People gave you power to act, not plead helplessness: PDP MLA to CM Omar

‘If reclaiming 370 needs resignation, we should do it’

Sopore, Jul 11 (KNO): Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) legislator, Mir Mohammad Fayaz on Friday accused Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah of failing to live up to the massive public mandate he received in the aftermath of Article 370’s abrogation.

Speaking to the reporters in Sopore, Mir, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the people of Jammu and Kashmir had placed their trust in Omar Abdullah with the hope that he would lead the fight to restore their lost rights. “The people gave you power not to plead helplessness, but to act. If even for observing Sheikh Abdullah Day, you need the Lieutenant Governor’s permission, then what exactly is the point of being in power?” he asked.

Comparing BJP’s use of its parliamentary majority to revoke Article 370 and the expectations placed on regional leaders to undo that injustice, Mir, who represents Kupwara constituency, said that the people gave Omar a strong mandate to bring it back. “Sadly, he has failed to rise to the occasion.”

Fayaz said that if reclaiming the region’s lost constitutional rights required stepping away from power, then leaders must be ready to make that sacrifice. “If resigning helps in reclaiming Article 370, do it. But don’t cover your failures by blaming circumstances. Leadership demands courage, not excuses,” he said.

Referring to Omar Abdullah’s statement that “nothing is in his hands,” the PDP legislator called it a betrayal of public trust. “You say you have no authority? The truth is, you were given more political strength than anyone else in recent history. If you cannot act even with that, then the people deserve answers,” he said.

MLA Fayaz cited examples of high voter turnout in areas like Sopore, long known for political apathy and low polling percentages. He said the people came out in large numbers because they believed in democratic change. “From 10–15% turnout, Sopore today records 60% polling. That’s not a coincidence, people voted with hope. They believed one party would take charge and bring change. If leaders now say they are powerless, it’s nothing but disappointing,” he added—(KNO)

DHSK Issues Strict Circular Against Duty Deviation by Health Employees

Warns of Disciplinary Action Against Unauthorized Role Changes Without Approval

Srinagar, July 10 (JKNS): The Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) has issued a strict circular warning against unauthorized deviation of health department employees from their officially assigned duties, calling the practice unacceptable and reflective of poor administrative oversight.

As per the circular, a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS, the DHSK has observed that in several health institutions, employees are being allowed to stray from their designated roles and responsibilities. “This practice is unacceptable and reflects poor administrative oversight at the institutional level,” the circular states.

“All Chief Medical Officers, Medical Superintendents, and Block Medical Officers are hereby strictly directed not to allow any employee to deviate from the duties assigned to them as per their official designation,” it reads.

The circular emphasizes that every staff member is expected to perform the tasks outlined in their official job description, and any deviation without prior written approval from the competent authority will be viewed seriously.

The Director of Health Services Kashmir has further warned that any such unauthorized deployment or role deviation in the future will attract disciplinary action, not only against the concerned employee but also against the responsible administrators. (JKNS)

Unauthorized Transfers by Retired Official Cancelled, Dy CM Warns of Strict Action

PWD Orders Rescinded for Violating Transfer Policy, Govt Reaffirms Commitment to Accountability

Srinagar, July 9 (JKNS): The office of the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister has taken strong exception to a series of unauthorized transfer orders issued by the Engineer-in-Chief (Secretary Technical) of the Public Works (R&B) Department during the final days of her service before retirement on June 30, 2025.

In a statement issued here to news agency JKNS reads, It has come to the attention of the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister that the Engineer-in-Chief (Secretary Technical), who retired on 30th June 2025 upon reaching the age of superannuation, issued several transfer orders involving Engineers and Technical Staff (Gazetted and Non-Gazetted) within the Public Works (R&B) Department during the final days of her tenure.

These transfer orders were issued without the approval of the Competent Authority and were found to be in violation of the provisions of the Government’s Policy on Transfers/Postings of Employees, as laid down in the Government Order No. 861-GAD of 2010 dated 28.07.2010 and Government Order No. 948-JK (GAD) of 2020 dated 15.10.2020

Taking serious note of this matter, the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister immediately issued directions to the Administrative Department to rescind all such unauthorized orders.In compliance with these directions, the Administrative Department has rescinded Order No. PW/EiC/Estab/36 of 2025 dated 17.06.2025 through Government Order No. 216-PW(R&B) of 2025 dated 09.07.2025.

The Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister has further issued firm instructions stating that “Violations of the Government’s Transfer Policy will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Those responsible for such acts will face serious repercussions as per the governing rules.”

The Government reaffirms its commitment to upholding transparency, accountability, and rule-based governance. Any action that compromises institutional integrity or bypasses established procedures will be dealt with decisively, it reads. (JKNS)

JKAS Officer Mohammad Usman Khan Deputed to Ladakh for Two Years

Srinagar, July 9: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday ordered the transfer of JKAS officer Mohammad Usman Khan to the Union Territory of Ladakh on deputation basis, effective immediately.

As per Government Order issued GAD a copy of which lies with news agency JKNS reads, Mr. Khan, who was awaiting orders of adjustment in J&K’s General Administration Department, has now been placed at the disposal of the Ladakh administration.

The order stipulates that his deputation period will be for two years or until recalled, whichever is earlier. It further clarifies that his lien and promotion prospects will continue to remain with the General Administration Department of Jammu and Kashmir.

In addition, the officer will be eligible for incentives to be provided by the UT of Ladakh and shall be considered relieved from J&K with immediate effect. He has been directed to report to the General Administration Department of Ladakh for further posting.

The decision has been taken “in the interest of administration,” the order stated. (JKNS)

Crucial Govt websites non-functional for 2 months in Kashmir, affecting beneficiaries of social welfare schemes

We may need to consider offline alternatives until system is fixed, thoroughly examining the situation: Sakina Itoo

Srinagar, Jul 08 (KNO): Several crucial government websites and portals in Kashmir have been non-operational for the past two months, causing severe inconvenience to needy individuals relying on various social welfare schemes.

The disruption is particularly impacting beneficiaries of the Golden Card and other welfare programs. The Food Supplies department’s online portal is also affected, preventing the registration for essential services.

Patients suffering from chronic illnesses have expressed urgent need for Golden Cards to facilitate treatment. However, with the online registration process suspended, they are unable to obtain these cards and are compelled to seek medical care in private hospitals, which many cannot afford.

Similarly, the government’s Marriage Assistance Scheme (MAS) for poor girls is also facing setbacks as the online portal is non-functional. Registration for this scheme is mandatory one month prior to marriage.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), many girls with imminent wedding dates are unable to apply, risking exclusion from the scheme if they marry without registration. Complaints have also been received regarding other departments, with citizens demanding clarifications to ensure eligible girls do not lose access to government support.

Sakina Itoo, the Minister in charge, when contacted, admitted that the portals are down at present and that the government is aware of the hardships being faced by the people. “The portals are currently down, and many are unable to apply. This issue is now on my notice. I will discuss it with departmental officers because the poor people have to bear the brunt. If online registration cannot be restored immediately, we may need to consider offline alternatives until the system is fixed.”

“I will call the concerned officers to explore possible solutions or workarounds, so people do not face difficulties,” she said.

Regarding the Golden Card specifically, the Minister said that the registration for the Golden Card should be linked to ration cards, which is also currently affected online. We know that portals are closed, and Golden Cards are made online, so this issue is significant. We will explore all possible options to assist people and thoroughly examine the situation. We will assess the scope of the problem, including the number of affected individuals and applicants, to determine feasible solutions.”—(KNO)