Winter Vacations Announced for Summer Zone Schools in Jammu Division

Jammu, Dec 21: The Directorate of School Education, Jammu, has declared winter vacations for all Government and recognized private schools in the summer zone of Jammu Division. The vacation period is scheduled from December 26, 2024, to January 4, 2025.

The directive applies to both teaching and non-teaching staff of the schools. Any failure by school heads or teaching staff to adhere to this schedule will invite strict action under relevant rules, as stated in the official notification.

This announcement aims to ensure uniform compliance across schools in the summer zone during the winter season.

Centre sanctions 9 projects worth Rs 85 cr for J&K Universities, Colleges under PM-USHA

Jammu, Dec 21 (KNO): The Union Ministry for Education, has approved projects worth Rs 85 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Uchchatar Shiksha Abhiyan (PM-USHA) for nine higher education institutions in Jammu & Kashmir.

The decision, taken during the third Project Approval Board (PAB) meeting announced on December 20, 2024, underscores the government’s commitment towards transforming higher education infrastructure and fostering inclusivity and excellence in the region. Among the sanctioned projects, Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University in Rajouri will receive Rs 20 crore to strengthen its infrastructure.

Additionally, five new girls’ hostels will be constructed in the focus districts of Bandipora, Baramulla, Kulgam, Ramban and Udhampur, each allocated Rs 10 crore to promote gender equity. Three Government Degree Colleges in Bandipora, Sogam Kupwara and Nowshera will also receive Rs 5 crore each for infrastructure development and upgradation.

PM-USHA, a Centrally Sponsored Scheme under the Ministry of Education, has been designed to address critical gaps in the higher education sector by enhancing infrastructure, curriculum reform, accreditation and employability. Aligned with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the scheme aims to ensure equitable access to quality education, particularly for underrepresented groups, thereby fostering a more inclusive and dynamic higher education ecosystem. These recent sanctions are part of a broader vision to make education a driver of social and economic transformation, bridging regional disparities and empowering students with the skills needed for a rapidly changing world.

The Higher Education Department of Jammu & Kashmir had earlier submitted a comprehensive proposal for 47 institutions, with a total estimated cost of Rs 585 crore. Including the latest approvals, 18 institutions including Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University and several colleges, have been sanctioned under PM-USHA across three PAB meetings held in 2024. The cumulative funding now stands at ₹155 crore, marking a significant milestone in addressing the infrastructural and academic needs of the region. The establishment of new hostels and upgraded facilities will not only enhance the quality of education but also support gender inclusion, a critical aspect of NEP 2020’s vision for equitable development.

NEP 2020 emphasizes a holistic and multidisciplinary approach to education, prioritizing equity, inclusivity and excellence. PM-USHA serves as a key enabler in realizing this vision by bridging infrastructural gaps and promoting reforms that align with global standards. The projects sanctioned for Jammu & Kashmir will create an environment conducive to innovation, learning and employability, ensuring that students from all sections of society have access to quality education.

These initiatives reflect a sustained commitment of J&K Government towards building a robust higher education framework that not only addresses present challenges but also anticipates future needs, ensuring that the region’s academic institutions are well-prepared to contribute to national and global progress—(KNO)

DHSK Urges Caution Amid Cold Wave, Issues Safety Guidelines for Kashmir Residents

“Wear multiple layers of warm clothing, cover head, neck, hands, and feet; Avoid prolonged exposure to cold”

Srinagar, Dec 21: With Kashmir gripped by a harsh cold wave amid frighteningly plummeting temperatures, the Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) has issued a detailed advisory to safeguard the public, particularly high-risk groups, during the winter season. The advisory outlines potential health risks, symptoms to watch for, and measures to mitigate the impact of extreme cold weather.

The advisory, accessed by news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), defines a cold wave as a weather phenomenon marked by a significant drop in air temperature, sometimes accompanied by frost and hazardous conditions like icing. DHSK has urged people to stay informed about weather updates and district-specific warnings to prepare adequately for the challenging conditions.

Among those identified as high-risk groups are homeless individuals, the elderly, economically disadvantaged people, disabled individuals, pregnant and lactating mothers, children, outdoor workers, managers of night shelters, farmers, and individuals who use illicit drugs. These groups are particularly vulnerable to the adverse health effects of prolonged exposure to extreme cold.

The DHSK has warned that intense cold can lead to serious health conditions such as hypothermia, frostbite, and other cold-related injuries like immersion foot and chilblain. Hypothermia, a medical emergency, can be life-threatening if not addressed promptly. Symptoms of hypothermia in adults include shivering, memory loss, exhaustion, slurred speech, confusion, drowsiness, and fumbling hands. In infants, it manifests as bright red, cold skin and low energy. The advisory stressed the importance of immediate action, including moving the affected person to a warm shelter, removing wet clothing, and warming their body with blankets or skin-to-skin contact. Emergency medical attention is essential for severe cases.

The DHSK has recommended several preventive measures to prepare for and combat the cold wave. These include stocking adequate winter clothing and emergency supplies such as food, water, and medicines. People are advised to wear multiple layers of loose-fitting, warm clothing, cover extremities like the head, neck, hands, and feet, and eat a healthy diet rich in Vitamin C to boost immunity. Drinking warm fluids regularly and keeping the skin moisturized are also advised to maintain body heat and protect against dryness.

The advisory also issued crucial warnings, urging people to avoid prolonged exposure to cold, refrain from consuming alcohol, and not ignore signs of shivering, which indicates the body is losing heat. It warns against massaging frostbitten areas or burning candles or wood in unventilated spaces, which could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning.

DHSK has also urged residents to remain vigilant for symptoms of frostbite or hypothermia and to seek medical attention immediately if such symptoms occur. The detailed guidelines are a timely reminder for the people of Kashmir to take every possible precaution to protect themselves and their families from the cold wave, particularly the vulnerable sections of society—(KNO)