J&K Government Announces Transfer and Postings of Principals in Higher Education Department

The Government of Jammu and Kashmir, through its Higher Education Department, issued Government Order No. 548-JK(HE) of 2024, dated December 3, 2024, detailing the transfers and postings of several principals in the Higher Education Department. The decision was made in the interest of administrative efficiency and comes into immediate effect.

Transfers and New Postings:

1. Mohammad Farooq Mir: Transferred from GCW Nawakadal, Srinagar, to S.P. College, Srinagar.
2. Huda Gazali: Moved from GCW Pulwama to GCW Nawakadal, Srinagar.
3. Yasmeen Farooq: Reassigned from GDC Bemina to GCW M.A. Road, Srinagar.
4. Mudasir Afshan: Shifted from GDC Budgam to GDC Bemina.
5. Mohammad Amin Malik: Reposted from GDC Allochibagh to GDC Budgam.
6. Ajaz Ahmed Hakak: Appointed as Principal, Amar Singh College, Srinagar, relieving Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir (Director Colleges, J&K) of the additional charge of Principal, A.S. College.
7. Tariq Hussain Bhat: Retains position at Gandhi Memorial College, Srinagar.

Additionally, the Principal of GDC Pulwama will hold additional charge of Principal, GCW Pulwama, until further notice.

The order emphasizes the importance of principals joining their new posts without delay to ensure smooth administrative functioning.

Administrative Instructions:

Copies of the order were distributed to key officials and departments, including the Ministry of Home Affairs, Director Colleges J&K, and Director Archives, Archaeology, and Museums J&K, for necessary actions.

This move is expected to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of the Higher Education Department in Jammu and Kashmir.

Weather Update for Jammu & Kashmir: December 4th, 2024

Forecast Overview
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has provided the latest weather forecast for Jammu & Kashmir, covering the period from December 4th to December 15th, 2024. Here is a detailed breakdown of the expected weather conditions:

4th to 7th December

• Conditions: Generally dry weather. Ideal for outdoor activities and travel.

8th to 9th December

• Conditions:
  • Evening/Night of 8th: Generally cloudy skies with light rain or snow possible at isolated higher-altitude regions.
  • Morning of 9th: Light rain or snow may persist in some areas.

10th December

• Conditions:
  • Early morning or morning hours might experience light rain or snow at a few isolated locations.

11th to 13th December

• Conditions: Generally dry weather. No major disturbances expected, making it an excellent period for travelers.

14th to 15th December

• Conditions: Light rain or snow may occur over isolated places in the region.

Overall Summary

The weather in Jammu & Kashmir is expected to remain largely stable with no significant disturbances until December 15th, 2024.

Advisory for Tourists and Travelers

1. Follow Official Guidelines: Tourists, travelers, and transporters are strongly advised to stay updated with administrative and traffic advisories.
2. Mountain Safety: If visiting higher reaches, especially during the nights of December 8th-9th and 14th-15th, ensure adequate preparation for light snow conditions.
3. Travel Caution: While the weather is largely favorable, sudden localized changes can occur. Always check forecasts before embarking on trips to remote areas.

The calm weather forecast provides a great opportunity for exploring the serene beauty of Jammu & Kashmir, but staying prepared ensures a safe and pleasant experience.

Govt plans to resolve dental surgeon vacancies in J&K

Dental care hit as authorities fails to advertise dental surgeon posts in 16 years

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government is currently examining the creation of dental surgeon posts, addressing a long-standing issue that has left the healthcare system in the region struggling with a shortage of qualified dentists. According to a senior official from the Jammu and Kashmir Health Department, the matter is under consideration and steps will be taken to address it soon.

There has been no appointment of dental surgeons in the health department for the past 16 years, resulting in a growing shortage of dentists in public hospitals, which has significantly impacted oral healthcare services. Recently, unemployed dental surgeons from J&K, who have completed their professional courses at dental colleges, wrote to the government urging for the creation of posts to address the issue.

Dr. Rahul Koul, President of the Dental Surgeons Association Jammu and Kashmir, emphasized that no dental surgeon posts have been created by the Jammu and Kashmir Public Services Commission (PSC) since 2008. “There are more than 10,000 Bachelor of Dental Surgery (BDS) and Master of Dental Surgery (MDS) students in J&K who are unemployed due to the lack of opportunities in the government sector, despite the clear shortage of dental surgeons,” Koul stated.

He added that the issue has been pending for over a decade, with a file circulating within the government for the past ten years. “This is a serious issue, and the administration has been silent on it,” Koul said, pointing to the inadequate oral healthcare services, particularly in rural areas like district hospitals, Sub-District Hospitals (SDHs), Community Health Centers (CHCs), and Primary Health Centers (PHCs).

The shortage of dental surgeons is exacerbating the situation. “Over the years, young students aspiring to pursue dentistry are losing interest in joining dental colleges due to the uncertainty of employment,” Koul remarked.

An official from the Health Department confirmed that 90 per cent of the patient load is in public hospitals, as oral health procedures are expensive in the private sector, leading patients to seek treatment from unqualified practitioners, which increases health risks. “This lack of adequate dental professionals in government hospitals is a significant concern,” the official added.

Dr. Koul further explained that each year, around 200-300 students graduate from the Government Dental Colleges in Srinagar and Jammu, with many facing bleak career prospects due to the lack of government posts. “Posts have not been created or upgraded. The government needs to take a decision. We demand the creation of posts,” he urged.

The shortage has forced patients to seek care at far-off hospitals or private clinics, both of which are often unaffordable for economically disadvantaged individuals. According to healthcare norms, each Sub-District Hospital should have at least two dentists, and a Primary Health Center should employ a dental surgeon along with an assistant.

The Doctors Association Kashmir (DAK) has also raised concerns about the lack of dental surgeons and the inadequate facilities for oral healthcare in the region’s hospitals. DAK President Dr. Mohd Yusuf Tak lamented the government’s failure to address the issue despite the rising need for professional oral healthcare. “The poor are often left with no choice but to seek treatment from unqualified practitioners, resulting in complications and the spread of diseases like Hepatitis C,” he said.

The DAK also criticised the PSC for its failure to advertise posts for dental surgeons, leading to the unemployment of qualified dental professionals. The association appealed to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Health Minister Sakina Itoo, and Administrative Secretary of the Health and Medical Education Department to adopt a humanitarian approach to resolve these issues. “This is not just about employment but about ensuring better oral healthcare for J&K,” the DAK emphasized in its appeal.

A senior official from the Health and Medical Education Department, speaking on condition of anonymity, stated that the government is actively working to resolve the issue. “The matter is being examined, and whatever help is needed, we will provide. There is a clear need for the creation of posts,” the official confirmed.

Officials within the department admitted to the shortage of dental surgeons and expressed a commitment to prioritising the creation of posts and overhauling oral healthcare in the region. In August 2023, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare’s Dental Education Section had communicated with the J&K Health and Medical Education Department regarding the unemployment of dental surgeons and urged the department to take necessary action.

This communication followed a letter from the Dental Surgeons Association Jammu and Kashmir highlighting the issue and calling for immediate intervention.

J-K CM Abdullah directs officials to ban re-employment, extensions

Jammu, Dec 3: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday directed officials to completely ban re-employment, extensions, additional charges and attachments, except under extraordinary circumstances, by the general administration department.

He also called for linking the Samadhan grievance redress system with the Chief Minister’s Public Services Outreach Office, emphasising its potential for public benefit.

Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting to review the department’s functioning, including key administrative aspects.

A spokesperson said the chief minister reviewed the functioning of the Public Service Commission, Service Selection Board, promotions, cadre management, training, transfers and other administrative issues.

To address stagnation among administrative service officers, the chief minister urged the department to propose actionable solutions. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to grow.” Reiterating the need for streamlined governance, Abdullah ordered a complete ban on re-employment, extensions, additional charges and attachments, except in extraordinary circumstances, the spokesperson said.

He specifically called for a review of attachments in the health and medical education and the education departments, asserting, “We must put an end to this practice.” Abdullah also reviewed the status and performance of employees appointed under the prime minister’s package for Kashmiri migrants.

Sanjeev Verma, the general administration department’s commissioner secretary, presented a detailed overview of its functioning.

“The distribution of posts following the reorganisation must be examined. We need to address the disparities and ensure that Jammu and Kashmir has adequate posts to meet its administrative demands,” Abdullah said.

In a separate meeting, Abdullah reviewed the establishment of Raabta, the Chief Minister’s Public Services and Outreach Office.

This single-window interface aims to enhance government-citizen interaction and improve grievance redress mechanisms.

“Raabta will serve as a bridge between the government and the people, ensuring timely delivery of public services and enhancing public participation in governance. It is a step towards a more responsive and citizen-centric administration,” Abdullah said.

Directing the officials to integrate Raabta with the Samadhan system, he said the integration would ensure “faster resolutions and a more streamlined approach to addressing citizens’ concerns”.

Abdullah also chaired a meeting to evaluate the civil aviation department’s functioning.

A significant portion of the discussion revolved around the subsidised helicopter service operated under the Union home ministry since April 2017. The service connects five approved routes — three in the Jammu region and two in Kashmir.

The chief minister directed the officials to expand the service to include point-to-point routes, particularly far-flung areas, while ensuring optimal utilisation and sufficient load for each flight.

Abdullah reiterated his commitment to modernising the civil aviation infrastructure, emphasising that improved connectivity would indirectly contribute to the region’s economic growth.–(PTI)