Jammu News

The track laying work commenced on Tuesday on the Chenab railway bridge, located 359 metres above the riverbed, in Reasi district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said.

The 1.3-kilometre-long bridge, which is 35 metres higher than the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, forms a crucial link in the 111-km stretch from Katra to Banihal, which is part of the Rs 21,653 crore Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Railway Link (USBRL) project.

“Another milestone in USBRL Project! Track laying work begins on Chenab Bridge. Once completed, this bridge will open up new possibilities for the remote regions of Jammu and Kashmir,” the Ministry of Railways tweeted.

The base of the steel and concrete arch bridge between Bakkal and Kauri, 42 kms from Reasi town, was completed in November 2017, allowing for the start of the construction of the main arch which was done in April 2021.

Another milestone on the bridge was achieved in August last year when the overarch deck of the bridge was completed with a ‘Golden Joint’, paving way for the laying of the track.

As per the officials, the construction work on the bridge started in 2004 but had to be suspended in 2008-09 to consider the aspect of safety of rail passengers in view of frequent high velocity winds in the area.

Once completed, the bridge will be able to withstand winds with speed up to 260 kmph and will have a lifespan of 120 years, the officials said.

Besides the highest railway bridge, the USBRL project has many firsts like the longest railway tunnel having overall length of 12.75 km, first cable-stayed bridge which when completed will be an engineering marvel of the 21st century.

Out of the total 272-km USBRL project, the 161-km was commissioned in phases, with the first phase 118-km Qazigund-Baramulla section commissioned in October 2009 followed by 18-km Banihal-Qazigund in June 2013 and 25-km Udhampur-Katra in July 2014.

The work on the project, which is the most challenging railway infrastructure project being undertaken post-independence, was started in 1997 and has missed several deadlines amid huge cost escalations.

The under-construction 111-km Katra-Banihal section has a total of 37 bridges (26 major and 11 minor), 35 tunnels with a length of 164 kms (main 27 with 97.64 km and eight escape tunnels with 66.40 km).

In a significant decision, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has decided to extend deputation of All India Services (AIS) officers to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, who were sent to the two Union Territories in view of shortage of the officers, by at least three more months which could be further extendable, if necessitated, while three senior IAS officers have applied for the Central deputation and two of them have been given clearance.

Official sources told the Excelsior that two IAS officers, posted as Deputy Commissioners in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, whose deputation of two years has ended, have been given three months extension. However, as Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are yet to come out of shortage of officers, a decision has been taken that all AIS officers posted in the two Union Territories will be granted minimum extension of three months followed by another three months, if necessitated.

However, the AIS officers, who want to return to the Centre or States, where they were posted before proceeding on deputation to Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, will be allowed to leave the Union Territories, they said, adding the MHA is ready with a list of AIS officers who could be deputed to the two UTs following return of officers from the deputation as shortage of IAS officers still exists.

Meanwhile, three senior IAS officers posted in Jammu and Kashmir have applied for Central deputation. They include two Administrative Secretaries, one of them a woman.

“The Jammu and Kashmir Government has given NOC to both the senior officers and their deputations will now be cleared by the Department of Personnel and Trainings (DoPT) and Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) before they formally proceed to the Centre,” sources said.

Both of them are tipped to get prestigious postings in New Delhi, sources said, adding deputation of one of them will be for a period of two years and five years for the second one. Both the IAS officers have held several prestigious postings in Jammu and Kashmir.

Sources said another senior IAS officer has also applied for the Central deputation but he is yet to get NOC from the Government.

Few days back, the Central Government had posted senior IAS officer of erstwhile Jammu and Kashmir cadre (now AGMUT) Dr Mandeep K Bhandari to Jammu and Kashmir from the Central deputation.

Sources said the MHA is ready with a list of six AIS officers who could be posted in the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to overcome shortage of officers.

A number of officers from different All India Services are presently on deputation to Jammu and Kashmir. Moreover, after Jammu and Kashmir cadre was abolished and the two Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh were made part of AGMUT cadre, several AGMUT cadre officers were also deputed to the twin UTs.

In addition, several IAS officers, who were earlier posted in Jammu and Kashmir, have also been transferred to Ladakh. Besides, the officers of Jammu and Kashmir Administrative Services (JKAS) and Jammu and Kashmir Police Services (JKPS) have also been posted on deputation to the Union Territory of Ladakh in view of shortage of officers there.

They added that the Union Home Ministry and DoPT are holding regular reviews of the performance of AGMUT cadre officers posted in Jammu and Kashmir.

In 2021, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs had invited requisitions from the AIS officers for posting in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

A number of officers including natives of the two Union Territories, who were posted in other States and UTs, had responded to the requisition and opted for the postings here.

“Both the UTs of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh are short of IAS and IPS officers due to different reasons but it has gradually been overcome with posting of AGMUT cadre and other IAS and IPS officers.

“Presently, a number of IAS/ IPS and JKAS/JKPS besides other officers/officials from Jammu and Kashmir have been posted in the Union Territory of Ladakh to run the affairs there. This has also resulted into shortage of officers in Jammu and Kashmir,” sources pointed out. (Daily Excelsior)

In its endeavor to make the Administration more efficient and transparent, the Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday ordered premature retirement of 02 officers, one each belonging to Prison Department and Transport Department respectively.

These officers conducted their duties in ways which were unbecoming of public servants and in violation of the established code of conduct.

The exercise was conducted as part of regular process of scrutiny of records of employees, who cross age/service period in terms of Article 226(2) of J&K CSRs.

Out of these retirees, the officer belonging to Prison Department was found involved in wrongdoings while performing his duties during his services career and had remained ineffective in discharging the assigned duties besides, had doubtful integrity.

The other officer belonging to Transport Department was found involved in a serious criminal case for acquiring disproportionate assets and had doubtful integrity with inefficient performance during his service career.

According to the recommendations of the Review Committee, the performance of these employees was found unsatisfactory and their continuation in the government service was found against the public interest.

During the recent past, as part of its zero tolerance policy towards corruption, various employees have been dismissed from service on account of official misconduct, after rigorously following departmental proceedings against them. Many cases are under scrutiny with the Empowered Committees constituted for consideration of cases under Article 226(2) of J&K CSRs. Further, many employees have also been terminated from service on account of anti-national activities.

Meanwhile, the government has also initiated several measures for human resource development of its employees in Jammu and Kashmir which includes timely promotion of eligible employees leading to smooth career progression, fast tracking the recruitment process through recruiting agencies and abolishing of interviews for most of the non-gazetted vacancies referred to the Services Selection Board. The Government is also contemplating institutionalization of referral of vacancies to recruiting agencies so that recruitments start in month of April every year in accordance with defined calender.(Jammu Link News)

Singapore, Feb 09: India is committed to preserving and popularising the culture and traditions of various parts of the country, the Indian envoy in Singapore has said, as he launched a two-day festival on Kashmir.

The envoy highlighted a tapestry of art culture that has been passed down through generations, saying “The unique culture, cuisine and folk tradition of Jammu and Kashmir have great resonance not just across India but globally as well.” The Indian Government is committed to preserving and popularising the culture and traditions of various parts of India, he said.

Jammu  : Jammu & Kashmir Waqf Board Chairperson Dr Darakhshan Andrabi today chaired 6th Administrative Meeting of J&K Waqf Board held at Jammu. Review of the finances and administrative plans of the Board was done and many new decisions were taken for further reforms in the working system of the Board. Waqf Board members Dr Ghulam Nabi Haleem, Sohail Kazmi, Nawab Din & Syed Mohammad Hussain Haqqani were also present.

Waqf Board Chief Executive Officer Dr Syed Majid Jahangir, Tahsildar & Magistrate of the Board Ishtiyaq Mohiuddin & Administrators Mudassir Iqbal, Ashiq Hussain & others also participated in the meeting. The financial approval for many new projects was granted by the Board. The Board also approved the implementation of National Education Policy for Waqf educational institutions.

Administrative reforms for Waqf institutions were also adopted. Speaking to media after the meeting Dr Andrabi said that the Board took very significant futuristic decisions which will undoubtedly help us in creating a more conducive working system within the Board. “With our earlier measures, we have succeeded in enhancing our income souces significantly and new decisions will add to this success story. Soon Waqf Board will be a productive body which will initiate public welfare projects on a big scale. I thank the people of J&K who supported Waqf reforms and also thank the Waqf Board staff for their tireless services”, said Dr Darakhshan.

“We have to go a long way to come out of the effects of the rot which was nourished within the Board for decades. So we seek the public support in future too so that a complete clean up is ensured. Our tough decisions are only for collective good and for making this body a trustworthy public institution serving our religious, spiritual places and assets associated with them,”, said Waqf Board Chairperson. She said that tougher decisions will continue till we get hundred percent approval of our work from the same population of J&K.(KNS)

Srinagar : Lieutenant General Upendra Dwivedi, GOC-in-C, Northern Command on Tuesday said that Kashmir is witnessing a concerning rise in narco-terrorism and that the Army is prepared to meet any challenges in the future.

Addressing a gathering at the first segment of the Investiture Ceremony at BB Cantt, Srinagar, Northern Army Commander, as per the news agency stated that the Northern Command is in a high state of readiness and morale to face constantly evolving threats and challenges.

“The security situation in Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh poses many challenges in terrain and operational dynamics, especially from different adversaries along the Northern and Western Borders. We are committed to defending India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity while upholding the democratic traditions of the Nation,” he said.

He further added that they are maintaining a constant vigil, monitoring all developments and will take all necessary steps to protect the national interests.

“Indian Army is prepared to meet any challenges in the future and will always work for the betterment of the people of the Region. The last two years have brought to the fore newer challenges in the wake of abrogation of Article 370, the Galwan conflict and multiple waves of COVID-19,” he said.

The Northern Army Commander added that these challenges have only served to strengthen the resolve to be steadfast and determined in their commitment.

“The situation along the LOC has remained stable and the ceasefire understanding continues to sustain. A very strict vigil and a robust technology enabled multi-tiered counter infiltration grid is being maintained to thwart any attempts of infiltration,” the Army officer added.

He added that the ceasefire violations, infiltration bids or any other misadventure attempted by the adversary will be dealt with firmly. “Numerous infiltration bids have been foiled in the last year. The highest standards of professionalism and joint-ness displayed by the troops in all dimensions of Counter Terror Operations has nullified and limited the kinetic threat.”

Kashmir is witnessing a concerning rise in narco-terrorism, as Pakistan is now using this as a new tool in its proxy war, he said, adding that of late, a dual strategy of sending across drugs as well as weapons through drones is being employed to keep the fire burning in an attempt to disrupt the social fabric. “The cross-border smuggling of narcotics provides a succor to terrorism. The security forces are alive to this trend and have already initiated counter drone measures to curb the menace,” he said.

“Our focus continues to reinforce our intelligence setup by synergising with all stakeholders & sister agencies, to usher in peace and undertake developmental activities. The overall situation is progressively improving and a positive and conducive environment for accelerating the developmental initiatives of the government has been created. The dividends of peace and stability are reaching people in far flung areas and they are participating wholeheartedly to preserve and sustain this peace,” he further added.

On the LAC situation, he said that Army’s response to Chinese attempts to unilaterally change the status quo was a swift, undaunted and synergised action by the Indian Armed Forces. “Any adverse aggressive designs or attempts will definitely be met with appropriate posturing of forces and a strong intent with complete synergy amongst the three services,” he said.

He also said that the measures to resolve the LAC situation at diplomatic and operational levels are also simultaneously underway. “I assure you that the LAC in Eastern Ladakh is being dominated by physical patrolling and through technical means and our territorial integrity is being ensured. Restoration of peace and tranquility to enable progress in bilateral relations has been and will remain our constant endeavour,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Army Commander presented COAS ‘Certificate of Appreciation’ GOC-in-C Northern Command ‘Unit Appreciation’ and the GOC-in-C Northern Command Certificate of Appreciation’ to deserving units, who have excelled in operation during their tenure.

He further extended his compliments to the battalions for their inspiring acts in the highest traditions of the Army.

The Army Commander Commended all ranks of Northern Command for their dedication and devotion to duty in the highest traditions of the Indian Army.

He also conveyed his heartfelt gratitude to the soldiers, who made the supreme sacrifice while facing adverse situations.

The General Officer also brought out that the ‘Whole of Nation Approach’ has led to the progressive improvement in the security situation in J&K and Ladakh.

He emphasised upon the ‘Whole of Nation Approach’ to meet the challenges and thus reposed full faith in the support forthcoming from the Union Government and the nation at large.

Lt General Dwivedi also expressed his gratitude to the people of J&K and Ladakh, the civil administration and the media for their unstinted support and wished for peace and contentment for the people of this region—(KNO)

Srinagar : The government on Tuesday ordered dispensing  with the condition requiring production of NoC from Deputy Director, Employment and General Manager, DIC for joining the Government Service.

All Government orders relating to appointments set out various condition as a condition precedent for joining in the Government Service and among others requires production of certificates from the concerned (Deputy Director, Employment and General Manager, DIC) to the effect that no loan under self employment scheme has been taken by the appointed.

“It has been seen that a vast number of youth do not take up self employment opportunities on offer in the various Government Sponsored /Self Employment Schemes under which banks provide credit on easy terms and/or where Government subsidy is also available for setting up the businesses/trade as they believe that they may not be able to liquidate loan liabilities to become eligible for Government employment in case they are subsequently selected,” reads a government circular, a copy of which lies with GNS.

“This has acted as a significant disincentive for them to take up self employment as a viable livelihood option under various Government Sponsored/ Self Employment Schemes, besides adversely impacting the uptake of these schemes in J&K,” the circular noted. Consequently, it said, the matter has been examined in consultation with Department of Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs. “It has emerged that there is no legal bar in dispensing with the  condition and substituting it with the (new) condition, which would not only promote self employment activities, but also guard against any possible loan default in J&K”.

The fresh conditions provide that if the candidate has taken loan for self employment from

DIC/Employment Department, to be ascertained from the District Industries Centre (DIC) and District Employment & Counseling Centre of the domicile District, he/she shall relinquish the

proprietorship of unit/enterprise and also stakes, if any, in such self-employment unit/ enterprise before joining the Government service.”He/she shall be required to repay the entire loan liability

in suitable EMIs to be worked out by the DDO concerned from his/her salary ” the circular reads, adding, “DDO concerned shall obtain an affidavit from the concerned appointee regarding both relinquishment of proprietorship and stakes, if any, in such a self-employment unit/enterprise and recovery to be made and also personally monitor its recovery.”

Accordingly, the government said that it has been decided that the condition, provided earlier, shall henceforth cease to be the part of the conditions prescribed in the appointment orders for joining the Government service and shall instead be replaced with the fresh conditions.(GNS)

JAMMU: Director General of Police Dilbag Singh inaugurated a containerized shooting range here at District Police Lines, Jammu on Monday.

As per a statement, Special DG CID, RK Swain; ADGsP, SJM Gillani, Dr SD Singh Jamwal, Mukesh Singh, MK Sinha, Sunil Kumar, Danesh Rana, Alok Kumar among other officers were present on the occasion.

The officers briefed DGP about the features of containerized shooting range and its monitor control system. Interacting with the officers, the DGP said that the facility will help in providing a shooting facility to the personnel posted in Jammu City.

“Such modernized facility was the need of the hour for JK Police,” said the DGP.

He directed the officers to chalk out a plan for conducting shooting practice of personnel from different units.

The top cop and other senior officers also fired some practice rounds on the occasion.

Meanwhile, the DGP was also briefed about the three newly inducted weapons in the armoury of JK Police, including Corner Shot, X-95 Tivor and MP-5.

The press statement said that the containerized shooting range meets all the international standards of the safety and pollution with software capability of decreasing and increasing firing range of upto 30 metres. The air-conditioned shooting range which can be utilized throughout the day can also be easily transported to any other location.

The shooter can fire in standing, kneeling and lying positions and it has Electronic Multi-Function Targets and Virtual Targets Systems. The CTSR has one Control Station each outside the container and a monitoring tab near the shooter to monitor the firing and the control station is capable of printing the firing result of the shooter.

The ISO certified system is capable of displaying and recording shot location on the target, possible score, aggregate score, indicate mean point of impact, type of exercise in progress, show group size and MPI etc.