SKUAST-K Announces Winter Break for Students: December 21, 2024, to January 29, 2025

Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology of Kashmir (SKUAST-K), Main Campus Shalimar Srinagar, has officially announced a 40-day winter break for all students across its faculties and colleges. This decision has been communicated through University Order No. 17 (Acad.) of 2024, dated December 16, 2024.

Key Highlights of the Order

1. Winter Break Dates:
   • The winter break will commence on December 21, 2024, and conclude on January 29, 2025.
2. Examinations During the Break:
   • Ongoing examinations already scheduled will proceed as planned according to the existing timetable. Students appearing for exams are not exempted from attending during the winter break until their examinations are completed.
3. Coursework Completion:
   • Faculties/colleges may conduct leftover course work online as per the schedule issued by respective departments.
4. Hostel Facilities:
   • Hostels will remain closed during the break, except for:
     • Master’s/Ph.D. students availing hostel facilities for laboratory or research work.
     • Research work must be certified/authenticated by the Major Advisor, HoD, and the Warden.
5. End-Term Examination Schedule:
   • The end-term examinations for the Autumn Semester 2024, previously scheduled for January 20, 2025, to February 3, 2025, have been rescheduled.
   • The examinations will now be conducted from February 3, 2025, to February 20, 2025.
6. Monitoring and Cleanliness:
   • The Directorate of Education, SKUAST-K, will oversee smooth conduct of academic programs during the vacation period.
   • Wardens are instructed to ensure cleanliness and minor repairs in respective hostels during the break.

Transport Dept launches crackdown on number plate masking

Jammu, Dec 17: The Transport Department has started a drive against number plate masking and commercial use of personal vehicles.

According to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan on Tuesday reviewed the work in offices of the Motor Vehicle Department. He directed the officers to streamline the functioning of the field offices to provide hassle-free services to the general public being offered by the Transport Department.

The Commissioner directed the officers to launch special drives against number plate masking and the carrying of goods by passenger vehicles, according to a government spokesperson.

He directed the officers and officials of the Motor Vehicles Department to be polite and at the same time firm in dealing with any kind of violations by the drivers. “Deal strictly against overloading, drunken driving, rash driving, driving without helmets,” the officer said.

Mahajan, the spokesperson said, directed seizing vehicles and cancelling the driving licences of habitual offenders—(KNO)

Government of Jammu & Kashmir Issues Blanket Ban on Private Tuition by Government Teachers

The Office of the Chief Education Officer (CEO), Anantnag, has issued a circular prohibiting government school teaching staff, including Lecturers, Masters, and Teachers, from engaging in private tuition or employment at private institutions and coaching centers. This move aligns with previously issued directives from the School Education Department to ensure compliance with the Jammu & Kashmir Employees Service Conduct Rules, 1971.

Strict Monitoring and Accountability

The circular highlights the seriousness of the issue and instructs Drawing and Disbursing Officers (DDOs) and Heads of Institutions (HOIs) to certify that “None of the Lecturer, Master, and Teacher is unauthorizedly involved in private tuitions/coaching.” Any violation of this directive will invite strict disciplinary action against the erring officials.

To enforce compliance, Zonal Level Monitoring Committees have been tasked with overseeing the situation. Through a formal directive (No. CEO/A/Estt-II/58761-75/24, dated 12.12.2024), these committees are instructed to maintain vigilance and promptly report any violations to the Chief Education Office.

Compliance and Consequences

The circular emphasizes that any deviation from the rules will result in disciplinary action as warranted under government regulations. The CEO urged all concerned authorities, including Principals, Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs), and Headmasters, to enforce strict compliance and monitor the situation effectively.

Recipients of the Circular

The directive has been forwarded for information and action to:

1. Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag
2. Director of School Education, Kashmir
3. All Principals, ZEOs, Headmasters, and HOIs

This development reflects the government’s firm stance on improving the quality of education in government schools while curbing the diversion of teachers’ focus towards private tuition.

KU likely to announce winter vacations from Jan-01

Srinagar, Dec 17 (KNO): The University of Kashmir (KU) is likely to announce winter vacation from January-01 to February-23.

A top official at KU informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that there vacations are most likely to commence from January-01-2025.

“Most probably, we the vacations will be announced till February-23. However, formal orders in this regard are yet to be issued,” he said—(KNO)

KU likely to announce winter vacations from Jan-01

Srinagar, Dec 17 (KNO): The University of Kashmir (KU) is likely to announce winter vacation from January-01 to February-23.

A top official at KU informed the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that there vacations are most likely to commence from January-01-2025.

“Most probably, we the vacations will be announced till February-23. However, formal orders in this regard are yet to be issued,” he said—(KNO)

ACB arrests fire service department clerk in bribery case in Sopore

Srinagar, Dec 17 (KNO): Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau arrested a clerk of Fire & Emergency Service department posted in Sopore for demanding bribe of Rs 5000 for issuance of NOC to open a timber sale depot.

According to a statement, issued to news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a complainant alleged that he intended to open a sale depot of timber in Baramulla for which he had applied online with forest department for securing licence and as per check list, he completed all formalities except fire department NOC which was mandatory.

The statement reads that when he approached th office in Sopore concerned clerk, Nisar Ahmad Wani initially delayed NOC on different grounds and finally told him to give bribe of Rs 5000. “The clerk also compelled complainant to pay Rs 1500 through bank account to some unknown person on pretext of fee for NOC beside made him install various instruments at proposed timber depot through selected shopkeeper at higher price,” it reads.

It added that as the complainant was not interested in paying the bribe he accordingly approached ACB with his complaint and demanded legal action against the concerned official.

“On receipt of the complaint a discreet verification was conducted by ACB PS Baramulla. The verification prima facie disclosed the commission of offence punishable under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 by Nisar Ahmad Wani. Accordingly, a case FIR No 16/2024 Under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 was registered against him and the investigation was initiated”.

The statement reads that during investigation, a team laid a successful trap and accused clerk was caught red-handed while demanding and accepting bribe of Rs 4000 from complainant.

“Accordingly, after completing all legal formalities the accused was arrested on the spot. The bribe money was also recovered, while further investigation is going on,” it added—(KNO)