1,222 out of 2,262 posts lying vacant at SKIMS Soura

393 posts unfilled at SKIMS Bemina

Srinagar, Apr 11: Jammu and Kashmir’s premier tertiary care hospital, Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura, is grappling with an acute manpower crisis, with more than half of its sanctioned posts lying vacant, raising serious concerns over patient care and healthcare delivery in the Valley.

According to details accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), out of a total sanctioned strength of 2,262 posts at SKIMS Soura, only 1,040 employees are currently in position, while a staggering 1,222 posts remain vacant, reflecting a shortage exceeding 50 per cent.

A further breakdown of the figures reveals that out of 250 sanctioned faculty positions, only 152 are filled, leaving 98 posts vacant. Similarly, in the paramedical category, only 518 staff members are in position against 1,303 sanctioned posts, with 785 vacancies reported.

The nursing segment is also severely affected, with just 370 staff in place out of 709 sanctioned posts, leaving 339 posts unfilled.

The alarming shortage has sparked concern among the general public, who view SKIMS Soura as the Valley’s most critical referral and tertiary care hospital.

“SKIMS is considered the last hope for patients after Allah. If such a vital institution is facing this level of staff shortage, one can only imagine the condition of hospitals in peripheral areas,” said several attendants and patients.

They added that despite the severe manpower deficit, doctors and paramedical staff continue to work tirelessly to provide treatment.

However, they noted that with such a high vacancy rate, the burden on existing staff is immense, especially as the hospital caters to thousands of patients daily. “There is tremendous pressure on the available workforce. While they are doing their best, the shortage inevitably affects efficiency and patient care. The government must take immediate steps to fill these vacancies,” they said.

Meanwhile, a similar situation persists at SKIMS Medical College Hospital, Bemina, where a significant number of posts are also lying vacant.

Out of 1,167 sanctioned posts at SKIMS Bemina, only 774 are filled, while 393 posts remain vacant.

The vacant positions at SKIMS Bemina include 70 faculty posts, 12 registrars, 6 junior residents, 23 other gazetted posts, 76 paramedical posts, 67 additional paramedical staff positions, 53 nursing posts, and 86 Class-IV posts.

The persistent vacancies in both institutions have raised questions about healthcare management and staffing policies, with stakeholders urging authorities to address the issue on a priority basis to ensure better patient care across Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)

Gujjar & Bakkarwal Meet Held at Mahore; Army Reaffirms Support

Mahore, Reasi: A Gujjar and Bakkarwal community meet was organized by 58 Rashtriya Rifles at Sarh in Mahore area of Reasi aimed at recognizing the vital role of these communities and addressing the challenges they continue to face.

The event witnessed the presence of senior Army officials along with several prominent dignitaries including former Revenue Minister Ch. Aijaz Ahmad Khan, Haji Mohammad Yousuf Majnu (President, Gujjar Bakkarwal Community J&K), Mohammad Yaseen Poswal (General Secretary, J&K), Akhlaq Choudhary (Administrator-cum-Executive Officer, J&K Waqf Board, District Reasi & BJP ST Morcha Prabhari), SDM Mahore Shafqat Majeed Bhat, SDPO Mahore Parul Bhardwaj, and other respected members of the region.

During the meet, speakers highlighted the importance of the traditional migratory pastoral lifestyle of the Gujjar and Bakkarwal communities, noting that it plays a crucial role in maintaining ecological balance. However, they also raised concerns about ongoing issues such as limited access to education and healthcare, livelihood challenges, seasonal displacement, and difficulties related to grazing land and mobility.

Addressing these concerns, the Indian Army outlined several initiatives already in progress, including healthcare outreach programs, livelihood support, and improved communication arrangements along remote migratory routes.

The community members appreciated the Army’s efforts and described the initiative as a positive step toward their welfare. They also pledged their continued support and cooperation with the Indian Army.

The event concluded on a note of mutual understanding and commitment towards strengthening community welfare and development in the region.

Power Shutdown by KPDCL

SRINAGAR, APRIL 09: Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL has informed that the Shutdown of 33 kV Arampora-Bandipora will be observed due to which power supply to Dooru, Dangerpora, Shiva, Mundji, Watlab, Kunusa, Botingoo, Hathlangoo, Tujjar, Harwan and adjoining areas will be affected on 11 April 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 kV Kanipora-Pinjora Line will be observed due to which power supply to Arhama, Town, Bongam, Shopian, Pinjoora, Pahnoo, Killora, Imamsahib, Vehil, Nowgam, Reshinagri, Kachdoora and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03:30 PM on 12, 15 & 18 April 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 kV Budgam SIDCO Tapline will be observed due to which power supply to Ompora, Housing Colony, NIFT, SIDCO, Mohanpora, Sheikhpora, and adjoining areas will be affected from 10 AM to 03 PM on 12 April 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 132 /33 kV, 100 MVA GIS Khanyar will be observed due to which power supply to Industrial Estate-BAMK, Raja colony, Nowshera, Zadibal, Hawal, Botakadal, BSNL, Gil kadal, athi-Darwaza Rainawari, psychiatric Hospital, PHE, Central jail, Saida Kadal, and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 12 & 13 April 2026.

Meanwhile, Executive Engineer Load Dispach Centre Division Bemina has informed that the Shutdown of 33 Kv Achabal Cherpora tapline will be observed due to which power supply to Achabal, Shangus, Nowgam, Cherpora and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 11 April 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Arampora- Bandipora line will be observed due to which power supply to Dooru Dangerpora, Shiva, Mundji, Watlab, Kunusa, Botingoo, Hathlangoo,Tujjar, and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 11 April 2026.

Likewise, shutdown of 33 KV Kanipora- Pinjoora line will be observed due to which power supply to Aarhama, Town, Bongam, Shopian, Pinjoora, Pahnoo, Killora, lmamsahib,Vehil, Nowgam, Reshinagri, Kach doora and adjoining areas will be affected from 09 AM to 03 PM on 12, 15 & 18 April 2026.

Similarly, shutdown of 33 KV Budagam- SIDCO Tapline will be observed due to which power supply to Ompora Housing Colony NIFT, SIDCO, Mohanpora, Sheikhpora and adjoining areas will be affected from 10 AM to 03 PM on 12 April 2026.

Srinagar: North Kashmir’s Kupwara district is facing a major shortage of teaching staff, with over 1,400 posts of lecturers, masters and teachers lying vacant across government schools, official data reveals.

Figures from the School Education Department, accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), reveal that 421 lecturer posts are vacant out of 675 sanctioned. In the Masters category, 365 posts remain unfilled against 866 sanctioned, while 629 teacher posts are vacant out of a total strength of 3,500.

The combined shortfall of 1,415 teaching posts has put pressure on the education system, affecting classroom teaching and subject coverage, particularly in remote and far-flung areas of the district.

The minister incharge, recently said the department is addressing the shortage through rationalisation of available staff in line with norms. Cluster Resource Coordinators are also being deployed where required to ensure continuity of academic activities, the minister said—(KNO)

CS sets the ball rolling for identification of AAY beneficiaries for 200 units free electricity

Also reviews power sector reforms and solar adoption

Jammu, Apr 08: The Government of Jammu & Kashmir has initiated the process for identification of eligible beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) category across all districts for providing 200 units of free electricity, in line with its commitment to extend targeted relief to economically weaker sections.

The progress of this initiative was reviewed in a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, focusing on accelerating reforms in the power sector with a balanced emphasis on social welfare, sustainability, and efficiency. The meeting also assessed the implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and scaling up of rooftop solar adoption under the PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana.

The free electricity initiative is expected to benefit over 2.22 lakh AAY households across the districts of the UT, ensuring near-universal district coverage. The process of identification and extension of this benefit to the eligible population is going on in coordination with the respective district administrations with many of the targeted beneficiaries living in far off areas.

On this occasion Additional Chief Secretary, Power Development Department, Ashwani Kumar, informed that extensive field verification and data validation exercises are underway in close coordination with district administrations to ensure that only genuine beneficiaries are covered.

He highlighted that efforts are being made to address challenges such as discrepancies between ration card and electricity consumer databases, cases of migration, locked or inaccessible households, and reluctance among certain beneficiaries.

Special emphasis is being placed on ensuring inclusion of households in remote and mountainous areas, where logistical constraints such as scattered habitations and extended power distribution networks pose significant challenges.

Alongside this welfare initiative, the Union Territory has registered significant progress under the rooftop solar programme. The PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana is facilitating adoption through consumer-friendly financing options, including access to bank loans at attractive interest rates.

Managing Director, Jammu Power Distribution Corporation Limited, Gurpal Singh, informed that over 28,600 applications have been received in Jammu Division, with more than 11,000 installations completed, reflecting a progress of around 67 percent.

Similarly, Managing Director, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited, Mehmood Ahmad Shah, stated that Kashmir Division has witnessed an overwhelming response, with over 73,000 applications received and more than 17,700 installations completed, with several districts surpassing their assigned targets.

It was further informed that the scheme is largely being implemented under the RESCO (Renewable Energy Service Company) model, wherein private developers undertake installation and maintenance without requiring upfront investment from consumers, thereby making solar energy accessible to a broader population.

The meeting also reviewed progress under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), a flagship reform initiative aimed at strengthening the power distribution infrastructure. Key interventions under RDSS include smart metering, infrastructure augmentation, feeder segregation, energy accounting, and reduction of Aggregate Technical and Commercial (AT&C) losses.

It was informed that works amounting to ₹5,762 Cr are being executed across districts through various Project Implementing Agencies (PIAs), including ₹1,053 Cr for smart metering and ₹4,709 Cr for loss reduction measures.

The meeting was apprised that over 7.10 lakh smart meters have been installed across Jammu and Kashmir, including nearly 3 lakh installations in the past six months alone. Significant improvements in operational efficiency were also reported, with the ACS-ARR gap reduced to 0.3 by FY 2025-26, billing efficiency increased to 77 percent, collection efficiency to 94 percent, and AT&C losses brought down to 30 percent.

The Chief Secretary reiterated that the integrated approach combining direct financial relief through free electricity with long-term structural reforms such as solarisation and RDSS-backed infrastructure upgrades is expected to substantially improve power reliability, reduce losses, and promote clean energy adoption across the Union Territory.

These measures are seen as a significant step towards ensuring inclusive growth, energy security, and sustainable development across all districts of Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)