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)

Weather Update for Jammu and Kashmir: December 17-26, 2024

Met Centre Srinagar Issues Advisory Amid Cold Wave and Icy Road Conditions

Forecast Overview:
The Meteorological Centre in Srinagar has issued the following weather forecast for Jammu and Kashmir, highlighting predominantly dry and cold conditions for the coming week:

• December 17: Generally dry weather.
• December 18: Generally cloudy skies.
• December 19-20: Dry weather expected.
• December 21-22: Generally cloudy with light snowfall predicted over higher reaches.
• December 23-26: Predominantly dry weather anticipated.

According to the Met Centre, there are no significant weather events expected across the region until December 26, 2024.

Advisory:
A cold wave is expected to persist in isolated to scattered locations, with sub-freezing temperatures creating icy conditions on roads, particularly in higher reaches and over important mountain passes.

Travelers, tourists, and transport operators are strongly advised to follow traffic advisories and administrative guidelines. Those traveling to snow-covered or high-altitude areas should exercise caution to avoid accidents due to slippery road conditions.

Residents are encouraged to take necessary precautions against the ongoing cold wave and ensure adequate heating and winter essentials.

Conclusion:
The weather conditions in Jammu and Kashmir remain stable with cold temperatures dominating the region. While light snow is expected in some areas, the overall forecast suggests a relatively calm weather pattern leading into the last week of December.

ASI Suspended over Misconduct allegations in Jammu

Jammu, Dec 17 : The Traffic Police Department, Jammu has suspended an ASI following allegations of misconduct and misbehavior reported by the Bar Association.

The incident occurred while the ASI was on duty at High Court Turning.

In an official order, a copy of which lies with the news agency JKNS the department stated that the suspension was effective immediately.

It reads as, the ASI Kamal Kumar Sharma has been instructed to report to the Traffic Police Lines (TPL) Jammu and submit all government-issued uniform articles to the TPL store.

“A formal inquiry into the matter has been initiated, with the task entrusted to Additional SP (Traffic) City Jammu. The inquiry report, along with relevant documents, is expected to be submitted within a fortnight to determine further action. Meanwhile, ASI Sharma will be entitled to receive subsistence allowances as per rules during the suspension period,” the other reads.—(JKNS)