Over 800 vacant positions at AIIMS Jammu, Awantipora

Srinagar, Mar 28 (KNO): AIIMS Jammu and AIIMS Awantipora are facing staff shortages, with a combined total of 820 vacant positions, as per data presented in the Lok Sabha by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

According to the figures, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), AIIMS Jammu has 81 vacant faculty positions out of 183 sanctioned posts, while 495 non-faculty positions, including nursing staff, junior residents, and senior residents, remain unfilled out of 1,267 sanctioned posts.

AIIMS Awantipora, which is still in its early stages, has 94 unfilled faculty positions, with no reported recruitments so far. Among 252 sanctioned non-faculty positions, only two have been filled, leaving 250 vacancies.

The government said the recruitment process is an ongoing effort and that vacancies are influenced by factors such as the availability of qualified professionals, reservation policies, and the institute’s location.

In response to the staffing shortages, temporary and contract-based hiring has been undertaken.

Standing Selection Committees at each AIIMS have been set up to speed up faculty recruitment. AIIMS Delhi conducts the Institute of National Importance Combined Entrance Test (INI-CET) and Institute of National Importance Super Speciality (INI-SS) exams twice a year to recruit Junior and Senior Residents.

AIIMS Delhi also holds the Centralized Nursing Officer Recruitment Common Eligibility Test (NORCET) for nursing officer recruitment across AIIMS and central hospitals.

A Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) is conducted for Group B and C non-faculty positions in AIIMS and other central government hospitals—(KNO)

Kashmir witnesses dip in Eid shopping this year

Garment sales plunge by 95%, traders struggle

Srinagar, Mar 28 (KNO): With Eid-ul-Fitr just days away, Kashmir’s markets are witnessing a concerning slowdown in sales, reflecting broader economic distress, particularly in the garment sector, where sales have plummeted by 95 per cent.

Trade leader Mohammad Yaseen Khan, Chairman of Kashmir Economic Alliance (KEA), while speaking to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), highlighted the struggles faced by businesses across sectors, citing high taxation, declining purchasing power, and financial burdens on shopkeepers.

Speaking on the current market scenario, Khan pointed out that while the festive season usually boosts retail activity, this year’s sales are down by nearly 95% in the garment industry.

“The business community is facing immense difficulties. Shops are shutting down due to lack of sales, and many retailers are unable to clear their dues,” he said.

He attributed the sluggish trade to rising inflation and steep tax rates, stating that this has made goods unaffordable for the common people.

“Taxes have always existed, but today, they have reached 28%, leaving little margin for businesses. The financial strain is evident as traders struggle with loan repayments taken over the past decade,” he said.

Another trend Khan flagged was the influx of heavy discounts and sales in the valley, which, he suggested, raises questions about sourcing and pricing.

“Suddenly, we see jackets being sold at 40–50% discounts. Where are these products coming from? Who is selling them, and at what cost?” he said.

He added that beyond retail, even the pharmaceutical sector was feeling the pinch, with declining sales despite its essential nature. “The economy is under severe pressure, and inflation has made survival difficult for both businesses and consumers,” he said.

Khan said that businesses were struggling to stay afloat and financial institutions were tightening their grip on debt-ridden traders.

“We are witnessing the collapse of businesses across the civil lines area and beyond. Shops are closing down, and the market is not what it used to be during the festivities,” Khan said—(KNO)

Strong winds cause widespread damage in Kashmir

19 flights cancelled, many areas witness power outages; MeT predicts dry weather till April 6

Srinagar, Mar 28 (KNO): Strong and gusty winds caused widespread damage across Kashmir on Friday and led to the cancellation of 19 flights from Srinagar Airport.

Officials told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that 15 arrivals and 14 departures of aircrafts were observed between 6:30 AM and 7:40 PM today.

“The strong winds, with speeds reaching 17 knots and gusting up to 27 knots, affected smooth operations, resulting in multiple delays and inconvenience to passengers,” they added.

Officials said that IndiGo cancelled all its flights for the day.

Additionally, the winds caused damage in several parts of Kashmir, including Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Budgam. In Srinagar city, a vehicle was completely destroyed near the Tourist Reception Centre (TRC) as a tree fell on it due to strong winds. Several power lines were damaged, leading to power outages in multiple areas on Thursday-Friday night.

Chief Engineer, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL), Er Aaquib S W Deva while talking to KNO said, “Sudden windstorm has caused damage to power lines due to fallen trees and debris, affecting supply in several areas.”

“KPDCL is working hard to restore power. We appreciate the patience of people and their understanding,” he added.

Moreover, in Habbak, Srinagar, a rooftop collapsed onto high-tension (HT) power lines, further disrupting the electricity supply.

Reports of damage to window panes were also reported from the Habba Kadal area of Srinagar.

Moreover, in Ganderbal, strong winds damaged rooftops and outdoor structures, while residents reported high-speed winds affecting properties.

Pertinently, the gusty winds continued till this evening while the weatherman advised people and tourists to stay indoors & avoid boating & Shikara riding.

Director Meteorological department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad informed KNO that the weather would remain generally dry till April 6—(KNO)