The Jammu & Kashmir Labour Department has issued an important update for all registered Building and Other Construction (BOC) workers regarding the Education Assistance Scheme for the 2025–26 session.

If your application was previously reverted by the office of District Assistant Labour Commissioners (ALCs), there is now an opportunity to correct and resubmit your form.

📢 Key Announcement

The portal for resubmission of scholarship applications will reopen from:

👉 April 6, 2026 (06.04.2026)

This is a crucial chance for beneficiaries to rectify errors and ensure their applications are successfully processed.

📅 Official Schedule for JK Labour Scholarship (2025–26)

1. Reversion of Cases by ALC Offices

• Dates: 06.04.2026 to 13.04.2026
• During this period, cases will be sent back to beneficiaries for clarification or correction of any observations.

2. Resubmission of Applications by Beneficiaries

• Dates: 06.04.2026 to 18.04.2026
• Applicants must correct the issues raised and resubmit their forms within this timeframe.

3. Final Disposal of Cases by ALCs

• Dates: 06.04.2026 to 25.04.2026
• All corrected applications will be reviewed and finalized.

🎓 What is the JK Labour Scholarship?

The Education Assistance Scheme under the Labour Department provides financial support to the children of registered BOC workers. The goal is to promote education and reduce the financial burden on labour families.

⚠️ Important Instructions for Applicants

• Carefully review the observations mentioned in your reverted application.
• Upload correct and valid documents during resubmission.
• Ensure all details are accurate to avoid rejection.
• Submit your application before April 18, 2026 to stay eligible.

📌 Who Should Apply?

This update is specifically for:

• Registered BOC workers in Jammu & Kashmir
• Applicants whose cases were reverted by District ALC offices

This reopening of the portal is a final opportunity for many applicants to secure education assistance benefits for the 2025–26 session. Make sure to act promptly and complete the resubmission process within the given deadline

Over 14.4 lakh priority ration cards enrolled, new food grain scheme launched: J&K Govt

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday said a total of 14,40,473 Priority Household (PHH) ration card holders are covered across the Union Territory.

Replying to a starred question in the Legislative Assembly, the government, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said all eligible beneficiaries have been enrolled in the ration card database, while updation and deletion of cards is a continuous process based on verification and eligibility norms.

It said that identification of beneficiaries is carried out as per Census 2011 data and targets assigned by the Government of India, adding that newly identified eligible families are included as and when revised targets are communicated.

Regarding LPG support, the government said it has announced three free LPG cylinders per year for AAY ration card holders to support economically vulnerable sections. Efforts are being made to enhance this support in future, subject to availability of resources, it added.

The government further informed that a new scheme providing an additional 10 kilograms of free food grains per month to AAY households has been launched from April 2025 in Jammu division, aimed at households with four or more members.

Providing details, it said the scheme is currently operational across all districts of Jammu division, covering 37,412 AAY beneficiaries, with district-wise distribution including Jammu, Rajouri, Poonch, Doda and others.

On Fair Price Shops (FPS), the government said that 94 FPS are currently operational in Rajouri constituency. “The opening of new FPS in Jammu and Kashmir will be considered after full stabilisation of the Smart Public Distribution System (Smart PDS),” it said. “The proposals for new FPS will be formulated in line with S.O. 41 of 2023, taking into account population norms, geographical factors and existing coverage.”

The key systems like ration card management, supply chain management and e-KYC integration are operational, while further improvements, including grievance redressal and PoS device upgrades, are underway, the government said, adding that elected representatives will be consulted before taking any final decision on expansion of FPS network across Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)

Weather to remain erratic till April 10: MeT

Predicts widespread precipitation on April 3, 4

Jammu-Srinagar National Highway open for 2-way traffic, Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri Road remains one-way, Mughal Road limited to LMVs, NH-244 remains closed due to weather conditions

Srinagar, Apr 01: The India Meteorological Department on Wednesday said erratic weather conditions are likely to continue across Jammu and Kashmir till April 10, with spells of rain, snow, thunderstorms and gusty winds expected over the next several days.

An official of the Meteorological Centre Srinagar told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that light rain or snow may occur at a few places on April 1 and 2, while widespread precipitation is expected between April 3 and 4, accompanied by thunderstorms, hailstorms and gusty winds. Moderate to heavy rain or snow is also expected at isolated higher reaches.

Fresh spells of precipitation are likely between April 7 and 9, while April 5 and 6 may remain partly cloudy with isolated light rain.

The MeT department has warned of gusty winds (40-50 kmph), landslides, shooting stones and waterlogging at vulnerable locations, advising farmers to suspend operations on April 3 and 4.

Meanwhile, traffic authorities issued advisories for multiple key routes across the Union Territory.

An official said, “On the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway (NH-44), slow movement was reported due to single-lane stretches, with commuters advised to travel during the day and avoid overtaking. Traffic is expected to ply from both sides subject to weather conditions.”

“On the Srinagar-Sonamarg-Gumri road (SSG Road), only one-way traffic will be allowed from Srinagar towards Kargil for light motor vehicles, while heavy vehicles will be permitted up to a specified cut-off time, subject to clearance and weather conditions. The Mughal Road will allow only light motor vehicles and passenger cars from both sides, with heavy vehicles barred due to maintenance work. Cut-off timings have been fixed for both directions.

On the Kishtwar-Sinthan-Anantnag road (NH-244), vehicular movement remains temporarily suspended as per orders of the authorities,” he said, adding, “Security force vehicles will be allowed separately on NH-44, and commuters have been urged to check the latest road status before undertaking travel.”—(KNO)

J&K NHM employees protest for regularisation & pay

Demand job security, salary hike, social benefits

Srinagar, Apr 01: Employees engaged under the National Health Mission (NHM) across Jammu and Kashmir on Wednesday launched a 48-hour sit-in protest, intensifying their long-pending demand for regularisation of services, salary enhancement, and comprehensive social security measures.

The protest, organised under the banner of the Jammu and Kashmir National Health Mission Employees Association, witnessed participation from NHM staff in multiple districts, with a prominent gathering held at Srinagar’s Press Enclave.

Demonstrators raised slogans and held placards highlighting their grievances, urging the administration to take immediate and concrete steps.

The agitating employees expressed deep disappointment over what they described as “unfulfilled promises” by the government, saying that repeated assurances over the years have not translated into any tangible policy decisions.

“We were left with no option but to protest. Our issues have been pending for years despite continuous representations,” Abdul Rouf, Chief Spokesperson of the association, said, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO). “We had announced this protest over a week ago and initially sought permission to assemble at Sher-e-Kashmir Park, but that was denied. Even then, we chose to go ahead peacefully to make our voices heard.”

Rouf said that NHM workers form the backbone of the healthcare delivery system, particularly in rural and remote areas, yet continue to work under precarious conditions. “If the government is serious about strengthening the health sector, it must first address the concerns of its workforce, including doctors, paramedics, and field staff working under NHM,” he added.

The employees are demanding a structured salary revision on the lines of Himachal Pradesh, along with the formulation of a clear job policy. They have also called for the introduction of a retirement policy, including a “golden handshake” scheme for those who have already completed their service tenure.

“Our primary demand remains the regularisation of services. However, if that takes time, the government must at least ensure ‘equal pay for equal work’ and revise our wages immediately,” the spokesperson said. “Many of our employees are working in far-off and difficult areas, yet they are being paid meagre salaries that are not even sufficient to meet basic needs.”

Several protesting employees shared similar concerns, pointing out that the absence of job security and social benefits such as pensions and insurance has left them vulnerable. “We have dedicated years of service, often in challenging conditions, especially during health emergencies. Still, we are treated as temporary workers with no future security,” said one employee.

The protesters warned that if their demands are not addressed promptly, they may be compelled to escalate their agitation in the coming days.

The NHM workforce plays a critical role in implementing healthcare programmes across Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in underserved regions. The ongoing protest has once again brought attention to the challenges faced by contractual health workers and the need for policy intervention to ensure their welfare and stability—(KNO)