Srinagar, Aug 26: Chairperson of district development council Baramulla Safina Baig was Thursday elected as head of Jammu & Kashmir Haj Committee after her name was proposed and seconded by two other members of the panel who are affiliated with the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP).
Sources said that Safina Baig was elected as chairman of the Haj committee after her name was proposed by former MP Choudhary Talib Hussain. “Her name was seconded by Muhammad Rafiq Chashti (district president BJP Poonch),” they said.
During the meeting, according to sources, the name of member parliament Justice (retired) Hasnain Masoodi was proposed by Molvi Muhammad Ashraf, but it was seconded none.
“Syed Mohd Rafiq, who is also a member of the panel, was not present during the proceedings,” they said.
It is worthwhile to mention that Safina Baig had started her political career from the Peoples Democratic Party. She had joined the Peoples Conference in 2021 but later she maintained that she was independent and would remain as an independent candidate. (KNO)

New Delhi: Inaugurating the 8th India International MSME Start-up Expo and Summit in New Delhi, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Thursday said that the Jammu and Kashmir government was focusing to rejuvenate the traditional Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSMEs).

An official spokesman in a statement issued here said that speaking at the expo the LG said that the J&K government’s focus was to rejuvenate traditional MSMEs with greater access to credit and market linkage to ensure a higher growth trajectory for MSMEs.

The expo provides a much-needed platform for SMEs, startups, trade, industry, and service providers to explore new opportunities, and buyers-sellers meet and knowledge sharing about various schemes of the J&K government and Centre.

Expressing gratitude toward Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing a revolution in the MSME sector, the LG said that in the last 8 years, the MSME sector had undergone a rapid change.

“New strength, resilience and global competitiveness of MSMEs will make India a preferred destination for manufacturing for the world,” he said.

The LG said that the Indian MSME sector today could be described as a Magical, Steadfast, Magnificent Enterprise, which was contributing nearly 45 percent of overall India’s exports.

“The number of initiatives under Aatma Nirbhar Bharat Abhiyan is driving economic progress and social development,” he said. “MSME is the nerve center of the country’s business.” The LG said that Productivity, connectivity, and Standardisation were three important factors for MSMEs sustained growth.

“Vocal for local, district export hubs, GeM portal, market linkage of domestic and global value chains, all these interventions are results of PM’s efforts to ensure that MSMEs contribute to realise the vision of Aatma Nirbhar Bharat and Aatma Nirbhar Jammu Kashmir,” he said. “The industry-centric policies, provisions of financial assistance, handholding to new and existing enterprises have encouraged MSMEs and other industries in J&K. The business ecosystem is exuding with confidence.”

The LG said that after August 2019, J&K’s economy had been living up to its expectation.

“In FY 2021-22, MSMEs export registered 54 percent growth and importer-exporter registration has gone up by 173 percent. Strategic focus on food processing, handicraft, and organic products has stimulated the economic growth,” the LG said. “J&K has one of the fastest growing horticulture markets in the country. Our strengths in natural resources and skilled workforce, best in class incentives through new Industrial development scheme are well known and make J&K an ideal MSME destination.”

Highlighting the government’s endeavours to empower MSMEs, he said that JKTPO was continuously organising buyers-sellers meetings, exhibitions, and capacity-building programmes to provide entrepreneurs with requisite support for their businesses.

“In the last financial year, J&K Bank was given a target to provide credit facility to the accounts of 60,000 entrepreneurs and we have ensured credit of Rs 3579 crore to 81,238 accounts, exceeding the target,” the LG said. “MSMEs from the manufacturing and service sectors contribute 8 percent to the GSDP of J&K. Our GDP in this financial year is estimated to reach Rs 2,03,716 crore which will be 7.5 percent higher than last financial year.”

He said that J&K was making rapid strides in both manufacturing as well as the services sector.

“Setting up a biotech park at Kathua will help us exploit the opportunities in sunrise areas and further open up opportunities in the knowledge economy,” the LG said.

Highlighting the need to adopt a holistic approach to tackling fast-moving global business scenarios, he advised all stakeholders to pay special attention to three priorities – sustainability in business, brand-building with a focus on market and customer research and quality, time-bound service, and value addition.

The LG also visited the stalls of MSMEs and other stakeholders from J&K displaying local products.

Additional Chief Secretary, Industries and Commerce Department Vivek Bhardwaj, Secretary to the Government, Tourism Department J&K Sarmad Hafeez, Chairman MSME Development Forum Rajnish Goenka, foreign and domestic business delegates, investors, entrepreneurs, and members of MSMEs were also present on the occasion.

Srinagar: The J&K government is taking several reformative measures for the advancement and upgradation of health infrastructure besides providing affordable healthcare services to the people here, an official spokesman said here Thursday.

An official spokesman in a statement issued here said that the J&K administration is fulfilling the vision of a new and healthy J&K by developing the medical infrastructure constantly.

He said five new medical colleges, two AIIMS, nearly 1000 healthcare and wellness centers, five new nursing colleges, the start of BSc paramedical courses, and more than 100 percent increase in medical seats were contributing toward the development and advancement of the healthcare sector here.

The spokesman said that to overcome the shortage of postgraduate doctors and to prepare specialists at that level, the Health Department has also started Diploma of National Board Courses in the new and old medical colleges of the districts, which would increase at least 250 seats.

He said that the MD Psychiatry seats had also been increased in GMC Srinagar recently.

The spokesman said that the increase in MD (Psychiatry) seats from eight to 12 in Government Medical College, Srinagar would boost mental healthcare after the National Medical Commission (NMC) approval.

He said last year MBBS seats were increased from 500 to 1100.

“Around 111 more MBBS and BDS seats and 50 PG seats under EWS have been sanctioned. Besides, 14 dental PG seats were approved. A total of 225 DNB seats in 16 disciplines were also approved. Nearly 600 paramedical seats in nine courses were sanctioned,” the spokesman said.

He said that this follows the Medical Assessment and Rating Board (MARB) report regarding faculty, their experience, publication, and other infrastructure available at GMC, Srinagar.

The spokesman said that the admission for new seats would start from the academic year 2022-23.

“It is to inform that MARB reviewed the assessor’s report on July 16 regarding faculty, their experience, publication, and other teaching facilities including infrastructure available at GMC Srinagar under the University of Kashmir for an increase of seats in MD (Psychiatry) for the academic year 2022-23,” said Member and President MARB, National Medical Commission.

The NMC asked the GMC to provide all infrastructure facilities in terms of teaching and non-teaching staff, buildings, equipment, and hospital facilities as per the NMC norms.

In the wake of the outbreak of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD), the Government of Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, on Thursday, constituted two dedicated task forces, one each for Jammu and Kashmir valley, while imposing a complete ban on the import of animals from outside.

These task forces, to be headed by scientists from SKUAST, Kashmir and Jammu along with other members from the Animal Husbandry Departments, will monitor the spread of the disease in real time and suggest strategies for its control.

As per the notification issued under Section 6 of the Prevention and Control of Infectious and Contagious Diseases in Animals Act, 2009, nine districts of J&K have been declared as controlled areas. In pursuance of the notification, an order was issued imposing a complete ban on the import of bovine animals from outside the UT as well as inter-district movement of these animals within the UT of J&K.

Meanwhile, the vaccination drive against the LSD has started in a campaign mode in both the Divisions and susceptible populations are being vaccinated in the form of ring vaccination around the respective epicenters on a war footing to control the spread of the disease.

All bio security measures which include use of fly repellents, fogging, isolation and treatment of affected animals are being adopted. District level RRTs visit all the epicenters of infection for controlling its spread. The Agriculture Production Department (APD) is abreast of the situation in the UT and Additional Chief Secretary, APD, Atal Dulloo is personally monitoring the evolving situation on daily basis.

Farmers are being advised to establish close liaison with the Animal Husbandry authorities and cooperate fully in control and immunization programs. APD has started a dedicated helpline 1962 to assist farmers in case of any eventuality related to the disease.

The samples for the confirmation of LSD are being sent to NIHSAD, Bhopal, on a daily basis. However, two BSL-II labs have been set up at Jammu and Srinagar to conduct the testing for LSD in J&K only which will start functioning within a week’s time and surveillance of the disease shall be taken up in a large scale for controlling the disease.

Meanwhile, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Vikas Kundal, reviewed the measures taken to combat the spread of LSD in the district. A threadbare discussion was held with regard to the measures being taken in the district to control the spread of the viral Disease among dairy animals.

JAMMU, Aug 26: An earthquake of magnitude 3.4 on the Richter scale hits Katra in Jammu and Kashmir on the intervening night of Thursday and Friday, the National Center for Seismology (NCS) informed.
The earthquake occurred at around 03.28 am. The depth of the earthquake was 5 Km below the ground.
“Earthquake of Magnitude:3.4, Occurred on 26-08-2022, 03:28:33 IST, Lat: 33.17 & Long: 75.57, Depth: 5 Km, Location: 62km ENE of Katra, Jammu and Kashmir” NCS tweeted.
Earlier on Wednesday (August 24) night, within a span of an hour two earthquakes of magnitude 3.2 and 4.1 on the Richter scale had hit Katra in Jammu and Kashmir, the National Center for Seismology (NCS) had informed.
The second earthquake occurred at 11:52 PM on Wednesday. The depth of the earthquake was 5 Km below the ground.
“Another earthquake of magnitude 3.2 occurred 60km E of Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, at around 11:52 pm on August 24th. The depth of the earthquake was 5 km below the ground,” NCS had tweeted.
Earlier on Wednesday night at 11:04 PM, an earthquake of magnitude 4.1 on the Richter scale had hit Katra, Jammu and Kashmir, the National Center for Seismology (NCS) had informed. The depth of the earthquake was 5 Km below the ground.”An earthquake of magnitude 4.1 occurred 62km ENE of Katra, Jammu & Kashmir, at around 11:04 pm today. The depth of the earthquake was 5 km below the ground,” NCS had tweeted. (Agencies)

Srinagar: Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday said that new joining in the party, on an almost daily basis, indicates that Apni Party’s agenda has extensive acceptance among the masses and the political workers across J&K.

He was speaking at an event at the party office, wherein a large group of political activists and Panchayat leaders from Budnumbal (A&B) area of north Kashmir’s Karnah constituency joined Apni Party.

According to a statement issued here, the Panchayat leaders from Karnah’s Budnumbal area, who joined Apni Party today include Punch Mohammad Sultan Lone from NC, Sarpanch Ghulam Nabi Lone from PDP, Panch Ghulam Mohammad Malik, Punch Habibullah Lone from PDP, Reyaz Ahmad Lone from PC, Abdul Rashid Malik (NC), Fayaz Ahmad Bhat (PC), Deputy Sarpanch Imtiyaz Ahmad Lone (NC), Mushtaq Ahmad Lone (PDP), and others. These Panchayat leaders joined Apni Party along with their workers and supporters.

On the occasion, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari while welcoming the new entrants into the party fold said, “I wholeheartedly welcome you into the party fold, and I assure you that entire party leadership will be behind you when you are out there to serve the people in your respective areas. I am sure your joining would strengthen the party cadre further in Karnah.”

He further said, “I feel pleased to see that seasoned political activists and leaders join Apni Party from each and every corner of Jammu and Kashmir. These joinings indicate that people trust our politics of truthfulness and our unambiguous agenda.”

New Delhi, Aug 25: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday reviewed the situation prevailing in Jammu and Kashmir, including the security arrangements along the border with Pakistan, officials said.
National Security Adviser (NSA) Ajit Doval, Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla and senior officials of the Centre and the Union Territory administration attended the meeting chaired by Shah.
The meeting discussed the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, an official said.
The security review comes following attacks on security personnel, infiltration bids and killings in the Union Territory.
Three infiltrators were killed by security personnel along the Line of Control (LoC) in the Kamalkote sector of Uri on Thursday.
There have been at least three infiltration bids by terrorists from across the border in the last four days in Jammu and Kashmir.
A group of terrorists tried to infiltrate into the Indian territory in the Pallanwala sector of Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday night. Alert troops fired at them, forcing them to retreat.
On August 21, soldiers deployed in the Jhangar sector of Rajouri’s Naushera spotted the movement of two to three terrorists on the Indian side of the LoC and challenged them, the officials said.
One of the terrorists tried to flee, but was injured in firing by the soldiers and captured alive. The two other terrorists managed to flee, the officials said.
On the intervening night of August 22 and 23, a group of two to three terrorists tried to infiltrate in the Lam sector of Naushera. As they moved ahead into minefields, a series of mines got activated and two ultras were killed on the spot.
Terrorists attacked an Army camp in Rajouri district on August 11, killing four soldiers. The two attackers were gunned down in a shootout after the pre-dawn suicide strike that marked the return of “fidayeen” attackers to Jammu and Kashmir after more than three years.
The government had informed Parliament that till last month, as many as 118 civilians, including five Kashmiri Pandits and 16 other Hindus and Sikhs, were killed in Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370 of the Constitution in 2019.
The killings of Kashmiri Pandits triggered protests by the members of the community, who demanded enhanced security and transfer of government employees to safer locations.
In May, four Hindu pilgrims were killed and at least 20 injured when their bus caught fire near Katra in Jammu. Police suspect a sticky bomb might have been used to trigger the fire.
Article 370, which gave a special status to Jammu and Kashmir, was abrogated on August 5, 2019 and the state was bifurcated into the Union territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh. (Agencies)

Srinagar, Aug 25: An infiltration bid was foiled along the Line of Control (LoC) in Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said on Thursday.
Army and Baramulla Police neutralised 03 infiltrators near Madiyan Nanak post in Kamalkote sector of Uri. More details are to be followed, tweets Kashmir Zone Police
Army troopers noticed suspicious movement along the LoC in Kamalkote area of Uri sector in north Kashmir’s Baramulla district, the officials said.
They said the troops challenged the intruders and there was an exchange of fire.