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JAMMU: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, inaugurated the State-of-the-Art Catheterization Laboratory (Cath Lab) at Super Speciality Hospital here today. MLA Jammu West, Arvind Gupta; Secretary Health and Medical Education, Dr. Syed Abid Rasheed Shah; Principal GMC Jammu, Dr. Ashutosh Gupta; Medical Superintendent, Super Speciality Hospital, Dr. Rehana Khurshid; Medical Superintendents of Associated Hospitals, HoDs of different specialities and other staff were present on the occasion.

Speaking at the inaugural ceremony, Sakeena Itoo said that establishment of this State of Art Cath Lab will give a major boost to advanced cardiac care in Jammu region. “This remarkable facility will surely enhance hospital’s capabilities in diagnosing and treating complex cardiovascular diseases with cutting-edge technology”, Sakeena stated.

The Minister further highlighted that the present Omar led government is committed to strengthen healthcare infrastructure across Jammu and Kashmir with focus on ensuring world-class medical facilities for the people. “In recent Budget, CM Omar Abdullah has kept a major provision of budget for upgrading medical infrastructure in J&K. Our government is determined to establish top notch medical care facilities in all district hospitals of J&K”, Sakeena maintained.

The Minister elaborated the critical role of the Cath Lab in providing invasive cardiac procedures, reducing treatment time and improving patient outcomes, particularly in Jammu region. She added that this newly inaugurated Cath Lab is equipped with advanced imaging technology, which will allow cardiologists to perform procedures like angioplasty, stent placement, Temporary Pacemakers, Permanent Pacemakers, Cardiac re-synchronization Therapy, cardiac catheterization and other cardiac procedures with precision and efficiency. She said that this specialized cardiac care facility will also reduce the need for patients to travel outside J&K for advanced cardiac treatment.

Pertinently, the State of Art New Cath Lab at Super Specialty Hospital Jammu was established at the cost of 12.5 crore. The lab is well equipped with latest technology and after this Super Speciality Hospital Jammu will be able to perform additional high end procedures like ROTA-ablation, IVUS and Peri Operative Transesophageal echo (T), Ultrasound, ASD, PDA closure besides the routine Cardiac procedures like coronary angiography, coronary angioplasty both simple and complex, procedures like Temporary Pacemakers, Permanent Pacemakers, Cardiac re-synchronization Therapy Pacemaker (CRTP) and Cardiac re-synchronization Therapy with Defibrillator (CRTD) with pacing.

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JAMMU: In accordance with directives from the Election Commission of India (ECI), the Chief Electoral Officer (CEO), Jammu & Kashmir, Padurang K Pole, today convened a crucial meeting with Presidents and General Secretaries of recognised national and UT political parties at Nirvachan Bhawan, Rail Head, Jammu. The primary objective of the meeting was to foster a collaborative dialogue and ensure comprehensive understanding of the electoral processes among all the stakeholders, particularly in light of the upcoming electoral activities.

During the interaction, a detailed discussion encompassed key aspects of the electoral framework. These included legal framework of the electoral process; comprehensive clarification on the legal provisions governing elections, ensuring adherence to established guidelines, registration process; in-depth explanation of the voter registration procedures, emphasising accuracy and accessibility, reforms brought by the ECI; highlighting the latest reforms implemented by the ECI to enhance the efficiency, transparency and inclusivity of the electoral system and role of Booth Level Officers (BLOs) and Booth Level Agents (BLAs); emphasizing the critical role of BLOs and BLAs in voter facilitation and electoral process integrity.

The meeting also attended by Additional CEO Rahul Sharma, Nodal Officer, Qazi Alhtar, Deputy DEO Jammu, Rameshwar Kumar and Under Secretary in the office of CEO, Huma Khan. The CEO reiterated the ECI’s commitment towards conducting free, fair and transparent elections. He emphasized the importance of collaboration with political parties to ensure a smooth and credible electoral process.

The political party representatives engaged in constructive discussions, raising pertinent queries and providing valuable feedback. The CEO assured them of the electoral office’s commitment towards addressing their concerns and ensuring a level playing field for all. The electoral office will continue to maintain open communication with the political parties and other stakeholders to ensure successful conduct of upcoming electoral activities in Jammu & Kashmir.

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JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reiterated his government’s unwavering commitment to the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, emphasizing that political theatrics will not alter the current reality. Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, he highlighted the extensive efforts undertaken by his administration to press for statehood, including a cabinet resolution and direct appeals to the Prime Minister.

 Responding to opposition criticism regarding the use of “Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir” in the Appropriation Bills moved by his government, the Chief Minister dismissed misinformation being spread through social media and refuted claims that the bill would alter the region’s status.

 “This happens very frequently when we rely entirely on WhatsApp for information. The WhatsApp forward that my honourable colleague received—based on which a member also staged a brief walkout—is something we have all seen. This message attempts to create the false impression that if this bill is passed, Jammu and Kashmir will become a Union Territory,” CM Omar Abdullah stated.

 Clarifying the constitutional position, he asserted, “But the fact is, we are already a Union Territory—whether we like it or not. This is the government of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.” The Chief Minister underscored that his government functions within the framework of the Union Territory. “We have taken an oath as representatives of a Union Territory. We contested elections for the Union Territory Assembly. We are passing the budget of a Union Territory,” he said.

 Rejecting the opposition’s objections over terminology in the Appropriation Bills, he questioned, “Now, if we pass this bill and refer to it as an amendment to the government of Jammu and Kashmir, what changes? If we pass the Appropriation Bill for the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, what difference does it make? If I remove the term ‘Union Territory,’ will our status change? No, it will not.”

 He criticized performative politics, stating, “Performing for the cameras won’t change our reality. What will bring change is our continued effort to restore Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. If there is anything outdated, it is probably the record of our efforts in this regard.” Highlighting his government’s push for statehood restoration, he said, “We held our first cabinet meeting, passed a resolution, and submitted it directly to the Hon’ble Prime Minister. When the Prime Minister recently visited Sonmarg, I stood before him and publicly called for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood. Every time I visit Delhi, in every meeting, I reiterate that the people of Jammu and Kashmir do not accept the UT status.”

 Addressing legislative procedure, he pointed out, “However, the reality remains: we are a Union Territory. If we were not, things would have been different. If we were a state, the grants just passed would have been discussed in detail, and there would have been cut motions on them. But these were grants from the Home Department, and they were passed without discussion or cut motions—because we are a Union Territory.” Taking a dig at opposition tactics, CM Omar Abdullah remarked, “Staging a walkout for the cameras and claiming ‘I am not part of this crime’ does not change the fact that the crime has already been committed against us.”

 He cautioned against misinformation-driven politics, saying, “We must not allow WhatsApp forwards to dictate our politics. Our focus is clear: we want Jammu and Kashmir to be restored as a state. And, God willing, we will achieve that.”  Concluding his statement, he reaffirmed, “However, simply removing or retaining the words ‘Union Territory’ does not change our reality. Jammu and Kashmir will remain a Union Territory until the Parliament of India restores its statehood. Therefore, let us not politicize this issue unnecessarily.”

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JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today reiterated his government’s commitment to fulfilling all promises made in its manifesto, including the provision of 200 units of free electricity to eligible households.

Responding to supplementary questions from several legislators during the Question Hour of the Ongoing Budget Session in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister emphasized his government’s intent and commitment to delivering on its pledges. “Whatever promises we have made in our manifesto, if we have the intent and commitment, we will fulfill them,” he asserted. As a first step, the government has prioritized the poorest and most deserving households, ensuring that the initiative is rolled out systematically.

“We are not distorting facts—nor have we done so in the past, nor will we do so now. This process will take place systematically. Naturally, we will begin with those who are the poorest and most deserving. We are prioritizing the AAY category, but in the future, we will expand its scope. This is just the beginning,” CM Abdullah stated. Addressing concerns and skepticism regarding the initiative’s feasibility, the Chief Minister urged critics to withhold judgment until the process officially begins.

“Some are quick to dismiss this initiative, saying it won’t work—even before it has started. Let it begin first. Then, we will evaluate its progress. If it doesn’t work, we will reassess. But our intention is clear: to provide electricity to the people,” he remarked. Using a metaphor, he underscored the government’s focus on delivering electricity to the people rather than engaging in political debates.

“Do we care more about milk or the cow? We care about the milk. It doesn’t matter which cow produces it—our goal is to ensure people receive 200 units of electricity,” he said.  Regarding the Amnesty Scheme, the Chief Minister stated that the government is considering modifications to improve its effectiveness.  “If we can establish a principle-based approach to these modifications, we will implement them,” he assured.

 Responding to opposition demands for a timeline, the CM said: “Some ask, ‘Will you provide electricity, and if so, when?’ The answer to such a question cannot be reduced to a single word. Because this is question number two. And the answer to question number two is not just a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no.’”

 He reaffirmed that the provision of 200 units of electricity will be carried out systematically and responsibly. “I have said this time and again, and I will say it again: this is the way we will do it,” he reiterated.  Earlier, responding to clubbed questions from Dr. Narinder Singh Raina, Sajad Gani Lone, and Shabir Ahmad Kullay, the CM provided details on the implementation framework.

 The government will provide 200 units of free electricity to all Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) households under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijlee Yojna (PMSGBY). The initiative aims to reduce financial burdens and improve quality of life for economically weaker sections. The implementation will be carried out through the RESCO/Utility-Led Aggregation Model or another financially viable framework.

 Regarding electricity tariffs, the CM clarified that consumers in J&K already receive heavily subsidized rates, especially in the domestic category. The current tariff for domestic consumers ranges from Rs. 2.30 per unit (for up to 200 units per month) to Rs. 4.35 per unit, among the lowest in the country. For the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category, the rate is even lower—Rs. 1.40 per unit for up to 30 units per month.

Metered consumers are charged based on actual consumption, while unmetered consumers are billed on a flat-rate basis as per their sanctioned/agreed load. On the issue of waiving excessive electricity bills, the CM explained that unpaid bills over months or years result in arrears accumulation.  “To streamline billing and collection systems, the government has provided an opportunity to waive the interest/surcharge component on outstanding electricity arrears under the ongoing Amnesty Scheme,” he said.

 The government plans to extend the scheme with modifications, as announced, ensuring that consumers across all districts benefit. The government has also decided to adopt the RESCO model for installing Solar Roof Top Systems (SRTs) at the premises of AAY households, particularly in hilly areas. “This approach will enable local electricity generation, eliminating the costs associated with transmitting and distributing electricity from distant generators,” the CM stated.

 Additionally, the government will leverage subsidies provided under the PMSGBY. A survey of target beneficiaries is being initiated, and based on its findings, a financial framework will be developed for sustainable implementation.