DHSK Directs District Hospitals, Other Healthcare Institutions to Prominently Display Daily Rosters of Doctors

Srinagar, Nov 22: The Directorate of Health Services Kashmir (DHSK) has issued a circular directing all District Hospitals and other healthcare institutions across the Valley to strictly and prominently display updated daily rosters of doctors on duty to ensure transparency, accountability, and smooth functioning of health services.

According to the circular, a copy of which lies with GNS, all Chief Medical Officers, Medical Superintendents, and Block Medical Officers have been instructed to prepare and update the rosters on a day-to-day basis. These rosters, the circular stresses, must include specialists, medical officers, casualty and emergency duty officers, as well as leave arrangements.

The Directorate has mandated that the daily roster be displayed prominently at key locations within hospital premises, including the main entrance or reception area, OPD block, emergency or casualty section, and on the hospital’s website or online portal wherever applicable.

The roster must clearly mention the doctor’s name, designation, department, duty hours or shift, and contact or extension number (if applicable). The circular further stresses that Medical Superintendents will be personally responsible for ensuring the accuracy and timely updating of the displayed information.

The DHSK has cautioned that any non-compliance will be taken seriously and may attract disciplinary action under rules.

The directive has been issued for immediate implementation, with all concerned instructed to ensure strict adherence. (GNS)

Jammu & Srinagar to Get Massive Transport Boost with 200 New Electric Buses

Dedicated bus lanes, smarter passenger facilities also proposed

JAMMU, Nov 21: Jammu and Srinagar are set for a major improvement in the public transport as both the capital cities prepare to add a new fleet of 200 electric buses under the PM eBus Sewa Scheme.

Supported by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the initiative aimed at expanding zero-emission mobility across the two smart cities and provides commuters faster, cleaner and more reliable travel options.

A Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) official said that under the scheme, both JSCL and Srinagar Smart City Limited (SSCL) will induct an equal 100 new electric buses into their fleet.

He said the new deployment includes 25 twelve-metre and 75 seven-metre buses for Jammu, and 20 twelve-metre along with 80 nine-metre buses for Srinagar.

“This expansion builds on the FAME-II electric buses already operating in both cities and serving thousands of passengers daily,” said Ashish Anand, Senior General Manager of Jammu Smart City Limited, and the Nodal Officer for the Jammu & Kashmir e-Bus Project.

The Ministry of Heavy Industries’ FAME-II (Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric Vehicles) scheme provides subsidies and incentives to encourage the purchase and deployment of electric buses for intra-city public transport in India.

According to Anand, the larger 12-metre buses in Jammu will be deployed along key corridors such as Samba, RS Pura, Akhnoor, and Sunderbani to meet high passenger demand, while the smaller 7-metre buses will operate in areas of the Old and Heritage City where narrow streets require compact vehicles.

In Srinagar, Anand said, a mix of 12-metre and 9-metre buses will strengthen the busy routes, including Pantha Chowk, Lal Chowk, Hazratbal, and Batamaloo.

“The increased fleet size is expected to reduce overcrowding, improve punctuality, and meet the rising commuter requirements during the peak hours,” he said.

Anand, said that procurement of buses is being carried out through a unified national tender issued by Convergence Energy Services Limited.

“A consortium led by PMI Electro Mobility, supported by Progressive Autoserve Private Limited and Urban Paribahan Services Private Limited has been selected for the supply of 12-metre and nine-metre busses, while the procurement for the 7-metre buses is being handled separately and is in progress,” he said.

Anand further said both cities are also undertaking a series of infrastructure upgrades under the Green Urban Mobility Initiatives. These improvements include dedicated bus lanes, queue jumpers at intersections to reduce delays and better-designed passenger facilities.

Bus queue shelters in Jammu and Srinagar are also being redesigned under the Smart City Mission, and will now come equipped with real-time information displays, route maps, CCTV surveillance, panic buttons, better lighting, seating and accessibility features such as ramps and tactile paving, he said.

Further, to enhance the overall passenger experience, Anand said, the new buses will be fully integrated with the Intelligent Transit Management System (ITMS) and the Automatic Fare Collection System.

“Commuters will be able to use QR-based tickets, NCMC-enabled smart cards and mobile payments. Mobile apps and LED display boards will provide real-time updates on bus locations and expected arrival times,” he said.

The Nodal Officer for the Jammu & Kashmir e-Bus Project, Anand, said these digital systems will help both cities plan routes more effectively, adjust services based on demand patterns and monitor fleet performance more accurately.

He added that the Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for new depots, opportunity charging stations and administrative facilities have already been cleared by the Central Sanctioning and Screening Committee and the UT-level committee.

Behind-the-meter power infrastructure for both cities has also received approval, with JPDCL and KPDCL entrusted with execution, he said.

Anand said the expansion of electric bus services is expected to bring significant social benefits across Jammu and Kashmir as residents will get safer, more reliable access to schools, hospitals, markets and workplaces.

“Women, senior citizens and low-income commuters are likely to benefit the most due to better frequency and wider route coverage. Electric buses are also expected to reduce pollution levels in the congested parts of the cities, contributing to cleaner air and supporting long-term environmental goals,” he said.

According to him, the project will generate employment opportunities for drivers, conductors, mechanics, depot workers and IT support staff.

In addition, the growth of electric mobility is expected to boost local businesses linked to charging systems, repair services, battery management and component recycling, strengthening the emerging green economy in the region, the JSCL Senior General Manager said.

Outrage in Kashmir over proposal to hike peak-hour power tariff by 20%

Opposition slams ruling party; Government terms it “unfair” and “ill-timed,” vows to oppose move

Srinagar, Nov 21: As the Jammu & Kashmir Government came under fierce criticism from opposition parties over the Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited’s (KPDCL) proposal to levy a 20 percent surcharge on power consumption during peak hours, the National Conference-led government on Friday said it will not allow the people of J&K to be burdened with any such “unfair” and “ill-timed” proposal.

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), NC leader and MLA Zadibal Tanvir Sadiq said the Omar Abdullah-led government has already taken a clear stand against the proposed 20% peak-hour surcharge. “In a harsh Kashmiri winter, power is a necessity, not a luxury. The Omar Abdullah–led government will not allow the people of J&K to be burdened with any such unfair and ill-timed proposal,” he wrote.

The NC spokesman clarified the government’s stand on the proposal submitted by KPDCL-a DISCOM-to the Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission after facing criticism from several opposition parties.

Apni Party president Syed Altaf Bukhari described the proposal as a “grave injustice” to the people of Kashmir. “KPDCL’s proposal to impose a 20% surcharge on power tariffs during peak hours is a grave injustice to people who are already struggling to survive an economic crisis. Most of our population depends on tourism and horticulture—sectors that have suffered massive losses this year. Other businesses are also in decline. In such times, increasing electricity charges for mornings and evenings-when families rely on power the most in freezing cold-cannot be justified,” he wrote.

Mirwaiz Umar Farooq also termed the proposal a grave injustice, saying that people are already struggling to survive an economic crisis as businesses decline.

He said that instead of easing people’s problems, the government is adding to their woes. “Rather than fulfilling the commitment of providing 200 units of free electricity to the poor, new burdens are being placed on people. I urge the government to immediately withdraw this anti-people proposal,” an official handout quoted him as saying.

Peoples Conference general secretary Imran Reza Ansari questioned the rationale behind the hike, demanding clarity on who within the Power Development Department authorized the “magical midnight-thought tariff ideas.” “So just wondering, before we all get shocked with this proposed 20% peak-hour surcharge, can someone politely remind me who exactly is the Minister for Power Development Department approving these magical midnight-thought tariff ideas in Kashmir?” Ansari asked.

He added that despite a promise of 200 units of free electricity, Kashmiris are instead facing a 20% extra bill during the hours when people are freezing and desperately need electricity.

Peoples Democratic Party MLA Waheed-ur-Rehman Para termed the proposal “cruel” and “catastrophic.” “J&K government must do a real ground assessment before hiking electricity charges. People in posh areas may not feel it, but for ordinary Kashmiris, winter is a battle for survival. In Kashmir, electricity is not a luxury, it is life support. At a time when families are already struggling, raising tariffs on the poor and middle class will be cruel and catastrophic. Policies that ignore human suffering have no place in a just administration,” Para wrote on X.

The Kashmir Trade Alliance (KTA) also voiced strong opposition to the proposal.

In a statement, KTA President Aijaz Shahdhar termed the proposal “arbitrary” and “unjustified,” warning that such a move would severely impact the business community and the general public.

The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) also opposed the proposal, calling it unjustified, punitive, and an attempt to shift the burden of systemic failures onto the people of Kashmir.

Kashmir News Observer (KNO) had exclusively reported last evening that KPDCL has proposed levying a 20 percent surcharge on electricity consumption during peak hours in the Valley—(KNO)

J&K Police intensify inspections of shops, vehicles, hospitals

Chemical shops, car dealers, hospitals inspected to ensure public safety, prevent anti-national activities: Officials

Srinagar, Nov 21: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Firday carried out coordinated inspections across Srinagar city targeting chemical and fertiliser shops, car dealerships, and hospital facilities, officials said.

Last week, Srinagar Police uncovered a sophisticated “white-collar terror module” linked to terrorist organisations. The network involved doctors from Kashmir, Faridabad and Uttar Pradesh who stored explosives. The module was connected to a deadly blast near Delhi’s Red Fort and prompted widespread inspections of hospitals across Kashmir.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that the drives covered the jurisdictions of Police Stations Nowhatta, Lal Bazar, Shaheeganj, Chanapora, Rajbagh, RM Bagh, Harwan, Nishat, MR Ganj, Safakadal, Zadibal, Hazratbal, Nigeen, Saddar, Khanyar, and the surrounding areas of the city.

He said the inspections of chemical and fertiliser outlets focused on verifying stock maintenance, sales records, identity checks for bulk buyers, secure storage of potentially hazardous materials, and the validity of licenses.

“Shop owners were briefed about reporting suspicious transactions and maintaining complete transparency,” he said, adding that police teams emphasised the importance of following regulatory requirements and informed proprietors that inspection drives would continue regularly to prevent misuse of chemicals.

Simultaneously, car dealerships were inspected to ensure compliance with legal norms, proper record-keeping, verification of buyer identities, and adherence to security protocols.

“Teams checked registration documents, sale agreements, and inventory records. Dealers were reminded to update records promptly and report any unusual transactions,” the officials said.

They said these measures aim to prevent vehicles from being used for unlawful activities. “In coordination with medical institutions, Srinagar Police also inspected lockers used by doctors and hospital staff in district and private hospitals, medical colleges, PHCs, and other health facilities,” they added.

The officials said that lockers were checked for unauthorised storage of hazardous or prohibited materials. Staff were instructed to maintain records and ensure lockers are used strictly for official purposes, they said.

Similar inspections were conducted in Ganderbal, with police advising hospital personnel to cooperate fully and maintain compliance with security procedures.

In Anantnag, vehicle dealerships were checked for proper documentation, adherence to the Motor Vehicles Act, and verification of stock and buyer details. “Teams ensured that no unregistered or suspicious vehicles were being stored or traded,” the officials said.

Dealers were instructed to maintain records accurately and submit sale and purchase information to authorities, they said.

In other parts of the valley, similar operations were conducted by the police to ensure public safety and to prevent anti-national activities.

The police said that these inspection drives are part of ongoing efforts to maintain public safety, uphold security standards, and ensure transparency in commercial and institutional activities.

They further said that similar operations will continue across the region and urged citizens, shopkeepers, dealers, and medical staff to cooperate and follow regulations to support these measures—(KNO)

Shopian higher reaches receive light snow

No significant weather forecast till Dec 9: MeT

Srinagar, Nov 21: With no forecast of any major wet spell, the higher reaches of Shopian on Friday received a light spell of snow.

An Independent Weather Forecaster, Faizan Arif Keng, told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a light spell of snow was recorded in the upper reaches of Shopian.

“Pir Ki Gali received light snowfall today. Light spell was recorded for 1-2 hours only,” he said.

Meanwhile, Director Meteorological Department (MeT), Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said that as per the radar and satellite, nothing significant is expected for the next couple of weeks. He added that dry weather conditions are expected till December 2.

He, however, added that generally cloudy weather is expected, and towards the night of December 2nd and the morning of December 3rd, there is a forecast of a brief spell of very light snow over isolated higher reaches. “Overall, nothing is significant till December 09,” he said.

Meanwhile, except Kokernag and Gulmarg, a famous ski resort, all stations across the valley, including Srinagar, the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir, recorded sub-zero temperatures.

In Srinagar, the mercury settled at minus 0.5 degrees while Pahalgam, a famous tourist destination, recorded minus 2.5 degrees Celsius. Qazigund, a gateway of Kashmir, recorded minus 1.4 degrees Celsius while Kupwara recorded a low of minus 1.2 degrees Celsius.

Similarly, the minimum temperature settled at 1.2 degrees Celsius in Kokernag, while Gulmarg recorded 1.0 degrees—(KNO)