A high-level BJP delegation, led by Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), Dr. Jitendra Singh, today met Union Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw in the national capital to raise critical issues regarding the infrastructure of railway stations in the Jammu region.

The delegation, which included Member of Lok Sabha Jugal Kishore Sharma and MLA Samba Surjeet Singh Slathia, urged the Union Railway Minister to reinstate the haltage of trains at Samba, Ghagwal, Hiranagar, and Manwal railway stations, emphasizing the strategic importance of these stations.

A Plea for Convenience and Safety

In a memorandum presented to the Minister, MLA Surjeet Singh Slathia pointed out the long-standing issue of halted trains. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, trains used to regularly halt at Samba and Ghagwal stations to accommodate the growing number of passengers. However, this service was discontinued for reasons yet to be explained, leaving passengers from these regions, including the key industrial hub of Jammu and Kashmir, suffering considerable inconvenience.

“The strategic importance of these stations, especially in the context of the region’s economic development, cannot be overstated. We urge the Railway Ministry to consider these demands as a priority for the welfare of our people,” said Slathia.

Platform Expansion and Flyover Completion

Further highlighting the challenges faced by local commuters, Slathia also called for an urgent expansion of the platform at Samba Railway Station. Given the rising number of passengers, the MLA stressed that upgrading facilities at the station is crucial, especially as the Railways have undertaken a massive national upgradation initiative.

The delegation also discussed the much-awaited completion of the Gurah Slathia flyover project. The flyover, which has been under construction for some time, remains a key infrastructure bottleneck for local residents, and Slathia expressed hopes that the remaining works would be expedited for the benefit of the people.

Union Minister’s Response

Union Railway Minister Ashwani Vaishnaw responded positively to the issues raised by the BJP delegation. He assured the team that the matters concerning the haltage of trains, platform expansion, and the Gurah Slathia flyover will be thoroughly examined and immediate measures will be taken to address them.

The BJP delegation thanked the Union Minister for his time and consideration, expressing optimism that the concerns of the people in Jammu and Kashmir would be prioritized.

The Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR), Jammu, paid heartfelt tributes to its esteemed employee, late Shri Mukesh Singh Chib, a member of the Multi Tasking Staff (MTS), who tragically passed away in a road accident on November 29, 2024.

A solemn condolence meeting was organized at the DIPR Complex, Jammu, to honor and remember the departed soul. The gathering began with a floral tribute, followed by two minutes of silence as a mark of respect and remembrance. The staff members fondly recalled Shri Mukesh Singh Chib’s dedication and significant contributions to the department during his years of service.

Joint Director Information, Atul Gupta, Joint Director Headquarters, Vivek Puri, Deputy Director PR Jammu, Ankush Hans, Deputy Director Headquarters Jammu, Virender Gupta, along with other officers and officials of DIPR, participated in the heartfelt gathering.

During the meeting, colleagues expressed their deep sorrow at the untimely loss and appreciated Mukesh Singh Chib’s unwavering commitment to his work. His sincerity, discipline, and warm personality had made him a respected and beloved member of the team.

The loss of Shri Mukesh Singh Chib has left a void in the department, and his contributions will always be remembered.

The Holistic Agriculture Development Programme (HADP), a flagship initiative of the J&K Agriculture Production Department, has been conferred with the prestigious Skoch Gold Award for Excellence. The award recognizes HADP’s impactful implementation and its transformative outcomes in the agriculture and allied sectors of Jammu and Kashmir.

The visionary conception of HADP is attributed to the Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, whose leadership has been instrumental in shaping the programme. The robust implementation on the ground has been driven by the dedicated efforts of Shailendra Kumar, Principal Secretary of the Agriculture Production Department.

The Mission Director of HADP received the award on behalf of the team behind this ambitious project. With an investment of Rs. 5013 crore, the programme comprises 29 key projects aimed at revitalizing and modernizing the agriculture and allied sectors in Jammu and Kashmir. The programme was formulated by the Apex Committee set up by the Lieutenant Governor and approved by the UT Administrative Council under the guidance of the Lieutenant Governor.

HADP’s implementation has brought substantial changes to the region’s agricultural landscape, supporting sustainable growth and providing new opportunities for farmers. The programme was formally dedicated to the public by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 7th March 2024, marking a significant milestone in the development of Jammu and Kashmir’s agriculture sector.

The Skoch Gold Award further underscores the programme’s success and its crucial role in transforming the agricultural economy of the Union Territory.

Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today expressed profound grief over the demise of senior political leader and former Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA), Ch. Piara Singh.

In a heartfelt condolence message, the Lieutenant Governor said:
“I am deeply saddened to learn of the passing away of Ch. Piara Singh Ji. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends during this difficult time. I pray for peace for the departed soul.”

Ch. Piara Singh was a respected political figure, known for his contributions to the development of the region. His passing marks a great loss to the political landscape of Jammu and Kashmir. The Lieutenant Governor extended his heartfelt sympathies to the family of the late leader, acknowledging his enduring legacy in public service.