Sakeena Itoo chairs Cabinet Sub- Committee meet on Reservation Rules

Jammu, Jan 22 (GNS): The Cabinet Sub-Committee on Reservation Rules convened its meeting under the chairpersonship of Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo here today.

Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana (member of Sub-committee); Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Sanjeev Verma; Secretary Law, Achal Sethi and representatives from General Administration Department also participated in the meeting.

The Sub-committee examined the grievances and issues raised by section of aspirants and students on different aspects of existing reservation policy. The Sub-committee also discussed the existing reservation policy and evaluated several aspects of it.

Pertinently, the cabinet Sub-committee was constituted by the government last month to look into grievances projected by several section of aspirants against the existing reservation rules.

The sub-committee will submit its report to the council of ministers headed by Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah.(GNS)

“Har Ghar Nal” Scheme near Completion, 88% FHTC operational: CE Jal Shakti Kashmir

Syas, Used judicious methods to manage water supply despite low water levels and dry spell

Srinagar, Jan 22 (JKNS): The Chief Engineer Jal Shakti Kashmir on wednesday said that department worked efficiently to manage water supply despite low water levels, using judicious methods with public cooperation.

Chief Engineer Jal Shakti department Kashmir, Braham Jyoti Sharma, while speaking to JKNS, said, “Water level is currently low. This is routine during winters. Their is no need to panic. As the summer begins and snow melts, the water level will automatically increase.”

Braham Sharma said, “As per today’s scenario, this year witnessed an acute dry spell. Rainfall during summer was very low, and snowfall last year was also minimal. As a result, the water level in rivers and streams decreased, and the groundwater table also declined. This caused challenges in maintaining water supply, whether for drinking or irrigation purposes. However, with the cooperation of the public and the efforts of our staff, we managed the situation using judicious methods.”

“We were concerned about low snowfall this year as well, but by the grace of God, snowfall has occurred, and we hope it will continue till March. We must pray to God for good snowfall, as human prayers hold great power,” he said.

Regarding the “Har Ghar Nal” scheme, Sharma said, “All schemes are near completion. The main focus is on Functional Household Tap Connections (FHTC), and currently, 88% are operational. Some delays occurred due to electromechanical components like pumping machinery, as reputed firms across the country faced high workloads due to the Jal Jeevan Mission. Now, with reduced workloads, deliveries have resumed. We expect the work to be completed by March this year, Sharma said.”

For public assistance, he mentioned the helpline numbers for the central-level provincial control room at Water Works Division Srinagar: 0194-2452047 and 0194-2477207, he added. (JKNS)

J&K transport department launches faceless services to enhance transparency and efficiency

‘New online platform eliminates agent involvement, offering seamless access to key transport services in Jammu and Kashmir’

Srinagar, Jan 22 (JKNS): As effort to curb “agent involvement” in the department’s operations, Transport Commissioner Vishesh Mahajan announced the launch of faceless services.

These services aim to make processes more transparent, accessible, and efficient for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

Transport Commissioner J&K Vishesh Mahajan, according to details collected by the news agency — JKNS, addressed numerous complaints about agents interfering with the department’s services and urged the public to use the online platform for a smoother experience.

He stressed that faceless services are designed to be accessed easily through a phone or computer, ensuring that residents can avail themselves of various services without intermediaries.

The key services available online include online applications and fee payments, Aadhaar-based authentication for verification, and learners’ licenses that can now be obtained from the comfort of one’s home, with auto-generation of the e-learners license. Services are delivered via speed post or electronically.

Additionally, the list of faceless services available includes: Change of address in RC, Transfer of ownership and hypothecation services, Issuance of duplicate RC, DL, and FC, Renewal of permits and licenses, and learners’ license applications.

*Ways to access services*: Visit [vahan.parivahan.gov.in](https://vahan.parivahan.gov.in), register and create a login ID, complete the service using Aadhaar-based e-signature, pay the required fees online, and receive approval and service delivery via speed post or electronically.

Notably, the Transport Department urges citizens to take advantage of these digital services, which are designed to streamline processes and reduce dependency on agents.—(JKNS)

Weather Update for Jammu & Kashmir: January 22, 2025

The Meteorological Department of Jammu & Kashmir has issued a weather update for the region, outlining the conditions expected over the next several days. Here’s a detailed forecast and advisory:

Weather Forecast

• 22nd January: The day is expected to remain generally cloudy with the possibility of light rain or snowfall at scattered locations.
• 23rd January: A slight chance of very light rain or snowfall may occur at isolated places across the region.
• 24th to 28th January: The weather is predicted to remain generally dry during this period, making it a favorable time for outdoor activities.
• 29th to 31st January: Conditions may turn cloudy again, with light rain or snowfall anticipated at isolated locations.

Advisory

The Meteorological Department has issued a safety advisory for tourists, travelers, and transporters in the region:

• Follow Instructions: All are advised to strictly adhere to the administrative and traffic advisories issued by local authorities to avoid inconvenience or risks.
• Plan Accordingly: Travelers should plan their journeys keeping in mind the possibility of changing weather conditions, especially during the forecasted cloudy and snowy days.

Impact on Tourism and Transport

While the generally dry spell between January 24th and 28th provides a window of opportunity for sightseeing and travel, the possibility of light snowfall around January 22nd and again from January 29th onwards may lead to slippery roads and reduced visibility. Tourists planning visits to hilly or remote areas should exercise caution and remain updated with weather alerts.