SRINAGAR: In order to review the progress in implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-U 2.0) and saturate the process in District, a meeting of the Officers of line departments was today held under the chairmanship of the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat at DC Office Complex, here.
At the outset, DC took a detailed appraisal about the implementation of the PMAY-Urban scheme in the District. He also assessed the status of registration made under the PMAY-U scheme. DC directed the concerned authorities to organize special awareness camps across the district so that all eligible beneficiaries are covered under the scheme. He asked the concerned Officers to undertake a proper demand survey and ensure that not a single genuine beneficiary is left out from the scheme.
He also stressed on maintaining utmost transparency and accountability ensuring timely approval of cases. Dr Bilal further impressed upon the Officers to follow the robust mechanism already put in place to ensure immediate verification of the application as per scheme guidelines. DC asked the SMC and other Departments to maximize the reach of the scheme through mass awareness campaign so that eligible beneficiaries are informed about the scheme and the eligibility criteria to get registered under PMAY-Urban scheme.
The meeting was informed that as many as 325 verified cases stands already forwarded to concerned authorities for release of financial assistance under BLC component of PMAY Urban in favour of the beneficiaries to minimize the physical and financial gap under the scheme, as the target has been already fixed upto 31st of December 2025.
With regard to the physical progress as on March 2025, the meeting was informed that over 3000 houses sanctioned in the District so far under the scheme have been Geo tagged. The construction of as many as 2008 houses stands completed, while 1017 are in the under construction phase. DC was also apprised that an expenditure of Rs 38.03 crores has been disbursed till date under the scheme in the district after following due procedure and multilevel verification.
Besides Additional District Development Commissioner, Rifat Aftab Qureshi, Joint Commissioner SMC, Syed Abul Qasim; the meeting was attended by Assistant Commissioner Development, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, SDM East, Chief Planning Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, District Statistics & Evaluation Officer, all Tehsildars, Lead District Bank Manager, Officers from JK Housing Board and other concerned Departments.
SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute (JKEDI) in collaboration with the Tata Institute of Social Science (TISS) organized an exclusive mentorship programme for the startups of Jammu and Kashmir here.
The mentorship cum interaction session involving renowned experts from the Tata Institute of Social Sciences, Prof. Satyajit Majumdar, Managing Director TISS Incube Foundation and Sujay Dixit, CEO TISS Incube Foundation, was aimed to provide guidance and insight to the J&K startups, thereby handhold them to navigate the challenge of building and sustaining their ventures.
The session offered a unique opportunity for startups of Jammu and Kashmir to benefit from the knowledge and expertise of these distinguished professionals, who have made a mark in academia, social entrepreneurship and startup incubation. The mentoring session provided the participating startups valuable insights into business growth, scalability, innovation, and entrepreneurial best practices guiding them through the challenges and opportunities in their journey.
The session brought together a diverse group of participants including budding entrepreneurs, startup founders and innovators from across the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir and facilitated a direct interaction between the startups and seasoned professionals in social entrepreneurship and incubation, thus inspiring and equipping them to address challenges and seize opportunities in their ventures.
Interacting with the participants, Prof. Majumdar, MD TISS Incube Foundation highlighted the importance of such collaborative initiatives in fostering a robust entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Sujay Dixit, CEO TISS Incube Foundation stressed that mentorship session in collaboration with JKEDI is a part of ongoing efforts of TISS to empower local startups with knowledge, skills and network for their growth.
The session also featured one on one mentoring opportunities where participants submitted their problem statement and experts provided customized solutions to their business needs. The participants expressed enthusiasm about the insights gained in the mentoring session and appreciated the opportunity to engage with the experts from one of the country’s premier institutes.
The mentoring session was coordinated by Centre for Innovation, Incubation and Business Modeling (CIIBM), a program vertical of JKEDI, under the overall supervision of Director JKEDI, Khalid Jahangir.
The mentoring session was part of JKEDI’s continued approach towards building the entrepreneurial ecosystem in the U.T of Jammu and Kashmir, under the auspices of J&K Startup Policy 2024-27.
SRINAGAR: Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) received a written complaint alleging therein that Ayaz Ahmad Hurra, Girdawar, Chatabal, Srinagar who is holding additional charge of Patwari Halqa Habakadal and Halqa Shivpora is demanding ₹50,000 as bribe in lieu of issuance of revenue extracts required for sale deed of an old house located at Mandir Bagh, Srinagar.
As per the complaint, the complainant was forced to pay ₹30,000 a few days ago and remaining ₹20,000 was asked to be paid today in order to receive the requisite documents. The bribe demand was communicated through Lamberdar (tout) Rafiq Ahmad who was acting in connivance with the Girdawar.
Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached ACB Srinagar and submitted a written complaint, requesting legal action against the accused public servants. Upon receipt of the complaint, a pre-trap verification was conducted, which established the demand of bribe, accordingly a Case FIR No.06/2025 U/S 7 PC Act 1988 and 61(2) BNS was registered Police Station ACB Srinagar and investigation was taken up.
During the course of investigation, a trap team was constituted which laid a successful trap and caught the accused public servant Ayaz Ahmad Hurra, Girdwar Chatabal (holding additional charge of Patwari Halaqa Habakadal and Halqa Shivpora Srinagar)red-handed while demanding and accepting ₹20,000 as bribe from the complainant through Mohammad Rafiq Sheikh, Lumberdar.
After completing all Legal formalities, both the accused Public Servants were taken into custody. Further investigation of the instant case is going on.
BHADERWAH: In a significant step towards the development of eco-tourism infrastructure, District Doda’s famous tourism destination Jai Valley added new dimensions to its charm with a newly built Artificial Lake, a Forest Guest House and completion of electrification project. The amenities were inaugurated by District Development Council Chairman Dhananter Singh Kotwal in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh, the other day.
The electrification project executed by electric Division Doda marks a major milestone in improving basic amenities in this picturesque tourist destination of the Chenab Valley. The construction of the artificial Lake project is expected to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the valley and boost the local economy through increased footfall of nature lovers and adventure seekers. The artificial lake is part of the district administration's broader efforts to transform Jai Valley into a premier eco-tourism hotspot in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
Adding to the green initiatives, DDC Chairman Dhananter Singh Kotwal and District Development Commissioner Harvinder Singh also planted lavender saplings at the newly developed lavender nursery in the serene Valley. The nursery will not only promote aromatic plant cultivation but also generate livelihood opportunities for the local population. Lavender farming has been identified as a key component of the Aroma Mission, and the initiative aims to make Doda a leading hub for lavender-based agro-economy.
The event was also attended by DDC Vice Chairperson Sangeeta Rani, Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah Sunil Bhutyal and other officials and stakeholders. The collective efforts of the administration and public representatives reflect a strong commitment to sustainable development, tourism promotion, and environmental conservation in the region.
KISHTWAR: In line with the directions of Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Kumar Shavan, the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) Padder Dr. Amit Kuma on Thursday convened a crucial meeting with hoteliers, paying guest operators, dhaba and restaurant operators and other business stakeholders to review preparedness for the upcoming Shree Machail Mata Yatra 2025.
Speaking at the meeting, the SDM Paddar emphasised the need for maintaining high standards of cleanliness and hygiene in all accommodations and food establishments. The Business owners were directed to ensure clean bedsheets, blankets, and bathrooms for visiting pilgrims. The SDM informed attendees that dedicated sanitation teams would conduct regular inspections to monitor and maintain hygiene standards in and around lodging facilities throughout the Yatra period.
Furthermore, owners of dhabas, restaurants, and retail shops were instructed to strictly adhere to approved rate lists for all items, which must be prominently displayed for customer transparency. The importance of offering courteous service, maintaining proper sanitation, and extending warm hospitality to the devotees was highlighted as key to ensuring a smooth and spiritually fulfilling experience for all pilgrims.
The SDM reiterated that the collective efforts of the local business community will play a vital role in the success of the Shree Machail Mata Yatra 2025 and urged all stakeholders to cooperate fully with the administration in making the Yatra a safe, clean, and memorable journey for all participants.
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