Over 14.4 lakh priority ration cards enrolled, new food grain scheme launched: J&K Govt

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday said a total of 14,40,473 Priority Household (PHH) ration card holders are covered across the Union Territory.

Replying to a starred question in the Legislative Assembly, the government, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said all eligible beneficiaries have been enrolled in the ration card database, while updation and deletion of cards is a continuous process based on verification and eligibility norms.

It said that identification of beneficiaries is carried out as per Census 2011 data and targets assigned by the Government of India, adding that newly identified eligible families are included as and when revised targets are communicated.

Regarding LPG support, the government said it has announced three free LPG cylinders per year for AAY ration card holders to support economically vulnerable sections. Efforts are being made to enhance this support in future, subject to availability of resources, it added.

The government further informed that a new scheme providing an additional 10 kilograms of free food grains per month to AAY households has been launched from April 2025 in Jammu division, aimed at households with four or more members.

Providing details, it said the scheme is currently operational across all districts of Jammu division, covering 37,412 AAY beneficiaries, with district-wise distribution including Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, Doda and others.

On Fair Price Shops (FPS), the government said that 94 FPS are currently operational in Rajouri constituency. “The opening of new FPS in Jammu and Kashmir will be considered after full stabilisation of the Smart Public Distribution System (Smart PDS),” it said. “The proposals for new FPS will be formulated in line with S.O. 41 of 2023, taking into account population norms, geographical factors and existing coverage.”

The key systems like ration card management, supply chain management and e-KYC integration are operational, while further improvements, including grievance redressal and PoS device upgrades, are underway, the government said, adding that elected representatives will be consulted before taking any final decision on expansion of FPS network across Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)

Weather to remain erratic till April 10: MeT

Predicts widespread precipitation on April 3, 4

Jammu-Srinagar National Highway open for 2-way traffic, Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri Road remains one-way, Mughal Road limited to LMVs, NH-244 remains closed due to weather conditions

Srinagar, Apr 01: The India Meteorological Department on Wednesday said erratic weather conditions are likely to continue across Jammu and Kashmir till April 10, with spells of rain, snow, thunderstorms and gusty winds expected over the next several days.

An official of the Meteorological Centre Srinagar told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that light rain or snow may occur at a few places on April 1 and 2, while widespread precipitation is expected between April 3 and 4, accompanied by thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds. Moderate to heavy rain or snow is also expected at isolated higher reaches.

Fresh spells of precipitation are likely between April 7 and 9, while April 5 and 6 may remain partly cloudy with isolated light rain.

The MeT department has warned of gusty winds (40-50 kmph), landslides, shooting stones and waterlogging at vulnerable locations, advising farmers to suspend operations on April 3 and 4.

Meanwhile, traffic authorities issued advisories for multiple key routes across the Union Territory.

An official said, “On the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), slow movement was reported due to single-lane stretches, with commuters advised to travel during the day and avoid overtaking. Traffic is expected to ply from both sides subject to weather conditions.”

“On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road (SSG Road), only one-way traffic will be allowed from Srinagar towards Kargil for light motor vehicles, while heavy vehicles will be permitted up to a specified cut-off time, subject to clearance and weather conditions. The Mughal Road will allow only light motor vehicles and passenger cars from both sides, with heavy vehicles barred due to maintenance work. Cut-off timings have been fixed for both directions.

On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244), vehicular movement remains temporarily suspended as per orders of the authorities,” he said, adding, “Security force vehicles will be allowed separately on NH-44, and commuters have been urged to check the latest road status before undertaking travel.”—(KNO)

J&K NHM employees protest for regularisation & pay

Demand job security, salary hike, social benefits

Srinagar, Apr 01: Employees engaged under the National Health Mission (NHM) across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday launched a 48-hour sit-in protest, intensifying their long-pending demand for regularisation of services, salary enhancement, and comprehensive social security measures.

The protest, organised under the banner of the Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association, witnessed participation from NHM staff in multiple districts, with a prominent gathering held at Srinagar’s Press Enclave.

Demonstrators raised slogans and held placards highlighting their grievances, urging the administration to take immediate and concrete steps.

The agitating employees expressed deep disappointment over what they described as “unfulfilled promises” by the government, saying that repeated assurances over the years have not translated into any tangible policy decisions.

“We were left with no option but to protest. Our issues have been pending for years despite continuous representations,” Abdul Rouf, Chief Spokesperson of the association, said, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). “We had announced this protest over a week ago and initially sought permission to assemble at Sher-e-Kashmir Park, but that was denied. Even then, we chose to go ahead peacefully to make our voices heard.”

Rouf said that NHM workers form the backbone of the healthcare delivery system, particularly in rural and remote areas, yet continue to work under precarious conditions. “If the government is serious about strengthening the health sector, it must first address the concerns of its workforce, including doctors, paramedics, and field staff working under NHM,” he added.

The employees are demanding a structured salary revision on the lines of Himachal Pradesh, along with the formulation of a clear job policy. They have also called for the introduction of a retirement policy, including a “golden handshake” scheme for those who have already completed their service tenure.

“Our primary demand remains the regularisation of services. However, if that takes time, the government must at least ensure ‘equal pay for equal work’ and revise our wages immediately,” the spokesperson said. “Many of our employees are working in far-off and difficult areas, yet they are being paid meagre salaries that are not even sufficient to meet basic needs.”

Several protesting employees shared similar concerns, pointing out that the absence of job security and social benefits such as pensions and insurance has left them vulnerable. “We have dedicated years of service, often in challenging conditions, especially during health emergencies. Still, we are treated as temporary workers with no future security,” said one employee.

The protesters warned that if their demands are not addressed promptly, they may be compelled to escalate their agitation in the coming days.

The NHM workforce plays a critical role in implementing healthcare programmes across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in underserved regions. The ongoing protest has once again brought attention to the challenges faced by contractual health workers and the need for policy intervention to ensure their welfare and stability—(KNO)

Jammu, Apr 01: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday assured the House that casual labourers and daily wagers in Jammu and Kashmir will be regularised in a phased manner within the financial year.

Responding to a bill introduced by MLA M Y Tarigami seeking regularisation of services of casual and other workers, the Chief Minister, per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said the government has already committed to address the long-pending issue.

He said the process will be carried out in phases and reiterated that the assurance had been placed on record in the House earlier as well.

“It is the first day of the financial year and I have committed that within this financial year they will be regularised in a phased manner,” he said.

The Chief Minister acknowledged the concerns raised by members and said the government recognises the contribution and efforts of workers engaged on casual and daily wage basis.

He informed the House that the government is awaiting recommendations from a designated committee examining the issue, adding that the regularisation process will be implemented once the committee submits its report—(KNO)

J&K Govt rules out proposal for waiving job application fees

Says recruitment agencies ‘bear’ high costs, procedural standards for maintaining fees

Srinagar: The Jammu & Kashmir government on Tuesday said there is no proposal under consideration to grant concession or exemption in job application fees charged by recruitment agencies in the Union Territory.

Replying to an unstarred Assembly Question No. 997 tabled by MLA Hilal Akbar Lone regarding waiver of application fees in view of rising unemployment and financial hardships, the government, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said recruitment bodies incur substantial expenditure in conducting selection processes.

The reply stated that the Jammu and Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC) and Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) bear significant costs for recruitment to gazetted and non-gazetted posts, respectively.

“These expenditures arise from multiple stages of the selection process, including written/OMR-based examinations, interviews, engagement of subject experts, and deployment of manpower and infrastructure,” the government said.

It added that the recruitment process involves intricate and sensitive procedures requiring strict adherence to standards of security, fairness, and transparency. The costs have further increased due to the introduction of advanced technological interventions aimed at ensuring integrity and efficiency.

“Accordingly, the prescribed examination fee is essential to defray a portion of these escalating costs incurred at various stages of the recruitment process,” the reply said, ruling out any immediate relief for job aspirants—(KNO