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.

NC, PDP enter into verbal brawl over recruitment scams, accuse each other of irregularities

Srinagar, Jan 21 (KNO): The ruling National Conference (NC) and opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) entered into a verbal brawl on the recruitment scams in Jammu and Kashmir, with leaders from both parties targeting each other for irregularities in examinations.

Iltija Mufti, the daughter of PDP chief and former chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, as per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “The JKSSB has conducted two recruitment exams for telecommunications and photographer but there are discrepancies in both the exams as the candidates who have topped in these exams have failed to in the recent Jammu and Kashmir Police Constable examinations.”

“I want to ask the JKSSB as well as the government how the candidates who have performed poorly in two exams have topped in the Police constable examination and those who have worked hard didn’t even make the list. Are not you (government & JKSSB) able to conduct exams transparently,” she said.

Iltija alleged that all the recruitment exams held since 2019 have irregularities. She said agencies like Aptech are tasked with the responsibility of conducting the exams. “There seems a nexus between those who are at the highest position in power and the agencies conducting exams,” she said, asking if the government that “rose to power by making lofty promises has conveniently washed their hands off any accountability”.

Responding to her allegation, the NC spokesperson, Ifra Jan targeted PDP for what she termed as the biggest recruitment scam in J&K Bank. “Iltija Mufti belongs to the party that is responsible for the biggest recruitment scam of J&K Bank. We are not answerable to PDP but to the people of J&K,” she said.

Ifra further added that these exams have been conducted by the Lieutenant Governor-led administration and instead of raising fingers on the elected government; she should have posed this question to the BJP and LG administration.

“PDP has been raising questions on the NC government only. We have nothing to do with these exams,” the NC spokesperson said, adding that the investigation should be held if the BJP and LG administration have done anything wrong in the recruitment process.

Ifra asked Iltija to muster the courage to ask this question to the LG administration rather than “sabotaging the elected government like the way they have been sabotaging the fight for the restoration of statehood”.

The aspirants, who appeared for the JKP Constable Telecommunication and Photography exams, have reportedly cried foul, alleging major irregularities and questioning the transparency of the selection process.

According to aspirants, those who topped the Telecommunication and Photography exams had alarmingly poor scores, some even in the negative marking zone, in the earlier JKP (Executive/Armed/SDRF) paper, which they described as easier in comparison—(KNO)

J-K govt needs to fix responsibility in constable recruitment ‘scam’: PDP leader Waheed Para

Srinagar, Jan 21: PDP leader Waheed Para on Tuesday said the Jammu and Kashmir government needs to fix responsibility for the alleged scam in recruitment of constables in the telecom wing of police.

“With each passing day, it’s as if a war has been waged on the youth of J-K and their aspirations. Yet another scam in JKSSB’s constable (telecom) exam is shocking,” Para said in a post on his X handle. The way candidates scoring below 10 marks in one exam are securing top position in another, singularly points towards the continued “murder of merit”.

He alleged that the government was shielding the officials responsible for it.

“The way the govt has been conveniently shielding the responsible with transfers needs to stop, heads have to roll. And it’s clear that this mess goes far beyond JKSSB,” he further said.–(PTI)