6 VDGs, 3 JKAS officers among over 50 awarded on R-Day in J&K

Jammu, Jan 26 (PTI) Jammu and Kashmir government has conferred awards to over 50 people, including a group of six Village Defence Guards (VDGs) and three J-K Administrative Service (JKAS) officers, for their outstanding contribution in different fields on Sunday, an official order said.

Principal Government Medical College (GMC) Srinagar Iffat Hassan Shah was among the prominent persons awarded on the Republic Day. The award carries a cash prize of Rs 51,000 and a citation.

According to an order issued by the General Administration Department, a group of six VDGs of Assar in Doda district were awarded for bravery, seven writers and translators selected for individual awards in the field of literature and nine individuals in performing art.

Three JKAS officers — Shabnam Kamili, Kishore Singh Chib, Harish Ahmad Handoo — Principal GMC Srinagar and Vice Chancellor, Islamic University of Science and Technology Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo and Assistant Director Holistic Agriculture Development Program (HADP) Anjum Andrabi received award for meritorious public service, the order said.

Retired deputy director, department of school education, Ishwar Das soni was given an award for lifetime achievement and writer Arif Shafi Wani (award for outstanding environmentalist), it said.

Four others were conferred an award for excellence in arts and crafts, six each for social reforms and empowerment and outstanding sports persons besides seven media persons.(PTI)

J-K govt working on ‘Mission YUVA’ to create 1.37 lakh enterprises in 5 years: LG Sinha

Jammu, Jan 26: The government is working on ‘Mission YUVA’ aimed at establishing Jammu and Kashmir as a hub of entrepreneurial excellence and employment generation, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said on Sunday.

The initiative seeks to create over 1,37,000 enterprises and generate about 4,25,000 jobs over five years, he said while addressing an official Republic day function here.

“Designed to address unemployment in the region, particularly among the youth and women, the initiative envisions creating a dynamic ecosystem for enterprise development. This comprehensive strategy capitalises on the region’s socio-economic potential and cultural heritage, driving a transformative journey towards inclusive prosperity,” Sinha said.

The lieutenant governor (LG) said the programme aims to foster nano-entrepreneurs, with special focus on first-generation entrepreneurs, women, and youth from remote areas; establish new MSMEs in growth and sunrise sectors; scale existing businesses towards sustainable growth; and promote innovative startups and knowledge-based enterprises.

The administration has also taken necessary steps for fast-track recruitment in government jobs, the LG said.

“In the past four to five years, 40,000 appointments were made based on transparency and merit. The process for compassionate appointments has also been expedited,” Sinha said, adding that 10,616 positions have been referred to the Public Service Commission and Services Selection Board, out of which notifications for 7,376 positions have been issued.

Examinations for 6,090 positions have already been conducted, he said.

“This year, 1,116 cases under SRO-43 have been approved, while 150 cases are under review. A total of 4,500 children have been provided free training at 92 Khelo India Centres, who are now shining on national podiums.

“As many as 15,000 sports persons represented J-K in national and zonal competitions in different disciplines. Special focus has been given to women’s participation, with our women athletes winning medals and earning accolades at national and international meets,” he said.

He said one of J-K’s crowning achievements is the revival of international cricket through the Legends League, hosted in J-K for the first time since 1988, drawing global attention and massive crowds.

“A water sports academy at Nehru Park in Srinagar and a fencing academy at MA Stadium in Jammu have been established. The prestigious Khel Gaon in Nagrota, a multi-sports hub with world-class facilities, will soon be completed,” Sinha said.

The LG also said that high-performance training centres will be developed in every district in a phased manner to enhance athlete training and performance.

“A gymnastics academy shall be established at GINDUN Stadium in Srinagar for providing specialised training to aspiring gymnasts. After successfully hosting four editions of Khelo India Winter Games at Gulmarg, we look forward to host the fifth edition in February,” Sinha said.

Urban youths are being provided self-employment opportunities under various self-employment programmes, which include the National Urban Livelihood Mission, National Rural Livelihood Mission, besides the creation of self-help groups and skill development and training under Himayat scheme, the LG said.

“The government plans to transform 40,000 women into ‘Lakhpati Didis’ to promote livelihood and empowerment of rural women,” Sinha said.

He also said Jammu and Kashmir has pioneered the establishment of 20 hubs for women’s empowerment, which serve as vital centres for offering comprehensive information on a wide range of women-centric schemes.

More than 550 persons with disabilities have secured employment in the government sector due to a change in the reservation policy and notification of posts suitable for various benchmark disabilities, Sinha said.–(PTI)

JEE Advanced 2025: Documents required for students who quit college in Nov 2024

The Supreme Court has allowed students who quit college between November 5-18, 2024, to register for JEE Advanced 2025. Candidates must submit specific documents to complete their registration process

The Supreme Court, on January 10 has ordered the Joint Admission Board (JAB) to permit students who dropped their college courses between November 5 and November 18, 2024, to register for the JEE Advanced 2025 examination.

Pursuant to this notice, JAB has amended its checklist and released a new information brochure on the official website of JEE Advanced jeeadv.ac.in. Applicants who have received the November 5 notification need to submit a certain number of documents to complete their registering process.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR REGISTRATION

Institution Letter: This is a letter which has been stamped and signed by the Head of the Institution (Dean/Principal/Director) according to the specified format in the Form Withdrawn-Certificate.

For candidates above 18 years of age: An affidavit, stamped and attested by a notary public, on a non-judicial stamp paper of ?10, as per the prescribed format.
For candidates below 18 years of age: The affidavit must be signed by a parent or legal guardian.

Withdrawal Notice: A formal withdrawal letter or notice issued by the college, university, or institute to which the candidate is admitted.

This chance is accessible to those who first attended Class 12 board exams in the year 2023 and dropped out afterwards within the scheduled period.

Direct link to official notice

Candidates can visit jeeadv.ac.in for more instructions and check their documents to meet the requirements.

Omar-led Govt working towards fulfilling all promises one-by-one: Dy CM

Terms drugs as major threat to society, says joint efforts must to eliminate menace

Pitches for restoration of Statehood, says promises of land, jobs protection be fulfilled

Working 24×7 to bring KPs back to Kashmir

Srinagar, Jan 26 (KNO): Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary on Sunday said that the promises made by the Omar Abdullah-led government in Jammu and Kashmir will be fulfilled in a phased manner. He also showered praises on Abdullah family for strengthening the constitution in the Union Territory.

In his Republic Day speech at Bakshi Stadium, Srinagar, the Dy Chief Minister said whatever the promises have been made by the Omar-led Government will be fulfilled one by one.

However, he said that the promises made by the Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other leaders on the floor of the house regarding the restoration of statehood and protection of lands and jobs for the people of J&K, must be fulfilled now.

Praising Sheikh Mohammad Abdullah for implementing and strengthening the constitution in Jammu and Kashmir, he as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has been following the path of his father Farooq Abdullah and his grandfather Sheikh Abdullah to ensure progressive J&K.

“The recent elections witnessed a massive voter turnout in which people put their trust in us after being promised several things. We are committed to fulfill all those promises one by one and the government led by Omar Abdullah has been working day-in and day-out to fulfill all the promises,” he said in his speech, adding that the increase in ration quota, employment and other issues will be ensured soon as the elected government has been working 24×7 in this regard.

About the return of Kashmir Pandits, the Deputy Chief Minister stated that every single people across J&K are pained over the exodus of the community, but the government has been working hard to bring them back. “We are on it and our round-the-clock efforts will bring fruit soon,” he added.

Terming the drug menace as the major threat in the society, the Dy Chief Minister said that the challenging task needs to be eliminated through a joint effort. “The government has been taking stringent measures to eliminate the drug menace from society, but the involvement of youth would end up in the devastating situation. There is a need to start a joint fight in this regard and eliminate the nuisance from the society as it has been affecting the future very badly,” he said.

At the end of his speech, Choudhary as per KNO asked people to take a pledge to make India more beautiful and make J&K independent in every aspect.

Pertinently, the event at Bakshi Stadium witnessed the participation of National Conference (NC) President Dr Farooq Abdullah, Advisor to CM, Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Lal Chowk Ashan Pardesi, NC spokesman Imran Nabi Dar and others—(KNO)