83,000 domicile certificates granted to non-state subjects in 2 years: J&K Govt

‘Over 35 lakh domicile certificates issued’

Srinagar, Apr 09: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday disclosed that around 83,742 domicile certificates have been granted to non-state subjects in the Union Territory over the past two years.

In a written response to MLA Waheed Ur Rehman Para, the government as per the news agency — Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that around 35,12,184 domicile certificates have been issued in two years across the Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister Incharge also added that out of which, 83, 742 have been granted to individuals from outside the erstwhile state.

It is noteworthy that the legislator Para had sought details on the number of domicile certificates issued to non-locals across Jammu and Kashmir during the last 2 years—(KNO)

“Those Who Sat Silently in BJP’s Lap Now Questioning a Photo,”: CM Omar Abdullah hits BacK at PDP

Srinagar, Apr 9 (JKNS): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Wednesday hit out at the PDP, accusing it of political hypocrisy and holding it responsible for the worsening situation in Jammu and Kashmir, even as he defended his widely-circulated photo with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju at the Tulip Garden.

Responding to media queries as per news agency JKNS Omar said, “Those who comfortably aligned with the BJP, spoke of milk and toffees, and silently watched Jammu and Kashmir suffer are now questioning me over a casual photo.”

He clarified that the picture in question was taken during an unplanned encounter. “I had taken my father to see the Tulip Garden. The Union Minister was already there and requested a photo. Should I have created a scene? I simply obliged,” he said.

Targeting PDP leadership, Omar said it was ironic that those who facilitated BJP’s entry into the region’s politics were now questioning his integrity. “They’ve never even expressed regret for the 2016 bloodshed,” he said.

Referring to his absence from the Assembly during key discussions, he noted that “unusual developments” had taken place and reaffirmed the role of elected lawmakers in voicing public issues inside the House.

On the Waqf Amendment Bill, he stated that the National Conference would announce its future stance through the party spokesperson or senior leadership. (JKNS)

SC, ST Judges 53 in J&K, marks 32% rise since 2020, reveals data

Srinagar, Apr 08 (KNO): The representation of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Jammu and Kashmir’s judiciary remains disproportionately low, despite a gradual increase over the past five years.

According to data from the Union Law Ministry, the number of SC/ST Judicial Officers in the Union Territory’s district and subordinate courts rose from 40 in 2020 to 53 by April 2025—the highest recorded in this period.

As of December 31, 2020, Jammu and Kashmir had a total of 40 Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST) judicial officers in its district and subordinate judiciary.

This included 9 SC and 6 ST Judges at the Civil Judge (Junior Division) level, 10 SC and 4 ST Judges at the Civil Judge (Senior Division) level, and 5 SC and 6 ST Judges serving as District Judges. These numbers reflected limited but notable representation of SCs and STs within the Union Territory’s judicial framework during that period.

As of December 31, 2021, the number remained at 40 SC/ST judicial officers. Among them were 7 SC and 9 ST Judges at the Civil Judge (Junior Division) level, 5 SC and 6 ST Judges at the Civil Judge (Senior Division) level, and 8 SC and 5 ST Judges at the District Judge level.

The figures showed a slight shift in distribution while maintaining a modest presence of SC/ST officers. As of December 31, 2022, Jammu and Kashmir had 39 SC/ST judicial officers across its district and subordinate courts. This included 9 SC and 8 ST Judges at the Civil Judge (Junior Division) level, 6 SC and 6 ST Judges at the Civil Judge (Senior Division) level, and 7 SC and 3 ST Judges serving as District Judges. The numbers reflected minor changes compared to previous years.

By December 31, 2023, the working strength of SC/ST judicial officers slightly decreased to 38. This included 9 SC and 7 ST Judges at the Civil Judge (Junior Division) level, 6 SC and 6 ST Judges at the Civil Judge (Senior Division) level, and 5 SC and 3 ST Judges at the District Judge level. The overall representation saw a small dip but remained relatively stable.

As of December 31, 2024, the representation of SC/ST judicial officers in Jammu and Kashmir rose significantly to 54—the highest in the five-year span. The composition included 13 SC and 11 ST Judges at the Civil Judge (Junior Division) level, 6 SC and 7 ST Judges at the Civil Judge (Senior Division) level, and 9 SC and 8 ST Judges serving as District Judges.

By April 2025, the total strength slightly decreased to 53 SC/ST judicial officers. This figure comprised 13 SC and 11 ST Judges at the Civil Judge (Junior Division) level, 6 SC and 7 ST Judges at the Civil Judge (Senior Division) level, and 9 SC and 7 ST Judges at the District Judge level. Despite the marginal dip, the representation remained strong and consistent—(KNO)

PAAs await service rules, promotion policy even after 4-yrs

Srinagar, Apr 8: Panchayat Accounts Assistants (PAAs) in Jammu and Kashmir continue to work without service rules, promotion policy, or transfer guidelines even four years after their appointment, leaving them frustrated over stagnant career growth.

Scores of PAAs said they were recruited through a highly competitive examination conducted by the Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB) in 2020 — the first major recruitment drive after the abrogation of Article 370.

They were appointed in the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj to manage crucial financial operations in Block Development Offices (BDOs). “The recruitment was seen as a landmark exercise, with over 1.64 lakh applicants vying for the posts. Appointment orders were handed over by the Union Home Minister, underlining the importance of the new cadre,” a PAA, said.

However, despite their critical role in rural governance, PAAs said they remain without a clear service structure or career progression plan. Officials said that although the Department of Rural Development has submitted multiple proposals for cadre structuring and promotions, the Finance Department has repeatedly returned the file, seeking revisions without providing any clear justification.

“The file regarding career progression has been lying in the Finance Department for the last two years without any outcome. We feel ignored despite being part of vital grassroots governance,” said a PAA, adding that many among them have even cleared prestigious examinations like JKAS and UPSC.

In response to a cut motion raised by MLA Sheikh Khursheed in the Assembly, the Government said deliberations have taken place between the Rural Development Department and the Finance Department regarding the career progression and cadre management of PAAs.

The reply added that it was decided PAAs will continue to be managed by the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj. A draft policy framework for their career progression has been submitted to the Finance Department for approval, which involves financial implications and post upgradations through the reduction of lower-tier positions. However, the final approval remains pending.

The Director General (Codes) in the Finance Department, Mahesh Das, said he is yet to receive the file.

Meanwhile, PAAs have urged the Lieutenant Governor’s administration to intervene, warning that prolonged bureaucratic delays risk demoralizing a cadre central to the delivery of rural development schemes across Jammu and Kashmir.

Free bus service for women sees over 3.5 lakh passengers in a week

Ridership doubles, 40k-50k women travel in over 95 electric buses regularly, say officials

Srinagar, Apr 08 (KNO): The newly launched free bus service for women has witnessed a massive surge in ridership in Jammu and Kashmir with over 3.5 lakh women availing the facility within just a week of its launch on April 01.

The initiative, which aims to enhance women’s mobility and ease of access to public transport, has received widespread appreciation. The female passengers from both urban and rural areas are using the service to travel to schools, colleges, offices and marketplaces.

As per the details obtained by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), bus stops now witness large turnouts, especially during peak hours—8 to 10 AM, midday, and 4 to 6 PM.

According to Smart City data, accessed by a KNO Correspondent, the daily ridership on electric buses has doubled since the scheme began. “Where earlier we saw around 20,000 to 21,000 people using the service, the number has now risen to more than 40,000,” said an official.

Presently, more than 95 plus air-conditioned electric buses operate on more than 30 plus routes, carrying nearly 50,000 women passengers every day.

Passengers have lauded the move, especially during the hot summer days. “More than half of my salary was spent on daily travel. Now, I save that money and can spend it on essentials,” said a working woman from the outskirts of the city.

Officials also acknowledged the initiative and added they had a substantial social impact, especially in empowering women and reducing their dependency on private or unsafe transport options. “To ensure the scheme remains viable in the long term, authorities are considering various funding mechanisms and government subsidies.”—(KNO)