pending dues including housing loan and pension advance from the defaulter, as a result of which a loss to the tune of Rs. 55,39,641.50 (including interest) has been caused to Government exchequer.
Further investigation of the instant case is going on.
JAMMU: In a major stride towards enhancing student welfare and strengthening digital infrastructure, the University of Jammu has successfully extended high-speed internet connectivity to all boys’ and girls’ hostels on campus. The facility was formally inaugurated today by Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Rai congratulated the students and lauded their proactive involvement in hostel management. He especially appreciated the active participation of the residents of the Girls’ Hostels, commending their sense of responsibility and commitment towards creating a better campus environment.
Prof. Rai emphasized that internet connectivity had been a long-standing demand of the students, and expressed satisfaction that the University has prioritized student welfare by swiftly addressing this need. He also praised Dr. Guneet Singh Sudan, Director, Centre for IT Enabled Services and Management, for the efficient and timely execution of the project, which enabled seamless internet access across all hostels.
The project involved the installation of over 1100 LAN points across various locations on campus, at a total cost of approximately ₹2.5 crore. The hostels benefitting from this initiative include Priyadarshini and Sarojini Naidu Girls Hostels, and Baba Jitto, Vivekananda, and Jambu Lochan Boys Hostels. Additionally, high-speed internet connectivity has been extended to the General Zorawar Singh Auditorium Complex, Tawi and Chenab Guest Houses, Health Centre, and the Departments of Education, Sociology, and the Centre for IT.
Specifically, Vivekananda Boys Hostel has been equipped with 144 LAN points, Baba Jitto Boys Hostel with 141 points, and Jambu Lochan Boys Hostel with 127 points. Among the girls’ hostels, Priyadarshini Girls Hostel now has 256 points, while Sarojini Naidu Girls Hostel has 195 points. Other locations such as the Zorawar Singh Auditorium, Tawi and Chenab Guest Houses, and the Centre for IT Admin Block-1 have also been upgraded, ensuring comprehensive internet coverage across the campus.
Reiterating the University’s commitment to providing world-class facilities, Prof. Rai assured the students that their suggestions and feedback are being actively considered. He also informed them about ongoing efforts to strengthen the University's electrical infrastructure to meet the growing demand for enhanced heating and cooling facilities. As an interim measure, additional coolers have already been provided to the hostels, he added.
Earlier, Dr. Shashi Manhas, Provost Girls’ Hostel, welcomed the dignitaries and students. Among others present on the occasion included Prof. Anju Bhasin Dean Academic Affairs, Prof Meena Sharma, Dean Planning and Development, Prof. Neelu Rohmetra, Dean Research Studies, Prof. Rajeev Rattan, Director Colleges Development, Dr. Lalit Sen Gupta, Provost Boys’ Hostel, Er. Jaswinder Kour, Narinder Anthal resident wardens, scholars and students.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Guneet Sudan sensitized students on the responsible and secure use of internet facilities, encouraging them to leverage technology for their academic and personal development. The event concluded with a Vote of Thanks proposed by Dr. Nitin, Faculty of Law. The proceedings of the event were conducted by Dr. Chinmoye Maharana.
SRINAGAR: In order to ensure top notch facilities for Yatris during the forthcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra (SANJY) 2025, Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Vijay Kumar Bidhuri on Friday convened a meeting to review the action plan of works of line departments and concerned district administrations.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar, Budgam, Anantnag, Bandipora & Ganderbal besides Director Tourism, Director Health Services Kashmir, Director ULB, Director CAPD, Labour Commissioner, Chief Engineers of R&B, KPDCL; officers of SMC, Information, PHE, I&FC, Ayush, Pahalgam Development Authority, Sonmarg Development Authority, etc.
Addressing the meeting, Div Com directed Departments to submit action plans for SANJY-25 urgently, and initiate the process of floating of tenders so that the works shall be completed within the stipulated time. Keeping in view the railway connectivity, Div Com directed Deputy Commissioners for creating temporary additional facilities at Railway Station Anantnag and Budgam to accommodate and ferry pilgrims.
He urged departments including Health, KPDCL and PHE to frame work plans for these stations also to ensure smooth delivery of respective services. He instructed the Director Tourism to make the accommodation of the department at Budgam Railway station available to district administration for utilization during yatra.
Div Com enjoined DC Anantnag for creating the facilities of appropriate number of RFID registration counters in the district. He also urged DCs for keeping funds for unforeseen exigencies to address issues urgently and efficiently.
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