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Bahar-E-Kashmir, SAFA KADAL, Srinagar (2025)

15/01/2025

*Rajouri Mysterious Deaths*

*CS directs for coordination between Health & Police Deptts to ascertain actual causes of death*

Jammu Jan 25 (GNS): Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a meeting of all the concerned from Divisional and District administrations along with Health experts from several national health institutions to take stock of the measures taken so far to identify the real causes behind the mysterious deaths reported from village Badhal in district Rajouri.

The meeting, besides Secretary Health & Medical Education Department was attended by ADGP, Jammu; Divisional Commissioner, Jammu; DIG, Rajouri-Poonch Range; DC, Rajouri; SP, Rajouri; Principal, GMC, Jammu; Principal, GMC, Rajouri;Director, Health Services, Jammu and Experts from PGIMER, CSIR, National Institute of Virology (NIV), National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), DRDO and others.

The Chief Secretary impressed upon the Health and Police Departments to assess the reports received from different institutes of repute to identify the real cause of these deaths. He asked them to work in close coordination to take this investigation to its logical conclusion.

He also directed the Police Department to utilize the best of their resources to study these reports along with using other scientific measures to reach to the conclusion. He also urged the Health Department to study these reports to find the reasonable leads causing these deaths.

He made out that the reports furnished by different institutions are now available with us and more are going to be received soon. He maintained that these should be enough to conclude the investigations and reach to possible reasons of these deaths reported from this particular village.

Dulloo also took this occasion to hear from the different experts from PGIMER (Chandigarh), NIV, CSIR and NCDC about their findings after studying numerous samples taken from the affected persons or area. He also sought suggestions from them about the future course of action to be taken from here.

It was given out by these experts that after carrying out of extensive microbiological studies no viral, bacterial or microbial infection was found to cause these deaths. These were found to be localised and possibly having some epidemiological linkage.

It was also given out that certain neurotoxins were found in the samples of the deceased persons which is further investigated to know more about it.

It is pertinent to mention here that from 7th of December, 2024 about 12 deaths out of 38 affected persons were reported in three different incidents from the village Badhal of District Rajouri the causes of which were unknown.

The government has taken several measures including rushing of Rapid Response Teams, carrying out investigations of samples from humans and animals, testing of water etc besides taking assistance of reputed health institutions of the country to know about the actual causes behind these deaths.(GNS)

15/01/2025

*ED Srinagar attaches property worth Rs 2.25 crore in Delhi*

Srinagar, Jan 15 (KNO): The Enforcement Directorate Srinagar has attached an immovable property worth over Rs 2 crore under the provisions of PMLA.

In a post on X, the probe agency, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), stated that the property belongs to shareholders and owners of M/s Manoj Ji and co private limited.

"ED, Srinagar has provisionally attached immovable property situated at Delhi having worth of Rs. 2.25 Crore and related to the shareholders and owners of M/s Manoj Ji & Co. Pvt. Ltd. under the provisions of PMLA, 2002," it said—(KNO)

15/01/2025

*11-member SIT formed to probe 14 mysterious deaths in Rajouri village*

Srinagar, Jan 15 (KNO): The Jammu and Kashmir Police have constituted 11-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the mysterious deaths that have been reported in the Badhal area of Rajouri district in the last 45 days.

According to an order, a copy of which lies with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) the team will be headed by Superintendent of Police (Operations), Budhal, Wajahat Hussain.

The members of the SIT include deputy superintendent of Police Kandi, station house officers of police station Kandi and women's police station Rajouri, officials and experts from forensic medicine and toxicology, microbiology, pediatrics and pathology departments.

According to the order, the team will utilise the expertise of professionals from the food safety, agriculture, and Jal Shakti departments, as well as the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) Jammu.

"The team will make all sincere efforts to work out the inquest proceedings to its logical conclusion at an earliest," it said.

At least 14 persons have died in the last 45 days in the Budhal area of Rajouri due to a mysterious illness with latest victim being a 6-year-old girl, who died while receiving treatment at a local hospital—(KNO)

15/01/2025

India Becoming Major Maritime Power: PM Modi

MUMBAI, Jan 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said India is becoming a major maritime power and is being recognised as a reliable and responsible partner in the world.

Speaking after the commissioning of three naval warships here, Modi said India has always supported an open, secure, inclusive and prosperous Indo-Pacific region.

A destroyer, a frigate and a submarine were commissioned together for the first time on Wednesday, he noted, adding that all the three are ‘Made in India’.

The ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ initiative has made the country strong and self-reliant, the prime minister said.

“We should become a global partner in securing the sea from drugs, weapons and terrorism and make it safe and prosperous. India is becoming a major maritime power and is being recognised as a reliable and responsible partner,” he said.

In the Indian Ocean region, India has emerged as the “first responder”, the prime minister noted.

Modi said India is going to play a major role in giving a direction to the global security, economy and geopolitical dynamics.

‘It is important to protect the territorial waters, freedom of navigation, and secure trade supply lines and sea routes,’ he said.

Modi further said India is working for development, and not expansionism.

He said 33 ships and seven submarines have been inducted into the Navy in the last 10 years.

India’s defence production has crossed Rs 1.25 lakh crore and defence equipment have been exported to more than 100 countries, he added.

Earlier in the morning, Indian Navy warships INS Surat, INS Nilgiri and INS Vaghsheer were commissioned at the Naval Dockyard here in the presence of PM Modi.

INS Nilgiri, the lead ship of the Project 17A stealth frigate class, represents a significant advancement over the Shivalik-class frigates.

Designed by the Indian Navy’s Warship Design Bureau and built at the Mazagon Dock Shipbuilders Limited (MDL), it incorporates advanced features for enhanced survivability, seakeeping and stealth, reflecting the next generation of indigenous frigates.

It features advanced stealth technology and reduced radar signatures. It is equipped with modern aviation facilities and can operate multiple helicopter types, including the newly inducted MH-60R.

INS Surat, the fourth and final vessel of the Project 15B stealth destroyer class, is a follow-on to the Kolkata-class destroyers.

It incorporates improvements in design and capability, making it a critical addition to the Navy’s surface fleet.

Like INS Nilgiri, it has also been designed by the Warship Design Bureau and constructed at the MDL.

INS Vaghsheer is the sixth and final submarine under the Scorpene-class Project 75. It is a diesel-electric submarine designed for multiple roles, including anti-surface warfare, anti-submarine warfare, and intelligence gathering.

It features modular construction, enabling future upgrades such as air independent propulsion technology. (PTI)

14/01/2025

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“... You (Army) all have kept us protected. Now, it’s our duty to work for you and resolve the issues you face. Today, I want to assure you all that we will keep working for you. Our efforts will be to provide you with financial support through schemes and modify the recruitment process,” says J&K CM Omar Abdullah while addressing the 9th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day event in Akhnoor.

14/01/2025

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SRINAGAR : Free text books will be available for students by January end: Director School Education, Kashmir, G.N. Itoo said in an event At Govt boy's higher secondary school, Jawahar Nagar

14/01/2025

Centre restores Capex budget of Hill Councils

JAMMU, Jan 14: The Union Ministry of Finance has restored the Capex budget of both Autonomous Hill Development Councils of Ladakh including Leh and Kargil.

The demand for restoration of budget was vociferously projected by the UT Administration of Ladakh and Council Chairpersons with the Union Finance and Home Ministries.

Meanwhile, Advisor to the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh Dr Pawan Kotwal chaired a meeting to review the expenditure under SDP/State Capex and to strategize the utilization of the additional Rs 400 crore budget released by the Ministry of Finance for the UT of Ladakh

Director of Finance Dr Safdar Ali gave a comprehensive presentation on budget estimates and revised budget estimates for the FY 2024-25. It was informed that the capital budget of the LAHDCs has been restored to Rs 344 crores each while reallocating the remaining funds as per the requirement of the different departments.

Kotwal emphasised on collective efforts of the officers for transparency, accountability, and efficiency in resource utilization, ensuring that every rupee spent contributes significantly to the holistic development of Ladakh. He directed the concerned officers to utilize funds in due time and clear the liability of the work done by various departments. He emphasized the importance of fiscal responsibility, timely ex*****on, and the need for continuous collaboration to overcome any challenges that may arise during the ex*****on phase.

The meeting was attended by the Administrative Secretary, Tourism & Culture Vikram Malik; Administrative Secretary, PWD, Micheal D’Souza; Administrative Secretary, FCS&CA Yetindara Maralkar; Administrative Secretary, Agriculture & Horticulture, Bhupesh Chaudhary; Administrative Secretary, RDD, Shashanka Ala; Secretary, Higher & School Education, Bhanu Prabha; Deputy Commissioner, Leh Santosh Sukhadeve; Deputy Commissioner Kargil Shrikant Suse; Head of the Departments and officials from the concerned departments.

14/01/2025

*Rajnath Singh in Akhnoor to celebrate 'Veterans Day'*

Jammu, Jan 14 (KNO): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Tuesday left for Jammu and Kashmir's Akhnoor to celebrate Veterans Day with the ex-servicemen of the armed forces.

In a post on X, the Defence minister, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said that he is looking forward to celebrate 'Veterans Day' with the retired jawans.

"Leaving New Delhi for Akhnoor in Jammu and Kashmir. Looking forward to celebrate 'Veterans Day' with the Ex-servicemen of the Armed Forces," Rajnath Singh posted on X.

The event will also be attended by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) and other senior military and civil officials.

Armed Forces Veterans' Day is celebrated on January 14 every year to recognise the service rendered by the First Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953.

According to an official release, the event at Akhnoor will be held under the aegis of Northern Command to honour the Armed Forces Veterans and Veer Naris.

Approximately, 1,000 veterans from Jammu, Akhnoor, Pallanwala, Rakhmuthi, Naushera, and Sunderbani are likely to attend the event. The event will also include the hoisting of a 108-foot National Flag and the inauguration of the Akhnoor Heritage Museum—(KNO)

14/01/2025

*Fresh WD may trigger snowfall over J&K during next 48 hours: MeT*

Srinagar, Jan 14: A weak Western Disturbance (WD) is expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir over the next 48 hours, potentially bringing light snowfall to the higher reaches, officials said.

According to the Meteorological Centre in Srinagar, this feeble WD is likely to impact the region between January 15 and 16, with light snowfall expected in areas such as the picturesque Sonamarg and its surrounding regions.

"The weather is expected to remain predominantly dry across the region until January 20," the MeT office stated.

There is a possibility of another wet spell January 20-21.

Meanwhile, there was a slight improvement in night temperature amid overcast sky, but recorded below freezing point triggering severe cold conditions across the Kashmir valley on Wednesday.

Night temperature in Srinagar recorded during the intervening night of Tuesday and Wednesday at a low of -4.2°C against the -5.1°C recorded the previous day, the MeT office said adding this was 2.2°C below the average for the summer capital of Jammu and Kashmir during the period.

Despite a marginal improvement in minimum temperature, Pahalgam remained the coldest place in Kashmir valley with a low of -7.8°C on Wednesday against the -8.4°C on the previous night.

This was 1.9°C below normal for the tourist spot of south Kashmir's Anantnag district during the period.

Gulmarg also witnessed an improvement by a few notches and recorded at -6.2°C against the -6.5°C a day ago and this was, however, 1.6°C above normal for the ski resort of north Kashmir's Baramulla district for the day.

Kupwara recorded a low of -4.7°C against the -5.5°C the previous night and this was 2.2°C below normal for the frontier Kashmir district in north Kashmir during this period of the season.

The picnic spot of Kokernag in south Kashmir stayed at -3.4°C for the second consecutive day on Wednesday and it was a few notches below the average for the place during the period.

Qazigund on Srinagar Jammu national highway recorded a low -5.6°C against the -6.4°C and it was 2.6°C below normal for the gateway to Kashmir during the period, the MeT office said.–(UNI)

14/01/2025

*Pakistan making all efforts to destabilise J&K: Rajnath Singh in Akhnoor*

Akhnoor, Jan 14 (KNO): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh Tuesday said that Pakistan is trying to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir and asked it to dismantle the terror ecosystem or face consequences.

During his address at Armed Forces Veterans Day event n Akhnoor, Rajnath Singh, as per news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that Pakistan is making all efforts to destabilise Jammu and Kashmir and that over 80% of terrorists entering India come from Pakistan.

Singh warned Pakistan to take concrete action against terrorism that continues to thrive on its soil. He said that the land of PoK is being used for the dangerous business of terrorism. "We know that there are active launching pads in PoK, but we will take action on time," he said.

He said that training camps for terrorists are still operational there. "Launchpads are active in areas close to the border. The Indian government is aware of everything. Pakistan must dismantle these operations."

Singh also stressed that Jammu and Kashmir is incomplete without PoK. He also highlighted the government's efforts to bridge the gap between Jammu and Kashmir and rest of the country.

"Our government's top priority is to remove the gap between Kashmir and the rest of India. J&K CM Omar Abdullah is taking steps in this direction," he said.

He added that Pakistan wants Muslims in the area to support its army, but it will never happen. "Muslims have always stood with India and even sacrificed their lives for the country."—(KNO)

14/01/2025

*SHA suspends empanelment of Shifa hospital, Sgr for 6 months*

*Imposes penalty of over Rs 26 lakh for illegal payments collected from beneficiaries*

Srinagar, Jan 14 (KNO): The State Health Agency (SHA) in Jammu and Kashmir has suspended the empanelment of Shifa hospital, Srinagar for violating the guidelines issued by NHA.

As per an order issued by State Health Agency, a copy of which lies with news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a penalty of over Rs 26 lakh has been imposed for the illegal payments collected from aggrieved beneficiaries.

"State Health Agency (SHA), J&K received a number of grievances/complaints against Empaneled Health Care Provider Shifa Medical Centre, Srinagar for violating the guidelines issued by the National Health Authority, New Delhi. Show Cause Notices were issued to the hospital for all such cases and the hospital did not reply to them within the timeframe as mentioned in the guidelines. On the basis numerous grievances/complaints registered against the hospital, a team of officers/officials conducted a surprise visit to the hospital on 23/11/2024 and during interaction with the beneficiaries/patients it was observed that the hospital is flagrantly violating the guidelines of the scheme including coercing the patients to incur out of pocket expenditure, denial of treatment to the patients," reads the order.

"Again a Show Cause Notice was served upon the hospital on 18/12/2024 to explain their stand with regard to cases highlighted during the surprise visit to the hospital, however, the hospital again did not reply to the said Show Cause Notice within mandated five working days, as Hospital Empanelment and De- Empanelment Guidelines," it reads.

"The case of the hospital along with all the relevant documents was placed before the State Empanelment Committee during it meeting on 26/12/2024 for deliberation/decision," It reads.

"It was decided, in accordance with the Hospital Empanelment Guidelines, that the hospital be immediately suspended for a period of 6 months and a penalty of Rs 2615000/- would be imposed for the illegal payments collected from the aggrieved beneficiaries," reads the order.

"However, in the interest of dialysis patients, the hospital may continue providing dialysis treatment to the existing patients under AB PM-JAY/AB PM-JAY SEHAT," it reads further.

"Now, therefore, Shifa Medical Centre, Magarmal Bagh Srinagar is hereby suspended for a period 6 months from the date of issuance of this order. However, in the interest of dialysis patients, the hospital shall continue to provide treatment to the existing dialysis patients under AB PM-JAY/AB PM-JAY SEHAT. Also, penalty to the tune of Rs 2615000/- (Twenty-Six Lac Fifteen Thousand only) is imposed on the hospital for the illegal payments collected from the aggrieved beneficiaries. The said penalty amount shall be deposited by the hospital within 5 working days. In case the hospital fails to deposit the penalty/fine amount within the stipulated time same shall be adjusted with the pending payment to the EHCP without any further notice," the order reads further—(KNO)

14/01/2025

Power shutdown of 11KV feeders as per given schedule 👇
Inconvenience regretted.

14/01/2025

Ex-servicemen rallies & wreath laying ceremonies at multiple locations pan-India mark 9th Armed Forces Veterans’ Day

Raksha Mantri celebrates the day with 1,000 ex-servicemen in Akhnoor, Jammu

Govt stands with soldiers at every step; Will always work beyond its capacity for their welfare: Shri Rajnath Singh

“PoK is India’s crown jewel; It is nothing more than a foreign territory to Pakistan”

“Pakistan must put an end to its nefarious designs”

New Delhi January 14
The ninth Armed Forces Veterans’ Day was celebrated at multiple locations across the country on January 14, 2025. Veterans’ rallies and wreath laying ceremonies were organised at a number of places, including Jammu, Mumbai, New Delhi, Pune, Nagpur, Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, Bareilly, Jaipur and Siliguri to pay respects to the ex-servicemen for their selfless duty and reinforce solidarity towards the Next of Kin of these bravehearts.

Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh led the celebrations by addressing around 1,000 ex-servicemen during an event at Tanda Artillery Brigade, Akhnoor in Jammu. He interacted with the ex-servicemen and expressed gratitude to the Armed Forces personnel, both retired & serving, for their selfless service towards protecting the borders with unmatched bravery, dedication, sacrifice and patriotism.

Raksha Mantri asserted that the nation will forever remain indebted to the Armed Forces, adding that every Indian holds deep respect for the gallant soldiers. This respect for the soldiers is ingrained in the values of the country, he said, pointing out that the conduct of multiple Veterans’ Day events is one such way to show that respect.

Shri Rajnath Singh also described the Veterans’ Day celebrations at Akhnoor as a testament to the fact that Jammu & Kashmir has been, is and will always remain an integral part of India. He reasserted Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi-led Government’s unwavering resolve to bridge the distance between J&K and the rest of the country, describing the abrogation of Article 370 as a crucial step in this direction.

Raksha Mantri added that 2025 is the diamond jubilee year of the 1965 Indo-Pak war, and India’s victory was the result of the valour & sacrifice of the Armed Forces. “Pakistan has lost every war it fought with India, whether it was the attack in 1948, the war of 1965, the war of 1971 or the Kargil war of 1999. Pakistan has been promoting illegal infiltration and terrorism since 1965 and has tried to influence the local population in J&K. But the people here have always rejected their intentions. Pakistan still resorts to terrorism. Even today, over 80% of terrorists who come to India are from there. The terrorism would have ended in 1965 only, had the then government not turned the strategic advantages gained on the battlefield into disadvantages. The situation on ground has significantly improved since the abrogation of Article 370,” he said.

Shri Rajnath Singh described PoK as the crown jewel of India, which is nothing more than a foreign territory to Pakistan. He said: “J&K is incomplete without PoK. The people living there are being deprived of a dignified life. Efforts are being made by Pakistan to mislead and provoke them against India in the name of religion. PoK’s land is being used for terrorism. Training camps for terrorists are running and launch pads have been built in the areas adjacent to the border. The Indian government is well aware of the situation. Pakistan will have to put an end to its nefarious designs.”

Concluding the address, Raksha Mantri reiterated the Government’s commitment towards the welfare of the veterans, serving soldiers and their families. Terming it as a top priority, he assured that the Ministry of Defence (MoD) will always work beyond its capacity to ensure the well-being of its soldiers, who remain as the assets to the country even after retirement. He enumerated the steps taken by MoD and underlined that the Government stands with the soldiers of the country at every step.

As part of the event, Shri Rajnath Singh hoisted a 108-feet high National Flag and inaugurated ‘Akhnoor Heritage Museum’. The museum is a tribute to the rich history and culture of the region. Located on NH-144A connecting Jammu to Poonch, the museum showcases the rich history and legacy of the region.

Certain mobility equipment in terms of Motorised Wheelchairs, Tri Scooters, Scooters and Auto Rickshaws were handed over to the ex-servicemen on the occasion. More than 40 stalls/help desks of various Records Offices, Defence & Government Welfare Organisations, Banks & Employment Agencies were established at the venue for in-situ grievance redressal and awareness.

J&K Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha; J&K Chief Minister Shri Omar Abdullah; Chief of Defence Staff General Anil Chauhan; General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Northern Command Lieutenant General MV Suchindra Kumar; other senior civil & military officers; Director, War Wounded Foundation; Director, Directorate of Indian Army Veterans; veterans and representatives of various ex-servicemen organisations attended the event.

In Mumbai, Rajya Raksha Mantri Shri Sanjay Seth laid a wreath at Gaurav Stambh (Victory at Sea Memorial), Naval Dockyard to mark the day. This was followed by a Tri-Services Veterans’ Rally at Indian Navy Sailors Institute (INSI Sagar), where Raksha Rajya Mantri interacted with the ex-servicemen. Around 400 veterans were present during the rally. In his address, Shri Sanjay Seth commended the veterans for their integrity, values and discipline, which serve as an inspiration to the people of the country. Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral Dinesh K Tripathi attended the event.

Chief of the Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi presided over the Armed Forces Veterans’ Day event in Pune, while Chief of the Air Staff, along with Chief of Integrated Defence Staff Lt Gen JP Mathew and Vice Chiefs of Army and Navy, graced the event in New Delhi. Ex-servicemen from the three Services attended the events.

Armed Forces Veterans’ Day is celebrated on 14th January every year to recognise the service rendered by the First Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Field Marshal KM Cariappa, who retired on this day in 1953. The day was first celebrated in 2016 and it is commemorated every year since by hosting interactive events in the honour of the Ex-Servicemen.

14/01/2025

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari addresses 9th Armed Forces Veteran's Day celebrations in Nagpur.

The Minister says, the contribution of veterans in their Defence service tenure is unforgettable and it has kept the glorious history and tradition of this country intact.

14/01/2025

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Dr Syed Abid Rashid Shah Re-Designated As Secretary To Government

14/01/2025

*Anti Corruption Bureau J&K, registered Preliminary Enquiries related to misappropriation of Devri Stones etc & use of substandard material in Srinagar Smart City Project, Ltd.*

The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) has registered a Preliminary Enquiry (PE) N0.01/2025 in Police Station Anti Corruption Bureau Srinagar following reliable inputs indicating the misappropriation of materials, including Devari Stones, Path Tiles, Iron Grills etc in Srinagar City. The material is suspected to have been either unaccounted for or allegedly sold in the open market for personal gains, during the revamp and beautification under the Srinagar Smart City Ltd. project rather than being retained in the stores of the concerned Engineering Division.

2.The Anti Corruption Bureau (ACB) also registered 2nd Preliminary Enquiry (PE) N0.02/2025 in Police Station Anti Corruption Bureau Srinagar with regard to use of substandard material in ongoing development work at Foreshore Road Nishat in Srinagar City for Cycle Track, Footpath facing Dal Lake & viewing decks etc from Nishat upto Naseem Bagh PHC (Public Health Centre). The officers/officials of Srinagar Smart City Ltd. in connivance with beneficiary contractor also deliberately avoided the mandatory procedures thereby compromising the quality of works.

3.Probe of both Preliminary Enquiries is in progress.

11/01/2025

MHA appoints IFA in JK’s Home Deptt with significant powers

HoDs’ proposals to be referred to Advisor

Gets active role in projects, schemes

JAMMU, Jan 11: In a significant decision, the Union Ministry of Home Affairs has appointed Internal Financial Advisor in the Home Department of Jammu and Kashmir and delegated several financial powers including budget coordination and management, expenditure planning and monitoring and evaluation of projects and schemes.

Following the posting, the Home Department of Jammu and Kashmir has come out with detailed set of guidelines explaining powers of the IFA and directing the Heads of Department (HoDs) falling under administration control of the Home Department to strictly comply with them.

“All exercises of delegated financial powers must be carried out in consultations with the IFA, in consonance with the orders of delegation of financial powers issued by the MHA in favour of HoDs of Home Department. The HoDs will submit budget proposals to the Home Department , J&K, which in turn shall be referred to the IFA for consultation/concurrence before submission to the MHA, with IFA having the Central coordination role,” officials told the Excelsior.

They said the IFA will play an active role in appraisal, monitoring and evaluation of projects and schemes in consultations with the Home Department. The IFA will serve as the Member Secretary of the Standing Finance Committee and Investment Boards.

The Home Department has directed the departments to avoid idle cash build-up by adhering to the monthly/quarterly expenditure plans prepared by the IFA. It also asked the departments to ensure that any financial proposal requiring reference to the MHA, must receive concurrence of the IFA, who will provide financial compliance views and record specific opinions.

“The Departments must maintain updated Asset Registers and ensure proper stock-taking as per the IFA’s oversight. Sanction of procurement of items specified in delegation of financial powers including acceptance of necessity for such procurement must be invariably issued in consultations with the IFA and head of finance wing at the HoD level. The IFA posted in the department may be appropriately involved in subsequent stages of procurement having financial bearing,” the Home Department order read.

It said proposals exceeding the delegated powers of the HoDs must be referred to the Home Department with the IFA’s concurrence and recommendations. The HoDs may provide relevant records, reports and the files as and when required by the IFA.

“The proposals which require reference to the Finance Department, General Administration Department and Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs shall continue to be processed as per the existing procedure in vogue,” the order said.

11/01/2025

*Train to Kashmir will start very soon: Ashwini Vaishnaw*

Chennai (Tamil Nadu), January 11: Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that a long-cherished train service between Jammu and Kashmir valley will start very soon.

"The outstanding project to build a new railway route is a testament to engineering excellence and determination, overcoming significant geographical and climatic challenges," he added.

Talking to the media about the project during the inspection of new coaches of Amrit Bharat train and other projects at Integral Coach Factory (ICF) in Chennai, the minister said that this was a significant dream of the nation, a new railway line connecting Jammu and Kashmir, which involves immense complexity. Out of the 111-kilometre railway line, 97 kilometres consist of tunnels and 6 kilometres were bridges.

Vaishnaw further said that this is a highly complex project and the dream has now been fulfilled. The work has been completed and the CRS inspection has been done. Once the report is received, "we will start the train services."

The minister informed that a new Vande Bharat train has also been designed specifically for this purpose.

"Since temperatures can drop to minus 10 or minus 20 degrees, factors like electrical lines, electronics, and the train's connection with the wheels are affected. Keeping these challenges in mind, the new Vande Bharat has been designed. All preparations have been completed and this dream of India will soon become a reality," he said.

Notably, a satisfactory speed trial was conducted on the Katra-Banihal railway section of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramula Rail Link (USBRL) during the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) inspection on January 8 and 9.

The Katra-Banihal section is a vital link in the USBRL project, bridging the gap between the Jammu region and the Kashmir Valley. Known for its complex topography and engineering marvels, the section features the Chenab Bridge, the world's highest railway bridge, along with several state-of-the-art tunnels and cutting-edge safety features.–(ANI)

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