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SRINAGAR: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today chaired a meeting to review the performance and functioning of Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE). The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Education and Chairman JKBOSE, Shantamanu; Director School Education Jammu /Kashmir, Special Secretary School Education department, Secretary JKBOSE and other concerned officers.

The Minister evaluated key operational aspects of JKBOSE like examination processes, curriculum implementation and other IT interventions. She emphasized on strengthening board’s infrastructure and streamlining administrative mechanisms to ensure smooth academic operations and other related activities of the board. She urged the JKBOSE to incorporate advanced technological solutions for better accessibility and efficiency in the working of Board. She also underlined the necessity of timely syllabus updates, improved teacher training programs and student-centric policies to meet the evolving educational needs.

She directed the officers to declare the results of 10th, 11th and 12th classes by the end of this month so that they can join next classes without loss of any academic activities. She called upon both the Directors to collaborate with JKBOSE for holistic development of education sector across J&K. Highlighting the need for robust and student-friendly educational framework across Jammu and Kashmir, Sakeena Itoo emphasized on continuous stakeholder engagement and proactive measures to uplift academic standards across the region.

While reviewing other measures of JKBOSE, including Equitable and Inclusive Education facility for Divyang and Children With Special Needs (CWSN), the Minister called upon both the Directors and JKBOSE authorities to create maximum awareness among these specially abled students about benefits being provided to them.

These included flexibility in academics and assessment, exemption in exam fee for CWSN with 40% or more disability of permanent nature, relaxation of 5% in pass percentage in 10th to 12th class Board examination and others. She asked them to organise regular awareness camps, involving PRIs and other tools like mass media for maximising awareness among the target group.

During the meeting, Secretary JKBOSE gave a detailed presentation on functioning of the board. She also informed the Minister about various IT interventions launched by the board for facilitation of students.

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JAMMU: District Magistrate Sachin Kumar Vaishya today chaired a meeting of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and issued a string of directives aimed at improving traffic management and road safety in the district. Emphasising the need for strict enforcement of traffic rules in rural areas, the DM instructed concerned departments to conduct rigorous drives to curb violations. He further directed the School Education Department and Traffic Police to intensify awareness campaigns on road safety, particularly targeting students and young drivers.

In a move to ensure adherence to safety regulations, the DM instructed the Regional Transport Officer to convene a meeting with petrol pump owners. He mandated that fuel should not be dispensed to riders and drivers who fail to comply with basic traffic rules, such as wearing helmets and seat belts.

Addressing the issue of road maintenance, the DM ordered the prioritisation of pothole repairs on national highways. He stressed that the roads requiring urgent attention should be identified and incorporated into budget allocations for timely repair. He also emphasised the swift execution of road construction and maintenance projects to alleviate traffic congestion.

In an effort to enhance safety in school transportation, the concerned officers were directed to ensure the installation of CCTV cameras in all school buses. Additionally, the DM underscored the importance of innovative public awareness campaigns on traffic rules, through innovative media to educate youngsters effectively.

The meeting was attended by SSP Jammu Joginder Singh, SSP Traffic Faisal Qureshi, ADC Ansuya Jamwal, ADC Rakesh Kumar, CMO Dr. Harbaksh Singh, as well as Executive Engineers from the Public Works Department, officers from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other concerned officials.

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JAMMU: In a significant push to infrastructure and economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir, over 300 development projects, pending clearances at different stages, have received forest clearances. From key road networks to water supply schemes, tourism, defence and 4G saturation, these approvals will pave the way for enhanced connectivity, economic progress and improved public services.

A total of 302 cases have received final approval and 84 cases have received In-Principle approval from the government between January to March this year. The signifies government’s broader vision of development, prioritising projects that address long-standing infrastructural gaps and further improve the public services.

Delay in land acquisition and forest clearances were some of the reasons for these projects being stalked or running behind schedule and at times leading to cost overruns. A number of projects related to road development have been granted approval, enabling timely implementation of key initiatives. The diversion of forest land will support construction and improvement of roadways, including highways and local roads. These roads are vital for enhancing connectivity and facilitating the movement of people and goods across Jammu and Kashmir.

Major road and highway projects approved recently included clearance of the remaining patch of Package-17 of Delhi-Katra Expressway in Jammu, Kishtwar-Nildori-Bangus-Gali-Lokut-Bangus Dangiyari Road in Kupwara district by BRO, Jallary to Badharket Khaitan road by PWD in Poonch district. Additionally, the forest land has been cleared for establishment of various water supply schemes under the Jal Jeevan Mission. These projects aim to provide safe and adequate drinking water to every household, especially in rural and remote areas.

The approval for these schemes will contribute significantly towards improving the water infrastructure, making water more accessible to the residents of Jammu and Kashmir. Across the UT of J&K, in the past three months, 271 Water Supply Schemes have been approved in 7 districts of J&K including Baramulla, Budgam, Doda, Jammu, Kishtwar, Ramban and Udhampur.

Further, in order to ensure 4G Saturation under USOF, 11 proposals for construction of communication towers and 4 proposals for laying of OFC have been approved recently across 8 districts of J&K. In line with the Forest (Conservation) Act, compensatory afforestation will be undertaken for the forest land diverted for these projects. This will include reforestation of degraded forest land to maintain ecological balance and mitigate any potential environmental impact caused by these developmental activities.

These environmental clearances have been approved following a high level meeting between J&K Minister, Javed Ahmed Rana and Union Minister for Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, in New Delhi in January 2025. Rana had urged the Union Minister to expedite clearance of over 400 pending cases under the Forest Conservation Act related to various projects, which were awaiting approval at the regional office.

The Union Minister had assured that the proposals would be considered on priority and necessary steps would be taken to expedite the approvals and fund allocations. However, the clearances also come with environmental considerations, ensuring a balance between development and sustainability. Javed Ahmed Rana, while reiterating the government’s commitment towards expanding opportunities for growth and modernising infrastructure across the Union Territory, directed the authorities to undertake aggressive compensatory afforestation to arrest any ecological imbalance.

“We will ensure that ecological balance is maintained and steps have been taken to ensure that  forest area is not reduced and compensatory land is provided by the concerned authorities for afforestation,” he said. If we are using forest area for any developmental project, the same amount of forest land will be  given for compensatory afforestation, he added.

Rana further said that government is determined to ensure that all development initiatives are executed with minimal environmental disruption.  The Forest Department is working closely with other concerned authorities to expedite implementation of these crucial projects, he maintained.

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• LG exhorts the youth to put the skills acquired at the University to good use in nation-building and improving the lives of the people
• Education is a rare opportunity and represents infinite power. Education is the only asset and it is like a small lamp which has the power to defeat the immense darkness: LG
• I believe the alumni play a crucial role in networking and mentorship, building the reputation of the educational institution and helping in knowledge sharing. They serve as a role model and inspire young students to achieve their goals: LG
• The next two-decades is expected to be the best time for knowledge economies in the world. You as the knowledge keeper will be responsible for transferring expertise earned in the university to the economic sector to drive growth and build developed India: LG
• We need to have a long-term vision to create a robust innovation ecosystem and this vision should be fostered by educational institutions like Sharda University: LG
• We need fearless and curious minds who can innovate and leverage it for India's benefit: LG Sinha
• To give back to society and nation, Alumni should promote value-based system in the jobs or enterprises so while developing their full potential, they can also motivate the young generations to contribute towards the nation-building: LG

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha addressed the Alumni Meet of Sharda University at Srinagar. In his address, the Lieutenant Governor extended his felicitations to the Alumni, Management, Faculty and Students of Sharda University. He exhorted the youth to put the skills acquired at the University to good use in nation-building and improving the lives of the people.

“Education is a rare opportunity and represents infinite power. Education is the only asset and it is like a small lamp which has the power to defeat the immense darkness. Youth should explore the spiritual and cultural dimension of education and cherish its value system,” the Lieutenant Governor said. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that the alumni play a crucial role in networking and mentorship, building the reputation of the educational institution and helping in knowledge sharing.

The Lieutenant Governor said, “Alumni serve as a role model and inspire young students to achieve their goals. The next two-decades is expected to be the best time for knowledge economies in the world. You as the knowledge keeper will be responsible for transferring expertise earned in the university to the economic sector to drive growth and build developed India.

To give back to society and nation, Alumni should promote value-based system in the jobs or enterprises so while developing their full potential, they can also motivate the young generations to contribute towards nation-building". The Lieutenant Governor also spoke on the transformation taking place in the educational landscape in J&K, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

He impressed upon the educational institutions and teaching community for implementing National Education Policy 2020 in letter and spirit, developing a favourable environment that promotes innovation, skill development, experiential learning and empowering the youth to become agents of positive change. “We need to have a long-term vision to create a robust innovation ecosystem and this vision should be fostered by educational institutions like Sharda University. We need fearless and curious minds who can innovate and leverage it for India's benefit,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He further emphasised on strengthening the ties between academia and industry to meet the evolving demands of the global market. The Lieutenant Governor also lauded the significant contribution of Sharda University in providing quality education and nurturing future leaders. Ms Sakina Itoo, Minister for Higher Education, J&K; Shri Aftab Malik, Chairman, District Development Council, Srinagar; Shri Pradeep Kumar Gupta, Chancellor, Sharda University, faculty members, students and alumni of Sharda University and their family members were present on the occasion.

 Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey, former Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh; Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, and senior officials of civil and police administration were also present.