Power Shutdown Schedule Announced by KPDCL in Kashmir

Srinagar, March 31: The Chief Engineer, Distribution of the Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has announced a series of scheduled power shutdowns across several areas in Kashmir for maintenance and upgrade works.

According to the official notice, the shutdown of the 33 kV Cheshmashahi–TRC–Nedous line will be carried out on April 4, 2026, resulting in power disruption in the Dal area from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Similarly, the 33 kV Bemina–Fatehkadal line and 33 kV Bemina–Barbarshah line will undergo shutdown on April 1, 5, and 7, 2026. During these dates, power supply will remain affected from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM in several areas including:

• KK Moulla
• Nowpora
• Bohri Kadal
• BB Shah
• Badademb
• Bishembarnagar
• Gousia Hospital
• Naisadak
• Barbarshah
• Exchange area
• Basant Bagh
• Car Parking
• Maisuma Bazar
• Adjoining localities

In addition, the 33 kV Achabal–Cherpora Tapline will be shut down on April 2 and 4, 2026, impacting power supply to Achabal, Shangus, Nowgam, Cherpora, and nearby areas from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

Furthermore, the 33 kV Kanipora–Keller line will observe a shutdown on April 2, 2026, affecting areas such as Keller, Moshward, Hotline, Nadpora, Kanipora, Drabgam, Shadimarg, Qasbyar, Kalampora, Dompora, and surrounding localities. The power supply in these areas will be disrupted from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.

KPDCL has urged residents in the affected areas to take necessary precautions and plan accordingly during the scheduled shutdown periods.

Srinagar, Mar 31: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Tuesday clarified that no paper leak has been confirmed in the Fire Services recruitment examination, terming claims circulating on social media as misleading and not based on established facts.

In a statement issued by ACB as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, It has come to notice that certain social media platforms, particularly the handle “J&K Services Selection Board Aspirants,” are circulating claims suggesting that the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) has confirmed a paper leak in the Fire Services recruitment examination and that the Government has taken action against only 106 candidates while leaving others untouched.

Statement reads that, These claims are misleading and not based on officially established facts. It is hereby clarified that the ACB has not confirmed any paper leak at this stage.

The matter is currently under investigation, and no final conclusions have been drawn by the competent authorities. Any assertion presenting the investigation as a confirmed finding is premature and inaccurate, statement reads.

Further, the identification of a specific number of candidates is part of an ongoing and evolving investigative process. Actions such as cancellation of candidature or other administrative measures are taken strictly on the basis of prima facie evidence available at a given stage and in accordance with due legal procedures. This should not be misconstrued as the investigation being limited in scope or excluding other potential findings, it reads.

The public and aspirants are advised to exercise caution and refrain from relying on unverified or partial information circulating on social media. Official updates and verified communications from competent authorities should be treated as the only authentic source of information. Issued in public interest. (KNC)

Jammu, Mar 31: The Mission Director of National Health Mission (NHM), J&K, Akriti Sager, IAS, on Tuesday issued a strict directive reminding all health officials to adhere to guidelines regarding the deployment of NHM staff.

According to the circular, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, despite repeated instructions, some field functionaries continue to deploy or attach NHM contractual staff at various health institutions without authorization. The guidelines on Human Resources for Health (HRH) issued by the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India, do not allow routine transfers or attachments of NHM staff.

The circular referred to Order No. 131 of 2025 dated August 30, 2025, which had explicitly canceled all unauthorized attachments and directed immediate reversion of staff to their original postings. However, reports indicate that violations of these instructions persist in certain areas.

The Mission Director warned that any Chief Medical Officer, Block Medical Officer, Zonal Medical Officer, or other controlling authority responsible for unauthorized attachments or for failing to ensure immediate reversion of staff will be held personally accountable and may face disciplinary action under service rules.

“All concerned officers are directed to ensure strict compliance of these instructions in letter and spirit. Any deviation will be considered unauthorized and invalid,” the circular stated.

The NHM J&K emphasized the urgency of the matter and reminded officials that compliance is mandatory to maintain operational efficiency and adherence to national health guidelines. (KNC)

Jammu, Mar 31: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday reiterated that the government is committed to filling 25,000 vacant posts this year.

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, the Chief Minister, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC), said, “The government is determined to complete the recruitment of 25,000 vacancies in 2026.”

He added that the issue has been discussed multiple times during the ongoing Assembly session, including debates on the Lieutenant Governor’s address, the budget, and grants, while responding to a query from MLA Pulwama Waheed-ur-Rehman Para.

Omar Abdullah emphasized that the recruitment process will be transparent and time-bound. “Time-bound does not mean rushing the process, which could invite court interventions and delays,” he explained.

He further cautioned, “We have seen instances where selection lists were challenged in courts, delaying recruitment. In many cases, candidates became overage and lost the opportunity. Our aim is to maintain a balance between speed and fairness in the recruitment process.” (KNC)

Power Amnesty Scheme in J&K extended till March 2026: Govt

Assures continued relief to domestic consumers with waivers on interest, surcharge

Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that the Power Amnesty Scheme for domestic consumers has been extended till March 31, 2026, providing continued relief to consumers by waiving interest and surcharge accumulated up to March 2025.

Replying to an unstarred question raised by MLA Mian Mehar Ali, the government, as reported by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the scheme remains in force and aims to facilitate consumers in clearing outstanding dues through a structured mechanism.

Regarding concerns from Kangan constituency over alleged arbitrary disconnections, the government stated that while a number of consumers have availed the scheme and are regularly paying arrears in instalments, disconnection drives are being carried out strictly as per rules against persistent defaulters and in areas with poor payment compliance.

It, however, added that necessary directions have been issued to the field to ensure that power disconnections are undertaken judiciously and inconvenience to consumers—especially during harsh winter conditions—is minimised.

On complaints about inflated electricity bills, the government clarified that billing is done based on meter readings in metered areas, while in non-metered areas, it is calculated on a flat rate basis as per the agreed load. The tariff, it said, is approved by the regulator, JERC, under the laid-down framework.

To address billing-related grievances, the government said a redressal mechanism is already functional through the JK SAMADHAN portal. Consumers can also approach their respective Electric Sub-Divisions for complaints related to load revision or tariff applicability.

It further stated that DISCOMs have established a multi-tier grievance redressal system, allowing consumers to escalate their issues to higher अधिकारियों including Executive Engineer, Superintending Engineer, Chief Engineer, or Managing Director if not satisfied at the initial level—(KNO)