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JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, today chaired a high level meeting to review the mining issues related to NHAI projects besides assessing progress on National Highway projects being executed across J&K.
The meeting was attended by senior officers including Commissioner Secretary Mining Vikramjit Singh, Secretary, Public Works (R&B), Bhupinder Kumar besides representatives from key agencies like the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), Border Roads Organisation (BRO), MoRTH, Project Directors while other officers participated online including RO NHAI, RS Yadav.
The review encompassed critical infrastructure projects especially Delhi-Amritsar-Katra (DAK) Expressway, Srinagar Ring Road, Chenani-Patnitop-Nashri, Jammu-Rajouri and other crucial projects. Emphasising the critical importance of these projects, he issued firm directives to ensure their timely completion while minimising public inconvenience.
Earlier, the representative from NHAI apprised of the issues regarding delay in permissions related to mining, pending permissions at various levels, STPs for ordinary soil and RBM, and supply of material. The Deputy Chief Minister assured that all their concerns are under consideration and shall be dealt prominently to avoid any kind of hindrance to development works.
Meanwhile, raising serious concern over illegal mining, the Deputy Chief Minister exhorted that mining will not be allowed at the cost of environment of J&K. "Saving environment is government's responsibility and we will not allow illegal mining at any cost," he reaffirmed.
The Dy CM directed the concerned officials to initiate strict measures as per law against those involved in illegal mining across J&K. Surinder Choudhary impressed upon the concerned to go tough against the illegal miners. He told them to use the provisions of enforcement measures quite rigorously for putting total end to this illicit practice.
Th Dy CM also asked the executive agencies working on various packages to deposit the penalties first imposed on them by the department to get the incessant supply of material. He assured full cooperation to NHAI from the Government prior to clearance of penalties imposed on executive agencies.
The Deputy CM also reviewed various National Highway projects, examining the individual packages, scheduled completion dates and current progress. He specifically instructed the NHAI to expedite project completion while ensuring that public inconvenience is minimised. Surinder Choudhary emphasized that projects must not be delayed and completed on time to avoid public inconvenience to general public.
In a move to prevent resource-related delays, the Dy CM asked the departmental officials to conduct field visits along with officers from NHAI and ensure that no illegal mining activities are held and hinder the project progress. He asked all the concerned departments and stakeholders to work in tandem and convene regular meetings to resolve issues, if any.
JAMMU: In a decisive step towards enhancing rural infrastructure, the UT Level Standing Committee (UTLSC) meeting was today convened here under the chairmanship of Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, to review and approve critical proposals under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Phase-IV (PMGSY-IV). The meeting besides Principal Secretary, Home; Secretary, PWD; Secretary, Transport; Secretary, Revenue; DG, Budget; Engineer-in-Chief was attended by other concerned officers from the various departments.
The Chief Secretary emphasized upon utilizing this scheme for expanding all-weather rural road connectivity to underserved areas across the Union Territory. He made out that the department should target speedy approval for all the surveyed roads. Dulloo directed the department to prioritise these projects as per the Comprehensive New Connectivity Priority List (CNCPL) so that same receives early nod from the central government. He also advised them to ensure that the far off areas get last-mile connectivity under this flagship scheme.
The newly launched PMGSY-IV initiative, approved by the Ministry of Rural Development, aims to connect rural habitations those are eligible due to increased populations as recorded in the 2011 Census. Spanning from 2024-25 to 2028-29, this phase promises to bridge critical gaps in access to education, healthcare, markets and administrative services by giving them access through construction of all-weather roads.
About the criteria, Secretary, PWD, Bhupinder Kumar, informed that the PMGSY-IV has been structured to ensure inclusivity with population thresholds of 500+ in plains, 250+ in Hilly States/UTs and 100+ in LWE (Left Wing Extremism) affected areas.
He further elaborated that the cluster approach combines habitations within a 500-meter radius (or 1.5 km in hilly terrain) to qualify as a single entity for connectivity. In addition to sensitive border blocks, all habitations within a 10 km path distance are considered a cluster to address strategic and developmental priorities.
It was also revealed that all-weather roads under PMGSY-IV would ensure minimal service disruption with no more than 24 hours of blockage at a time and not exceeding six such instances per year. Roads previously constructed with just Stage-I formation under PMGSY-I, lacking essential pavement layers, will also be completed under the current phase.
Regarding the funding model, it was revealed that the share of Centre would be 90% with 10% UT share. The UT would be responsible for full maintenance for a decade post-construction.
JAMMU: The President of India has appointed Justice Sanjeev Kumar as the acting Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, with effect from April 10, 2025.
This appointment follows the retirement of Justice Tashi Rabstan, the previous Chief Justice, on April 9, 2025. The appointment has been made under Article 223 of the Constitution of India.
JAMMU: A Full Court Reference was held today in the Court Room of the Chief Justice at Jammu Wing of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to bid farewell to Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chief Justice and Justice Puneet Gupta, Judge, on their demitting the office on superannuation.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Justice Sindhu Sharma, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul, Justice Sanjay Dhar, Justice Javed Iqbal Wani, Justice Mohd. Akram Chowdhary, Justice Rahul Bharti, Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Justice Rajesh Sekhri and Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani were present on the occasion. The Full Court reference was also attended by Justice Atul Sreedharan, Judge, High Court of Madhya Pradesh and Former Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh.
The former Judges of the High Court, Chief Secretary, UT of J&K, Principal Secretary to the Government, Home Department, Inspector General of Police, J&K, Secretary Law, Justice, Senior Additional Advocate General, Deputy Solicitor Generals of India, Jammu/Srinagar, President, J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu, Senior Advocates, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Jammu, Chairman, J&K Sales Tax Appellate Tribunal, Judicial Officers and Officers of the Registry of the High Court were also present on the occasion. Besides, officers and officials of the High Court and a large number of advocates had joined from Srinagar Wing of the High Court virtually.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar, in his farewell address, described both Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Puneet Gupta, kind hearted persons having great qualities of head and heart. He added that Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Puneet were always in tireless search for delivering justice and delivered number of landmark judgments which will be of remarkable help and guidance.
Acknowledging their years of service and the impact on judiciary, Justice Sanjeev Kumar said that their joined the judiciary with a sense of purpose, bringing with them a steadfast commitment to justice, a deep understanding of law and an unwavering dedication to fairness. He expressed heartfelt appreciation to Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Puneet Gupta for their exemplary services and contributions to the High Court of J&K and Ladakh.
Monika Kohli, Senior Additional Advocate General in her farewell address lauded the role of Justice Tashi Rabstan, for his dedication and commitment both on judicial and administrative side. She said that his tenure as the Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, though brief, has been marked by judicial prudence, a keen sense of justice and a commitment towards upholding the rule of law.
She appreciated the services of Justice Tashi Rabstan for ensuring access to justice for all particularly the poor and downtrodden. She added that His Lordship displayed exceptional calibre during his tenure as a Judge and then as the Chief Justice of this Court.
Monika Kohli praised Justice Puneet Gupta, describing His Lordship as a gentleman par excellence, who demonstrated dedication and commitment to his professional responsibilities and highlighted kindness and valuable contributions to the institutional growth. She further added that Justice Puneet gupta demonstrated the positive approach and respect towards the Members of the Bar.
Nirmal Kotwal, President, J&K High Court Bar Association, Jammu in his farewell address, lauded the role of Justice Tashi Rabstan for his commitment towards upholding the law and ensuring justice. His contributions to the judiciary are valued and appreciated, reflecting his hard work and expertise. He added that His Lordship displayed exceptional calibre during his tenure as Judge and then as Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh. He also highlighted the generosity of His Lordship towards the Members of the Bar.
He also praised Justice Puneet Gupta highlighting the exceptional qualities of His Lordship as Judge of the High Court. He said that His Lordship demonstrated a remarkable commitment towards upholding justice and fairness. He further added that Justice Puneet Gupta was known for his simplicity and brilliance in work.
Justice Tashi Rabstan, in response to his farewell addresses, thanked one and all including Judges of High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Officers of the Registry and Judicial Officers for their undaunted professional commitment and the support extended to him during his tenure in the High Court of J&K and Ladakh.
He said that he is overwhelmed by the warmth and affection shown to him by one and all. He also appreciated the talent of the Members of J&K Bar for their knowledge of Law and Professional competence. He also thanked his personal staff for their support and cooperation.
Justice Puneet Gupta, in response to the farewell addresses, expressed deep gratitude to the Bar and Bench, acknowledging the support of his colleagues, court staff and members of the legal fraternity. He said that no Judge can dispense real justice without the cooperation from the Bar and the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir & Ladakh.
He also appreciated the talent of the Advocates of UTs of J&K and Ladakh for their ability and knowledge of Law. He said that he is overwhelmed by the warmth and affection shown to him by all.
RAJOURI: In a major crackdown on traffic violators, Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Rajesh Gupta has seized 16 vehicles and challaned 51 others in past 3 days for plying without Fitness Certificates and other serious violations. A fine of Rs. 1.72 lakh was also recovered on the spot. The enforcement drive was launched on the directions of the Transport Commissioner J&K Vishesh Paul Mahajan and Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma with a special focus on ensuring road safety and compliance with transport regulations.
In addition to the enforcement action, the enforcement team also conducted a comprehensive audit of school buses operating in the district. The audit aimed to ensure that all school transport vehicles adhere to safety norms and are properly documented in terms of fitness, insurance, permits, and driver credentials.
The ARTO Rajouri stated that such drives will continue to promote safe and disciplined driving practices and to curb violations that endanger public safety. The district administration has urged vehicle owners and transport operators to ensure compliance with all legal requirements and cooperate with the enforcement teams.
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