The Prime Talk

05/12/2022

Earning out of Trees: Kulgam woman earns her living from a Tree Nursery

‘Don't sit idle make a beginning to earn your livelihood’

03/07/2022

04/06/2022

Regulating Social Media?
Govt free to consider ‘suggestions’ of petitioner under law: Court
Asks Petitioner to submit his suggestions in the form of grievance before Principal Secretary, Information Department

Srinagar, June 4, KNT: The High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh have asked the petitioner seeking a check on the alleged ‘fake news’ menace on social media to submit his suggestions before the Principal Secretary to the Government, Information Department. The court has said that Principal Secretary to the Government, Information Department is free to consider those suggestions and act accordingly.

Petitioner MM Shujah as per news agency Kashmir News Trust through his Counsel Mr Shafqat Nazir had sought constitution of a committee that could regulate the functioning the social media.

In response to the petition, the double bench of Jammu Kashmir High Court and Ladakh, Justice Dhiraj Thakur and Chief Justice Pankaj Mital before disposing off the petition stated that the petitioner in the public interest prefers Government to designate a regulatory authority for grant of permission to the social media news channels/networks/pages/portals and not to allow any social media news network/agency/page/portal to function without proper license/permission.

The Court stated that the petitioner can submit representation and suggestions to the Principal Secretary to the Government, Information Department along with his detailed representation as to the grievance in the manner in which he wants social media news channels to be permitted and regulated.

“In the event of submitting the representation the Government and the Principal Secretary, Information Department would be free to consider the same and take appropriate action, most expeditiously as may be permissible in law,” the court said. (KNT)

04/06/2022

2 killed in Ramban road accident

Ramban, Jun 04 (KNO): Two persons were killed after a vehicle (dumper) met with an accident at Ukhrall in Ramsoo sub division of Ramban district, officials said on Saturday.

An official told news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a vehicle bearing registration number (JK22B-9290) met with an accident at Kunchi village, Panchal in Ukheral resulting in death of two persons on spot.

The deceased has been identified as a driver Tariq Hussain from Gugwal, Ramban and Suneet Singh, from Kunchi, Ukheral.

"Bodies were handed over to families after legal formalities", official said—(KNO)

03/06/2022

Gr***de explosion in Shopian, two non-locals recieve minor injuries

Srinagar, June 03: Police on Friday said that two non-locals recieved minor injuries due to Gr***de blast in Aglar Zainapora area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district.

A senior police told GNS that due to gr***de blast two non-local labourers were injured.

Both have been shifted to nearby hospital for treatment where their condition is said to be stable, the officer said.

A case has been registered in this regard and investigation taken up.(GNS)

03/06/2022

Hyderpora Encounter: HC Stays Exhumation Of Amir’s Body

Srinagar, June 3 (GNS): The High Court of J&K and Ladakh on Friday stayed its single bench verdict regarding exhumation of body exhumation of Amir Latief Magrey, one of the four persons killed in an “encounter” at Hyderpora area of Srinagar last year.

“Meanwhile, till the next date of hearing before the Bench, the operation of the impugned Judgment shall stay,” said a Division Bench of Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey and Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal after hearing Advocate General D C Raina for J&K government and counsel for Amir’s father advocate Deepika Singh Rajawat, who was on caveat and appeared through virtual mode from Jammu.

The Division Bench asked advocate Rajawat to file response to the appeal filed by the government while it posted the case for further consideration on June 28.

“Having heard the learned Counsel for the parties, perused the pleadings on record and after considering the matter, we feel that this matter requires a final decision from this Court after hearing all parties concerned,” the division bench said in an order, a copy of which lies with GNS. Subsequently it issued notice to Amir’s father for response by June 28.

“Meanwhile, till the next date of hearing before the Bench, the operation of the impugned Judgment shall stay”.

The court’s order followed submissions by the Advocate General the relief granted by the Single Judge could not have been granted “in terms of the Medical Science Analysis of the dead body which envisages that the dead body gets putrefied only after a period of one month.”

Advocate Rajawat submitted that the family demands mortal remains which she said is the constitutional right as rightly held by the Single bench of the court.

On May 27 last, the single bench of the court had asked the government to make appropriate arrangements for transportation of Amir’s body to native village of Thatharka Seripora in Tehsil Gool area of Ramban district with “promptitude and without wasting any further time.”

“(The) respondents (officials) are (directed) to make arrangements for exhumation of the body/remains of the deceased Amir Latief Magrey from the Wadder Payeen graveyard (in Kupwara district) in presence of the petitioner (Amir’s father),” the court had said as per GNS and asked the government to make appropriate arrangement for transportation of the body to his native village for burial “in accordance with the traditions, religious obligations and religious faith which the deceased professed during his life time, provided it is in deliverable state.”

However, the court had left the government free to impose any “reasonable terms and conditions” regarding exhumation, transportation and burial of the body.

“Since the body must be in advance stage of putrefaction, as such, it would be desirable that the respondents (officials) act with promptitude and do not waste any further time,” the court had said, adding, “However, if the body is highly putrefied and is not in deliverable state or is likely to pose risk to public health and hygiene, the petitioner (Amir’s father) and his close relatives shall be allowed to perform last rites as per their tradition and religious belief in the Wadder Payeen graveyard itself.”

In that situation, the court said, the State shall pay to Amir’s father a compensation of Rs. 5 lakhs for “deprivation of his right to have the dead body of his son and give him decent burial as per family traditions, religious obligations and faith which the deceased professed when he was alive.”

The court has held that the right of the next of kin of the deceased to have their dear one cremated or buried as per the religious obligations and religious belief was part and parcel of right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution of India.

Rejecting the government’s contention that the decision not to hand over the body was taken in the “larger public interest and to prevent the situation of law and order going out of hand”, the court termed it “arbitrary” and against Article 14 of the Constitution of India (equality before law). (GNS)

03/06/2022

Body of new born found near DH Handwara: Police

Say case registered, further investigation initiated

Handwara, June 03 (KNS): In a shocking incident, body of a new born baby was found near district Hospital Handwara on Friday evening, police said here.

An official told *Kashmir News Service (KNS)* that Police Station Handwara received information that a body of a new born baby is lying behind district Hospital Handwara after which a police party reached to the spot.

He said that a case FIR No. 146/2022 under relevant sections of law has been registered in PS Handwara.

The official added that further investigation into the matter has been initiated. (KNS)

03/06/2022

DC Gbl inspects restoration work in Baba Canal near Kachnambal

Takes surprise inspection of SDH Kangan

GANDERBAL, JUNE 03: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Shyambir today took an extensive tour of Baba canal and inspected the restoration work at breach point which occurred recently near Kachnambal.

On the occasion, the DC directed Ex. Engineer I&FC to take measures for early restoration of the breach as a huge chunk of land is dependent on the same canal for irrigation purposes.

He further directed him to inspect the canal along with field functionaries of the department and identify the vulnerable points and take necessary steps for plugging such spots.

Later, Shyambir took a surprise Visit to the Sub District Hospital (SDH) Kangan and inspected the facilities being provided to the patients there.

The DC inspected various sections of the hospital including OPD, Laboratory, IPD, Lavatory block, X-Ray unit, Dental OPD and other sections.

The DC directed the MS to ensure availability of sufficient medical staff for attending patients efficiently and ensuring proper medical attention is given to each patient. He also stressed for maintaining cleanliness, signage, list of tests done in hospital laboratories and their rates besides other facilities available for the patients in the hospital.

On the occasion, the DC also interacted with the patients and enquired about health care facilities provided to them. He said that the District Administration is committed to provide more sophisticated healthcare facilities to the people within the district and in this regard various measures have been taken and necessary instructions are given to the health department.

03/06/2022

*Anantnag Encounter: Army trooper, civilian injured, operation on*

Srinagar, June 03:(GNS) An Army soldier and a civilian has been injured in an ongoing gunfight at Rishipora area of South Kashmir’s Anantnag district on Friday.

A top police officer told GNS that during intial exchange if firing one army personnel and a civilian recieved bullet wounds.

Both the injured have been shifted to nearby hospital for treatment, the officer said.

Meanwhile exchange firing was going on when this report was being filed.(GNS)

03/06/2022

Breaking

has started at Rishipora area of . Police and security forces are on the job.

Further details shall follow.

03/06/2022

*Amit Shah holds high-level security meet on J&K*

New Delhi(ANI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday held a high-level security review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir in the wake of recent targeted killings in the Union Territory.

*The meeting started around 3 pm in the presence of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Army Chief Manoj Pande, Union Home Secretary Ajay Kumar Bhalla, Jammu and Kashmir and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.*

Director-General of Central Reserve Police Force Kuldiep Singh and Border Security Force chief Pankaj Singh, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh among other key officials were part of the meeting.

The meeting was called as three civilians and two security personnel were killed only in the month of May that including Kashmiri Hindus.

Kashmiri Pandits in Jammu and Kashmir are holding protests in Srinagar against the killings by militants.

A 36-year-old migrant Kashmiri Pandit and high school teacher Rajni Bala was shot dead by militants in the Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir recently.

The militants also killed one labourer and injured another in another fresh attack in Magraypora village and the Chadoora area of Budgam in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday.

Earlier this month, two civilians – including Kashmiri Pandit government employee Rahul Bhat and three off-duty policemen were killed in Kashmir by the terrorists.

These deaths follow a series of killings that have been happening since *August 5, 2019, the day when the Union government stripped Jammu and Kashmir of its special status and downgraded it to Union territory* while simultaneously bifurcating the region into Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh UTs. (ANI

03/06/2022

J&K LG Manoj Sinha, NSA Ajit Doval & other top officials from security agencies arrive at the Ministry of Home Affairs in North Block for a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the backdrop of recent targeted killings in Kashmir.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah begins the high-level security review meeting on Jammu and Kashmir, at the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) in Delhi.

02/06/2022

*DC Ganderbal discusses sanitation measures along National highway*

The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Ganderbal, Shyambir today chaired a meeting with the revenue department to discuss the measures taken for cleanliness in the Panchayats falling along the yatra route.
The DC urged the revenue officials to sensitize the people and shopkeepers in their concerned jurisdiction regarding sanitation and avoid littering on roadside. He stressed for lifting heaps of garbage and other debris lying along the National highway on an immediate basis.
The DPO was directed to cooperate with the revenue officials for carrying cleanliness drives along the yatra route.
He directed the Tehsildars to identify the land suitable for collection of waste in consultation with concerned PRIs, thus waste collected could be later lifted for proper disposal.
The DC directed the Tehsildars to take strict action against the shopkeepers and locals who are found littering on the roadside. Shopkeepers should be urged to use dustbins, he added.
He also urged them to carry awareness among the people regarding hazardous consequences of single use plastic and carry frequent massive cleanliness drives involving VLWs, locals and PRIs in all panchayats falling along the Yatra route.
The meeting was attended by ACR Ganderbal, DPO, Tehsildars, Naib Tehsildars and Pathwaris concerned.

02/06/2022

*Chadoora Attack: One Among 2 Non-Locals Dies*

Srinagar, June 2 (GNS): One among the two non-locals who were fired upon by militants on Thursday late evening in central Kashmir’s Budgam district succumbed to the injuries at a hospital here.

Medical Superintendent SMHS hospital Dr. Kanwaljeet Singh confirmed to GNS that one among the non-locals succumbed to the injuries. Sources identified the deceased as Dilkhush of Bihar, who was working as a labourer at Brick Kiln.

Earlier a senior Police officer told GNS that the two non-local labourers were fired upon by militants in Magraypora area of the district.

One had bullet wound in hand and other received firearm injury in neck area. Both were immediately shifted to nearby hospital for treatment, the officer said.

Soon after the attack whole area has been cordoned off to nab the attackers. More details will follow soon. (GNS)

02/06/2022

*Two Non-locals shot at, injured in Chadoora*

Srinagar, June 02:(GNS) Two non-locals were fired upon by militants on Thrusday in Magraypora area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

A senior Police officer told GNS that two non-locals were fired upon by militants this evening in Magraypora.

One has bullet wound in hand and other has received in shoulder. Both are stated to be stable, the officer said.

Both were immediately shifted to nearby hospital for treatment, the officer added.

Soon after the attack whole area has been cordoned off to nab the attackers. More details will follow soon.(GNS)

02/06/2022

District Administration Ganderbal nominates CPO, Irfan Ahmad Giri (9419163778) as Nodal Officer for redressal of grievances of Migrant, ALC, SC, Prime Minister Package, Non Prime Minister Package employees in the district.

These employees can also register their grievances regarding any issue at 0194-2416423 or email address [email protected]

02/06/2022

One person namely Mohd Shafi arrested for attacking and grievously injuring a Mouzin while he was offering Fajr Azan in Nawakadal area of Srinagar today. Case registered under attempt to murder and other sections of IPC: police

02/06/2022

*Update*

*Injured Bank Manager from Rajasthan succumbs*

KNO Correspondent

Kulgam, Jun 02 (KNO): A Bank Manager of Elaqahi Dehati Bank, Branch Kulgam, who was shot at and injured in Southern district of Kashmir, succumbed to his injuries on Thursday.

An official told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) that a Bank manager of Elaqahi Dehati Bank was fired upon by militants when he was on duty at Arreh Mohanpora Branch in Kulgam.

The injured identified as Vijay Kumar of Rajasthan was immediately shifted to hospital for treatment.

However, he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital, the officials said.

Meanwhile, the area has been cordoned off to nab the attackers—(KNO)

02/06/2022

*Shopian Blast: One among 3 Injured Soldiers Critical, Says Army*

*‘Details About Blast Awaited, Search For Militants Going On’*

Srinagar, June 2(GNS): Army on Thursday said that one among the three soldiers injured in a blast at Sedaw Shopian was "critical".

“At approximately 0300 a.m., based on specific intelligence, an operation was launched from (Sedaw) COB to lay cordon and search in general area Patitohalan.

While moving to the target area, at approximately a km from (Sedaw), an explosion took place in the civil hired vehicle, being used by the team, resulting in injuries to three Indian Army soldiers,” army said in a statement issued to GNS. “The blast is very likely to be from either an IED or a gr***de or a battery malfunctioning in the vehicle. Details are being ascertained.”

The injured personnel, the army said, were immediately shifted and given first aid at District Hospital, Shopian and thereafter evacuated to 92 Base Hospital, Srinagar.

“One soldier is critical while two other injured are stable,” it said, adding, “Affected area has been cordoned and all likely escape routes have been sealed.” The army said search to nab the (militants) is in progress.” (GNS)

02/06/2022

*3 Army soldiers injured in 'Accidental' blast in Shopian: Police*

Umer Rashid

Srinagar, June 02:(GNS) Three army soldiers were injured on thrusday in a 'accidental' gr***de blast in Sadow area of South Kashmir’s Shopian district, the officials said.

A top police told GNS that there was accidental gr***de blast in which three soldiers of army’s 15 Garhwal were injured and were subsequently hospitalised.

The condition of one among the three injured army soldiers is said to be critical, the officer said.

The gr***de, the officer said was army's own device which exploded accidentally, the officer added..(GNS)

01/06/2022

*Div Com Kashmir Inspects SANJY-2022 preparedness along Baltal route*

GANDERBAL, JUNE 01: The Divisional Commissioner (Div Com) Kashmir, Pandurang K Pole today took an extensive tour of Ganderbal and inspected preparedness for Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY) 2022 via Baltal route.

During visit, the Div Com inspected arrangements being put in place at Sonamarg, Baltal Base Camp and development of Yatra track from Domail onwards for smooth conduct of SANJY-2022
Deputy commissioner Ganderbal, Shyambir, Director Health Services Kashmir, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, Director Disaster Management, Aamir Ali, ADC Ganderbal, SDM Kangan, CEO Sonamarg Development Authority, Dy Director Tourism, CMO Ganderbal, Executive Engineers of various wings besides other district officers and officials of NHIDCL accompanied the Div Com during the visit.

The Div Com inspected the facilities at Sonamarg Youth Hostel which is being identified as additional accommodation for pilgrims including bedding, renovation works, electricity, water and toilet facilities.

On the occasion, the Div Com reiterated that this year we are expecting more rush of yatries and gave necessary instructions to the CEO, SDA for increasing the bedding capacity of Youth Hostel besides carrying necessary repairing works.

Taking a strong note of dilapidated road condition from Kullan to Sonamarg, the Div Com directed the officials of NHIDCL and BEACON to start repairing work and macdamization on the said road stretch immediately so that it is completed on time.

Furthermore, the officials of NHIDCL were directed to lift construction material and debris lying along the Yatra route immediately which is the main cause of traffic jams.

The Div Com asked the NHIDCL to start leveling a few patches of land between the R&B road and newly carved NHIDCL road identified for parking space on immediate basis so that the same area could be used for parking of vehicles during the Yatra period.

The Div Com also inspected the facilities available at Baltal base camp hospital and gave necessary instructions to the Director Health Services Kashmir for further upgrading the facilities at the hospital.
Later, the Div Com also inspected the track from Domail to Brarimarg along with DC, ADC and other concerned district officers.

While inspecting the repairing work and other development works on the track, the Div Com complimented the District Administration for completing most of the works on the track despite of tough terrain and uneven climatic conditions. He stressed for further expediting the work on the track including installation of lights, wire meshing and other works to meet timelines.

While interacting with the officers, the Div Com said that UT administration is committed to ensure best facilities for the pilgrims and exhorted upon all line departments to unsure all works pertaining to SANJY-2022 shall be completed within already fixed timeline and directed for regular monitoring of works along the Yatra route.

01/06/2022

*Glacier Times News Impact*

Taking a strong note of dilapidated road condition from Kullan to Sonamarg, the Div Com directed the officials of NHIDCL and BEACON to start repairing work and macdamization on the said road stretch immediately so that it is completed on time. Furthermore, the officials of NHIDCL were directed to lift construction material and debris lying along the Yatra route immediately which is the main cause of traffic jams.

01/06/2022

*GANDERBAL POLICE CONDUCTS RECEPTION FOR RETURNEES OF BHARAT DARSHAN TOUR-2022*

*GANDERBAL*
*1ST JUNE 2022*

Ganderbal Police today organized a reception for the students who were part of the Bharat Darshan Tour-2022 organized by J&K Police Ganderbal under Civic Action Programme. The students returned back safely today after a week, visiting different colourful cities of the Country. They were received by DySP DAR Ganderbal Shri Muzaffar Jan-JKPS and were accorded with a warm reception at DPL Ganderbal.

While interacting with the students Police officers congratulated them for availing the opportunity of visiting the different parts of the country and exploring various places of heritage importance. While sharing their experiences, the students showed enthusiasm and happiness and thanked Ganderbal Police for giving them opportunity to explore various metropolitan cities and unique heritage sites in New Delhi and Mumbai.

The touring students described the tour as a great success and asserted that it has helped them to gain new experiences and also gave them vast exposure, confidence and attaining new knowledge about the visiting places.

The reception ceremony was also attended by other senior Police Officers of the District. Finally, DySP DAR Ganderbal Shri Muzaffar Jan-JKPS wished good luck to all the students for their bright future. The reception ceremony ended with a vote of thanks from both the sides.

01/06/2022

Beware of the fraudulent messages asking you to call any number for verification to update your KYC details etc. Kindly ignore such messages. J&K Bank

01/06/2022

The prices of 19 kg commercial LPG cylinders have been reduced by Rs 135 per cylinder across cities from June 1.

01/06/2022

Conductor Charred To Death, Driver Injured As Truck Catches Fire On Sgr-B'pora highway

Srinagar, June 01 (GNS): A conductor was burnt to death while driver sustained injuries after a cement laden truck skidded off the the road and caught fire on Srinagar-Bandipora highway near Shilvat village.

Reports reaching GNS said that a cement laden truck bearing registration number (JK19 0375) skidded off the road during last midnight near Shilvat village and suddenly caught fire, resulting in serious burn injuries to conductor and driver.

Both were removed to JVC hospital Srinagar where conductor succumbed to his injuries while the driver is battling for life. Truck was also completely gutted in the incident.

A police official while confirming the incident to GNS identified the deceased as Rakesh Singh, 26, son of Darshan Singh of Chenni, Jammu and injured as Ajay Singh, 28, son of Wardan Singh, a resident of Batote Ramban. (GNS)

31/05/2022

Garib Kalyan Sammelan

Lieutenant Governor presides over UT-level Event at SKICC

Inaugurates 100 Amrit Sarovar sites; Grih Pravesh Programme for 27,000 Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (Grameen) Beneficiaries

It is a matter of great pride that in eight years of Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi's good governance, people-centric policies have empowered the most disadvantaged sections of our society: LG

Last eight years have witnessed a record growth and it was ensured that fruits of growth are equitably distributed for Social Inclusion, Education, Health, Rural Development, Agriculture and Improving Rural & Urban Infrastructure: LG

Under the guidance of Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi, accelerated development and transformation is taking place across the UT of J&K, says LG

Increased allocations for Rural Infrastructure & Rural Health reduced the inequalities and gap between urban and rural areas: Lt Governor

We are committed to ensure financial inclusion, and that last man in the queue receives equal opportunity. Under Hon’ble PM’s guidance, our aim is to make development a powerful people's movement in J&K: LG



Srinagar, May 31: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today presided over the UT-level event in connection with Garib Kalyan Sammelan, held here at SKICC.

Pertinently, ‘Garib Kalyan Sammelan’ marks the completion of eight years of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi in the office. During this one of the largest ever nationwide interactions, Hon’ble Prime Minister interacted with the beneficiaries of wide-ranging government run schemes and programmes, and received first-hand feedback regarding the impact of these schemes on the lives of beneficiaries.

Hon’ble Prime Minister also released the 11th installment of financial benefit under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. An amount of around Rs 21,000 crore to more than 10 crore beneficiary farmer families was disbursed.

To mark the occasion at the UT level, the Lt Governor inaugurated 100 Amrit Sarovar sites and Grih Pravesh Programme for 27,000 Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna (Grameen) beneficiaries.

The Lt Governor expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi on behalf of the people of J&K, for connecting the UT of J&K to the mainstream of development and ensuring progress, social equality and social justice for all.

It is a matter of great pride that in eight years of Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi's good governance, the people-centric policies have empowered the most disadvantaged sections of our society, said the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor termed ‘Garib Kalyan Sammelan’ as a significant initiative to highlight the stories of positive change in the lives of common citizens.

The last eight years have witnessed a record growth, and it was ensured that the fruits of growth are equitably distributed for social inclusion, education, health, rural development, agriculture and improving rural and urban infrastructure, added the Lt Governor.

Under the guidance of Hon'ble PM, accelerated development and transformation is taking place across the UT of J&K. Increased allocations for Rural infrastructure and Rural health have reduced the inequalities and gap between urban and rural areas, the Lt Governor observed.

Jammu & Kashmir and its people were deprived of the development for seven decades. Now, the Constitutional provisions to provide equal rights to common people are being implemented on the ground, he added.

We have kept the aspirations of people at the heart of government policies and schemes, and we are committed to ensure financial inclusion and that the last man in the queue receives equal opportunity. Under Hon’ble PM’s guidance, our aim is to make development a powerful people's movement in J&K, the Lt Governor said.

Highlighting the progress achieved in various welfare schemes, the Lt Governor said that the government machinery at all levels is working with greater dedication and commitment. The speed of ex*****on of projects and saturation of schemes has increased five times as compared to what the government used to achieve earlier, he added.

J&K has performed better in Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Rural and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban. Farmer-centric reforms introduced by the government in the last three years have increased the income of the farmers of J&K manifold. The UT of J&K is now among the top five States/UTs in terms of farmers' income with a monthly income of Rs 18,918 per farmer. We have also achieved notable success in our endeavour to end malnutrition in Jammu and Kashmir.

Similarly, 2.7 lakh beneficiaries were covered under Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana till last financial year and more than Rs 107 crores have been distributed among them.

In the current financial year till April 2022, 5458 beneficiaries were linked to the Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojana and an amount of Rs 2 crore 76 lakh has been directly transferred to their account, said the Lt Governor.

Rural sanitation coverage in Jammu and Kashmir is another sector where, as a result of the efforts of the central government, we have registered remarkable progress with 100% saturation. Jammu and Kashmir has performed well in the Swachh Bharat Urban Abhiyan. Today, 100% of waste is being collected from every household and by November this year, we will also be successful in processing 60 to 70 % of the waste. Further, an amount of Rs 648 crore has been sanctioned for waste management in all 78 urban local bodies, added the Lt Governor.

Speaking on the achievements registered under Jal Jeevan Mission, the Lt Governor said the UT Government is working on a mission mode to achieve the ambitious goal of 100% piped water (Har Ghar Nal se Jal). We have achieved 57.82% household coverage achieved so far, which is much higher than the national average of 49.23%. Today we have succeeded in providing tap water connection to 10.61 lakh households. Apart from two districts- Ganderbal and Srinagar, all rural schools, Anganwadi centers and hospitals have also been connected with tap water connections, he added.

J&K has secured 8th position in Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) scheme implementation. Similarly, the UT has secured second rank in the list of Union Territories and Small States under the Prime Minister's SVANidhi Program. Under the scheme, the government is providing assistance to 24,000 street vendors and to-date, loan has been disbursed to 14,078 beneficiaries.

J&K has also improved the ranking under MUDRA Yojana which has enabled enable small traders to start new businesses or to expand the existing ones. Altogether more than 2.62 lakh accounts have been opened, and Rs 5696 crore has been disbursed to small and micro-entrepreneurs under the scheme. Under the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana, more than 5.47 lakh metric tonnes of food grains have been distributed till last month, the Lt Governor further added.

Sectors like Health, Infrastructure, Road Connectivity and Industries have witnessed a massive transformation in the last three years, the Lt Governor observed.

Now, J&K has become one of the leading States/UTs in the healthcare sector and medical education. Two AIIMS, two cancer institutes, seven new medical colleges, 15 new nursing colleges, and thousands of health and wellness centers, besides universal health insurance coverage for up to Rs 5 lakh under Ayushman Bharat-SEHAT without any discrimination have ensured Affordable and accessible healthcare to all segments of society of J&K.

At present 69.60 lakh beneficiaries are registered under Ayushman Bharat-SEHAT and about 76% of the families have at least one beneficiary registered, added the Lt Governor.

Earlier, only six km of road was constructed daily in Jammu and Kashmir, but today we are building 20 km of road every day. J&K has improved its ranking to fourth position in the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, the Lt Governor said.

He further observed that industrial development in J&K could not take a leap as only Rs 15,000 crores worth investment was received since Independence till last year. Under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister, within one year, industrial investment of Rs 38,000 crore was approved in the UT and it will increase to Rs 75,000 crore in the coming days.

North India’s first Industrial Biotech Park at Kathua has been inaugurated recently and within a year a similar park will be ready in Handwara which will provide support to start ups and other industries in Jammu and Kashmir, informed the Lt Governor.

Sh Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt Governor; Dr Arun Kumar Mehta, Chief Secretary; Sh Atal Dulloo, Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Agriculture Production Department, besides Administration Secretaries, senior officers of UT administration and hundreds of beneficiaries were present on the occasion.