Srinagar, Sep 5: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday directed reinforcing of vulnerable spots, evacuation of people from inundated villages, and round-the-clock monitoring in view of the flood situation in the valley.

Chairing a meeting here on the post-flood scenario, the chief minister also directed for swift restoration of essential services, including power, water supply and road connectivity in the flood-hit areas.

“Chief Minister chaired a meeting today morning on the post-flood scenario and directed reinforcement of vulnerable spots, evacuation of people from inundated villages, round-the-clock monitoring through control rooms, and frequent visits to affected areas & timely advisories urging residents to stay alert, avoid panic & cooperate with administration,” the CM’s office said on X.

Many areas of Jammu and Kashmir are witnessing floods following incessant rains.

Rajouri, Sept 5: The Chief Education Officer Rajouri has directed all teaching and non-teaching staff of Government schools to resume duties from September 8, 2025.

As per a circular, staff has been directed to regular duties and ensure a school safety audit of buildings is conducted by September 9 through the concerned agency.

The detailed report of the audit, as per the circular, needs to be submitted to the Zonal Education Officer so that students can be called back to schools accordingly.

Jammu, 04 September 2025: 

Jammu and Kashmir BJP Spokesperson Gaurav Gupta said that the Modi Government has once again delivered on its promise of ‘Ease of Living’ by announcing the Next-Gen GST Reform, a landmark Diwali gift that will directly benefit households, farmers, students, and businesses across the nation. He said this reform is not just a tax adjustment but a people-first initiative designed to ease family budgets, reduce agricultural costs, make healthcare affordable, support education, and empower small entrepreneurs.

He expressed these views while addressing a press conference along with party spokesperson Balbir Ram Rattan and Media Incharge Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, at party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu. 

Gupta explained that household essentials such as hair oil, shampoo, toothpaste, soap, tooth brushes, shaving cream, butter, ghee, cheese, namkeens, utensils, feeding bottles, clinical diapers, and sewing machines, will now attract only 5% GST. This will bring immediate relief to every family by reducing monthly household expenditure.

Highlighting the importance of rural prosperity, Gaurav Gupta said tractors, tyres, bio-pesticides, micro-nutrients, drip irrigation systems, and cultivation and harvesting machinery have all been reduced to just 5% GST. This bold move will cut down input costs and directly raise farmers’ incomes, strengthening the rural economy.

Gaurav Gupta further stated that the government has taken a giant step to make healthcare affordable. Health and life insurance premiums, earlier taxed at 18%, are now exempt from GST, while essential items like oxygen, diagnostic kits, corrective spectacles, and glucometer strips have been brought down to 5%. Similarly, education has been made completely tax-free with GST removed from notebooks, maps, charts, pencils, crayons, and erasers, ensuring that children’s learning is free from financial burden.

Gupta emphasized that the Modi Government had already provided massive relief to the middle class by exempting annual income up to ₹12 lakh from income tax. Now, with the Next-Gen GST Reform, the middle class enjoys a double benefit – savings through income tax relief and reduced costs on everyday essentials, electronics, and vehicles. Hybrid and CNG cars, motorcycles, and transport vehicles have been reduced from 28% to 18%, while air conditioners, televisions, projectors, and dishwashers have also been lowered to 18%. This will allow middle-class families to save more, live better, and improve their quality of life.

Gupta also highlighted that the reform is not limited to tax cuts but also simplifies compliance for businesses. With automatic GST registration in just three working days, faster refunds, and a simplified tax structure, small enterprises and MSMEs will be able to focus on growth and innovation instead of paperwork and procedural hurdles.

Concluding, BJP Spokesperson Gaurav Gupta said that the Next-Gen GST Reform reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi Ji’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas. It ensures real savings in every household, greater prosperity for farmers, accessible healthcare, affordable education, and an enabling environment for businesses.

“This Diwali, while diyas will brighten homes, Modi Sarkar’s reforms will brighten lives. This is not just a policy announcement – this is Modi Ji’s guarantee,” he said.

Jammu, Thursday, September 4: Raman Bhalla, Working President Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee (JKPCC) and former Cabinet Minister, today undertook an extensive visit to the flood-affected areas of Jammu, where he interacted with residents and assessed the widespread damage caused by the recent floods. Expressing deep concern over the slow pace of relief and rehabilitation efforts, Bhalla issued a strong appeal to the administration to act swiftly and responsibly in addressing the crisis.

Bhalla was accompanied by Amrit Bali, Pawan Bhagat, Gurcharan Singh Happy, and Bitta during his visit to Bhour Kothey, Bhour Camp, and adjoining areas of the Floriculture Garden, including the cremation ground at Bhour Camp, where he directly observed the hardships faced by residents.

During his tour, Bhalla observed that even after more than ten days since the floods, malba (mud and debris) continues to choke the internal lanes and homes of several localities. “The situation remains grim. Residents are struggling to resume normal life as the debris has not been cleared. There is a glaring shortage of machinery and manpower. Authorities must immediately mobilize resources, even if it means diverting heavy machinery from the National Highway and seeking assistance from allied organizations,” Bhalla stated.

He further noted that the rising water levels in nallahs posed a continuing risk, demanding urgent preventive measures. Bhalla also highlighted the plight of families unable to perform last rites in their local cremation grounds as many have been rendered unusable due to flooding. “It is heartbreaking that people are being forced to move to distant villages for cremation. This reflects the government’s lack of preparedness in ensuring basic dignity for the affected families,” he said.

The Congress leader demanded immediate restoration of road connectivity, deployment of medical teams to low-lying flood-hit areas, and urgent sanitation drives. “Sanitation, hygiene, and public health are at severe risk. Without timely medical assistance, there is a looming threat of waterborne diseases,” he cautioned.

Bhalla also called for direct distribution of packed food, clothing, and other essentials. “These are not luxuries but basic necessities that people are being deprived of. The government must ensure that no family goes hungry or without support in such trying times,” he said.

Targeting the BJP-led government, Bhalla ridiculed Jammu’s “smart city” claims. “If this is a smart city, then what is a failed one? The floods have exposed hollow claims. Infrastructure has collapsed under pressure, leaving citizens to suffer,” he remarked.

Demanding urgent financial aid, Bhalla pressed for compensation not only to affected families but also to farmers whose agricultural lands have been devastated. “Agriculture is the backbone of our region. Farmers are among the worst sufferers in this tragedy and deserve fair and timely compensation,” he asserted.

Referring to Union Home Minister Amit Shah’s recent visit, Bhalla expressed disappointment that the flood-hit areas have not been declared a “national disaster zone.” He questioned the silence of the administration on this crucial matter, stressing that such recognition would pave the way for larger relief packages and institutional support.

“The government must rise above optics and deliver on its responsibilities. The people of Jammu and Kashmir are in pain. They need immediate relief, long-term rehabilitation, and above all, a government that is accountable to them,” Bhalla concluded.

JAMMU, Sep 04: Deputy Chief Minister Jammu and Kashmir Surinder Choudhary assigned additional charge of Chief Engineer Pir Panjal zone to Ashpk Kumar Khokhar.

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Jammu, Sep 4: The administration has intensified restoration work and debris clearance in low-lying areas of Jammu city following flooding in the Tawi river, and has considerably restored water and power supply in the affected areas.

Officials said that they have restored 70 per cent of water supply and 80 per cent of the power supply.

Record-breaking rainfall triggered panic as the river Tawi, popularly known as Surya Putri, roared with flood fury on August 26, inundating hundreds of homes and hectares of farmland, washing away structures and livestock, and displacing thousands in Jammu city, particularly Gujjar Nagar and Peerkho.

“Cleanliness operations are being undertaken at a fast pace to remove muck and debris from localities and ensure they are fully cleared of deposits left by the floodwaters of the Tawi. The administration is fully working on this issue,” Divisional Commissioner Ramesh Kumar said.

Kumar, flanked by Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Minhas and JMC Commissioner Devansh Yadav, monitored the operations carried out by labourers and machines after weather conditions improved on Thursday.

“A large number of labourers and six JCBs are engaged to ensure the areas are cleaned as soon as possible. Officials are monitoring the process,” he said.

On the morning of August 26, the calm river turned into a raging torrent, submerging low-lying areas, particularly riverbank colonies of Peerkho, Gujjar Nagar, Gurkha Nagar, Rajiv Nagar and others. Streets became waterways, prompting large-scale rescue operations amid panic across the ‘city of temples.’

Peerkho, among the worst-hit areas, was left strewn with half-buried vehicles, debris, boulders and uprooted trees. More than 300 people, including children clinging to their mothers and the elderly too frail to walk, were pulled out in desperate rescue efforts. But fear still lingered like a shadow.

Kumar said the administration is working in a proactive manner. “The Deputy Commissioner, Municipal Commissioner, and MD JPDCL — all are on the ground, working fast to restore essentials. Muck and debris clearance is being carried out in the area,” he said.

The divisional commissioner further said water and power facilities are being fully restored.

“About 70 per cent of the water supply has been restored, and the remaining is being done at a fast pace. Nearly 80 per cent of the power supply has been restored in the area. Work is being carried out on a war footing,” he said.

As far as relief is concerned, he said the assessment is being done by the deputy commissioner.

“Once that is completed, ex gratia will be given to the affected families. All possible support will be provided by the government, as it stands with people in this tough time,” he added.

He further said that full relief will be given to all the flood-affected victims, and all facilities and essential supplies will be restored very soon.

On water supply restoration, the deputy commissioner has procured private water tankers to ensure supply to all affected areas.

“It will take some time, but we are committed to fully restoring the facility,” Kumar added. (Agencies)