Prime Post Live

08/04/2024

National Conference and Congress joint press conference at 4:15 PM.
Omar Abdullah, Salman Khurshid and Pawan Khera will address the media.

28/03/2024

Gangster-turned-politician passes away at Banda Medical College Hospital in Banda after he suffered a cardiac arrest.

19/02/2024

Gujjar Bakerwals Solidify Support as Key Voting Base for Congress in Jammu & Kashmir : Pahari Leader Mushtaq Bukhari

15/07/2023

نیشنل کانفرنس کے نائب صدر عمر عبداللہ بٹوٹ رامبن میں پارٹی ورکرز کنونشن کے بعد میڈیا کو بریفنگ دیتے ہوئے۔

27/06/2022

02/06/2022

28/04/2022

Accident At sujma Mod opposite Wave Mall

22/04/2022

*Jammu encounter: Both Militants Killed, Says DGP*

*It Seems Like They Were 'Fidayeen' Attackers: ADGP*

Jammu, April 22 (GNS): Two militants who were holed up in Jalalabad area of Sunjawan area of Jammu have been killed during an encounter with a joint team of police and paramilitary forces, Director General of Police Dilbagh Singh said on Friday. “Both the (militants) have been killed,” the top police officer of J&K told GNS.

Earlier, an Assistant Sub Inspector of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) was killed and several other security forces personnel including J&K policemen were injured in the encounter.

Mukesh Singh, ADGP Jammu Zone, had said that there were specific inputs that militants were planning to “do something” and based on it, a cordon was launched and "there was firing".

“Till now 2 (militants) have been killed. 2 AK-47 rifles, arms and ammunition, satellite phones (besides) some documents were recovered,” the ADGP said, adding, “It seems like they were 'Fidayeen' attackers. Operation is underway.”

Sources told GNS that at least eleven security personnel were injured in the gunfight but official confirmation was awaited. Earlier the ADGP confirmed that one trooper was killed and four personnel were injured.

Officials have identified personnel who was killed as ASI S P Patel of CISF while some of the injured as police Head Constable Balraj Singh of Kathua, SPO Sahil Sharma of Akhnoor, CISF’s Parmod Patra of Odisha and Amir Soran of Assam. The encounter comes two days ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to Samba. (GNS)

21/04/2022

*PreDawn Gunfight breaks out in Sunjwan Jammu*

Srinagar, April 22:(GNS) Predawn Encounter has started between militants and security forces at Jalalabad Sunjwan area of jammu district.

A senior police officer told GNS that gunfight is underway and probably two militants are believed to be trapped.

The operation was launched after a specific information was recieved by the joint team of forces in the Sunjwan area.

Pertinently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is having scheduled visit to Jammu on 24th April.(GNS)

21/04/2022

*Baramulla Encounter Update:*

So far, 03 militants have been killed. Operation going on.

Further details shall follow...

21/04/2022

Advisor Bhatnagar chairs 4th joint BoDs meeting of JKHC & JKHDC
Calls upon officers to optimally use corporation’s resources for effective revenue generation
JAMMU, April 21: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, RR Bhatnagar today chaired the 4th Joint Board of Directors (BoDs) meeting of J&K Handicrafts (S&E) Corporation (JKHC) and J&K Handloom Development Corporation (JKHDC) at Civil Secretariat here.
Principal Secretary Industries and Commerce Department, Ranjan Prakash Thakur; Managing Director J&K Handloom & Handicrafts Corporation, Hashmat Ali Yatoo; Director Handicrafts and Handloom Kashmir, Mehmood Ahmad Shah and other BoD members attended the meeting in person and through virtual mode.
While chairing the meeting, Advisor Bhatnagar called upon the officers of both Corporations to optimally use the available resources of their entities for effective revenue generation.
The Advisor also stressed upon the officers to chalk out a comprehensive marketing strategy for handicraft, handloom and other handmade traditional craft items from J&K so that these items could be marketed in a very effective manner.
Advisor Bhatnagar asked the officers to examine the sales and marketing strategies of the corporations and suggested them not to promote or sell any product that is not manufactured in J&K.
He also directed the concerned to rationalize shop presence at various locations and to explore various other non- conventional marketing methods.
Advisor Bhatnagar, who is also chairman of the board, asked for proper e-marketing of the products in order to broaden the ambit of marketing of handicraft and handloom products and subsequently it would increase the scope of providing these products in untapped markets nationally and globally as well.
The BoD meeting also discussed the action taken reports of 3rd joint Meeting of Board of Directors of JKHC and JKHDC as well as performances of the corporations.
The meeting further held a detailed discussion over the approval to the financial statements of the corporation for the financial year 2019-20 and 2020-21, besides authentication of balance sheets and profit and loss account.
The meeting also discussed the various proposals of disposing off office buildings in different cities of the country and the decision was kept pending till a committee to be formed by MD would present its report to the board.
Earlier, Managing Director J&K Handicrafts & Handloom, gave a detailed presentation about the functioning and the progress of the various aspects of the Corporation.

21/04/2022

Pr. Secy SED reviews progress on Plan Formulation 2022-23 under SAMAGRA SHIKSHA
Lays stress on Development of Smart Schools for increasing enrollment
JAMMU, APRIL 21: Principal Secretary, School Education Department (SED), B.K Singh today chaired a meeting to review the progress on Plan Formulation under SAMAGRA SHIKSHA, for the year 2022-23 at Civil Secretariat here.
The meeting was attended by the Director Samagra Shiksha, Deep Raj; Director School Education Jammu, Ravi Shanker Sharma; Director School Education Kashmir, Tassaduq Hussain; CEOs, all State Coordinators and Assistant Coordinators of Samagra and other concerned officials of the department.
While reviewing the Plan, the Principal Secretary held a detailed interaction with all CEOs. He appreciated the efforts made by the CEOs in prioritizing the works and asked them to further improve, where there is scope. He said that, this year building less Schools shall be given priority and accordingly 57 Buildings shall be taken up for construction this year, besides 43 Dilapidated Structures (Building Blocks) shall be considered for construction this year. He emphasized on saturation of Schools in terms of facilities so that every Student feel himself/herself at par with the Private Schools.
The Principal Secretary further emphasized that SAMAGRA is an Integrated Scheme of School Education, which envisages the ‘school’ as a continuum from pre-school, primary, upper primary, secondary to Senior Secondary levels with the vision to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education from pre-school to senior secondary stage. He said that this years Plan shall be different with respect to preceding year’s plan.
The Principal Secretary laid stress on development of Smart Schools where 100 % saturation shall be achieved in terms of facilities like Class rooms, Library, ICT lab, Smart Class Room, Kitchen, Separate Toilets for Girls and Boys, Drinking water Facility, Sports Facilities like Volleyball Court/Basket ball Court etc for increasing enrollment. He added that the Public perception shall be changed and a revolution shall be seen in the Educational system.
The Principal Secretary further reiterated that the aim is to provide quality education to talented children through setting up of Smart Schools as benchmark of excellence. He highlighted that the UT administration has already sanctioned 34 Model Schools under SAMAGRA Shiksha with approved cost of Rs. 76 Crores, which are at different stages of ex*****on & spread over all the Districts of UT.
The Principal Secretary directed all the CEOs to monitor the Physical progress of the School buildings and othwr schemes being implemented in their respective districts on regular basis. He asked them to take steps for upgrading the academic standards and skills of the teaching staff by organising special workshops and trainings. He also stressed upon the completion and operationalization of KGBVs and Girls Hostels at the earliest.
The Principal Secretary appreciated Samagra Shiksha for landmark strides so far by effectively implementing all schemes and projects envisaging a notable improvement in the existing curriculum besides embarking upon various innovative new projects and works.
During the Meeting, State Project Director Samagra Shiksha, apprised the Principal Secretary regarding previous year plan and expenditure incurred. He also presented Power Point Presentation regarding Plan proposals in respect of 2022-23.
He informed the meeting that Rs. 1117 Crores were approved under Samagra, for different interventions in 2021-22 by which around 356 works of different types have been completed. He also informed that 29 Girls Hostels and 59 KGBV’s buildings have been completed so far and many of these Institutes have been inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor recently.

21/04/2022

Transforming J&K
Covid fails to dampen J&K growth trajectory, figures among top four states/UTs in GDP growth
Achieves highest growth rate in GST Collections
SRINAGAR, APRIL 21: Jammu and Kashmir figures among the top four states/ Union Territories in the country in Gross Domestic State Product growth and achieved one of the highest growth rate in GST collections despite Covid pandemic slowdown.
The J&K Government realised the revenue collection of Rs 15217.17 crores in the year 2021-22 which is a 25.70 % growth rate as compared to Rs 12105.95 crs (17.02% growth rate )in 2020-21, Rs 10345.46 crs in 2019-20 (8.18 %) and Rs 9562.80 crs in 2018-19. The revenue has been realized from SGST/IGST/Compensation, Stamps, MST and Excise Collections across J&K.
The economy of other states witnessed a prolonged and severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic; GST collections of many States across India went down while Jammu and Kashmir recorded 26 percent increase in the collections as compared to last year.
A senior officer of the Finance department said that hike in collections has happened because of a series of financial reforms introduced to bring fiscal discipline in the Union Territory. It was a result of these reforms the Union Territory was granted Rs 1.12 lakh crore worth budget for 2022-23 financial year as compared to Rs 1.8 lakh crore in the last fiscal year of 2021-22.
Reflecting the financial discipline, the official data says that in 2018-19, Rs 67,000 crore was spent on the ex*****on of 9229 developmental works while in 2020-21, 21943 projects were completed by spending Rs 63,000 crore only. The work done was more than double while the cost incurred was Rs 4000 crore less.
In the financial year of 2021-22 , there have been 30 percent less expenditure as compared to earlier while works completed were five times more, statistics of Finance department reveal.
The Jammu and Kashmir administration has attracted investments worth Rs 33,000 crore in the industries and service sector in the last year, which is double the investment of Rs 15,000 crore made since 1947.
The administration is expecting a possible investment of Rs 75,000 crore by the end of the calendar year 2022, which officials said is five times the investment that happened in the region in the last 75 years.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha said that Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed financial transparency after major changes were brought in.
He added that even when the entire country including the Union Territory was hit by a pandemic and Goods and Services Tax (GST) of many States recorded a decline, it went up by 26 percent in J&K.
“From many better States across the country, Jammu and Kashmir has shown extraordinary financial transparency,” Sinha said.
Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department, Atal Dulloo said the impressive tax revenue generated during 2021-22 indicates revival and recovery of the business and trade activities in the Union Territory.
He said proper tax planning, effective monitoring and efficient implementation of the tax statutes with initiatives aimed at bringing transparency and accountability in the system contributed towards scaling up the momentum of revenue collection in J&K.
Dulloo said the finance department has played a pivotal role in bringing the economy on the right track after the pandemic. “The treasury management was also remarkable in the previous financial year, and all the verified bills of contractors have been cleared and paid in a timely manner”, he said
Meanwhile, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha hailed the Jammu and Kashmir Budget for the financial year 2022-23 and said that it will going to meet the needs and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
He also added that the main goal of the Budget for 2022-23 is the economic development of every region in the Union Territory. “The Budget for 2022-2023 is going to meet the needs and aspirations of the people of Jammu and Kashmir. This is a development-oriented budget and economic development of every region is the main goal of this Budget. This Budget is going to bring a change in J&K at a polemic pace”, Sinha remarked.

21/04/2022

Pr. Secy S&T inaugurates 500 kWp capacity Rooftop Solar Power Plant at MAM College Jammu
JAMMU, APRIL 21: Principal Secretary, Science & Technology (S&T) Department, Alok Kumar today inaugurated 500 kWp capacity Grid Connected Rooftop Solar Power Plant at Maulana Azad Memorial (MAM) College here.
The Rooftop Solar Project at MAM College has been executed at a total project cost of Rs 2.75 crores which will generate a minimum of 7 lakh units of Green Energy and result in saving of around Rs 49.00 lakhs annually. The Green Energy Generated from the plant is equivalent to reduction of 700 tonnes of Carbon Dioxide annually.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal Secretary highlighted that the 500 kWp capacity Solar Power Plant is the largest Rooftop Solar Plant installed in J&K, by the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA), under the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), Gol’s Rooftop and Small Power Plant Scheme for Government Sector.
He added that under the Scheme, JAKEDA has installed a cumulative capacity of 8.59 MW of Rooftop Solar Power Plants on 81 Government Buildings across UT of J&K at a total project cost of Rs 48.59 crores.
The Principal Secretary exhorted upon the officers for proper maintenance of solar plant so that quality supply of electricity is made available to the college. He further suggested the officers to depute a dedicated person for timely cleaning of Solar Panels.
The Principal Secretary also encouraged the college officials to adopt the Solar Power in their domestic life and set example to others.
Among other present on the occasion were Additional Secretary, Science &Technology Department; CEO JAKEDA, Principal, MAM College, and other officers of JAKEDA and MAM College.

21/04/2022

Govt committed to welfare of minorities in J&K: Syed Shahezadi
SRINAGAR, APRIL 21: Syed Shahezadi, Officiating Chairperson of the National Commission for Minorities today said that the Union Government in committed to the welfare and progress of the minority communities in Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing a press conference at Srinagar, Syed Shahezadi said that the government is providing special focus to the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir and many initiatives and schemes are being taken in this regard.
She said that whole nation will progress when we work together and appealed everybody to contribute towards peace, progress and development.
Syed Shahezadi was on a four-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir from April 18-21 during which she held interactions with minority groups and listened to their issues. She said that the issues highlighted by the minority groups will be brought to the notice of the relevant authorities to improve the standard of living.
Highlighting the various schemes and projects for the welfare of minorities she said that under PMJVK, 19 projects amounting to 314.33 lakhs have been sanctioned for providing better health, education and other facilities to the people of J&K.
She also said that government was committed to provide access to quality education to students from minority communities. She said the government was working with utmost sincerity to ensure welfare of these students through affordable, accessible and quality education and many schemes and scholarships are benefitting them.
Giving details she said that under pre-matric and post matric scholarships to the students of Jammu and Kashmir, an amount of 6.94 Cr and 26.3 Cr has been sanctioned respectively.
50 students from Jammu and Kashmir have been provided benefits of free coaching for year 2021-22 for which an amount of 39 lakh has been sanctioned by the Union Government. Under Nai Udaan scheme, she said that 315 students from Kashmir have qualified to prepare for the civil services examination. She further said that Nai Manzil and Nai Roshni schemes have helped 7750 and 2450 beneficiaries.

21/04/2022

Nitishwar Kumar visits Ganderbal, Bandipora & Anantnag
Reviews yatra arrangements, inspects Yatra Transit Camps at various places
GANDERBAL/ BANDIPORA/ ANANTNAG, APRIL 21: In view of the ensuing Shri Amarnath ji Yatra-2022, Principal Secretary to Lt Governor, Sh Nitishwar Kumar visited Ganderbal, Bandipora & Anantnag districts and reviewed the yatra arrangements.
The Principal Secretary to Lt Governor, who is also the CEO of Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board, today visited Sumbal Yatra Transit camp, besides various proposed sites for Yatra Transit camps including Transit Camp near Central University Kashmir Tulamulla, Wandhama Transit Accommodation, Manigam Transit camp and the additional proposed site for Yatra camp at Chinner Kangan.
During his visit to Anantnag District yesterday, the Principal Secretary visited Walnut factory Qazigund, FCI Godown Mir Bazar, Nunwan Base Camp, proposed site at Yanner Pahalgam for additional tented accommodation and Frisking Point at Sarbal.
The Principal Secretary took on-spot assessment and received first-hand information on the augmentation of staying capacity for the pilgrims.
The Deputy Commissioners briefed the Principal Secretary about the steps taken for augmentation of stay capacity from the existing one and up-gradation of other facilities for the comfortable stay of devotees during the pilgrimage.
While inspecting the facilities at these sites, the Principal Secretary said, “we are expecting about 8 lakh Yatris to participate in the annual Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra-2022”. He directed the officials to ensure all facilities are upgraded accordingly for the convenience of the Yatris.
The Principal Secretary directed the District Administrations to prepare a comprehensive plan for augmenting the staying capacity, and directed to make all necessary arrangements including facilities of sanitation, round the clock availability of medical facilities with the presence of doctors, paramedics and essential medicines, drinking water and electricity at Yatra Transit Camps and halting stations en-route.
Explicit directions were passed to the concerned officers to ensure all required arrangements are put in place well before the commencement of the Yatra, besides completion of the construction of prefabricated huts at the earliest. FCS & CA department was directed to ensure the availability of all essential commodities during the yatra days.
The Principal Secretary also took a detailed review of the security arrangements at yatra transit camps and stressed upgrading the security system. He urged the officers to work with zeal and in close coordination to ensure the smooth conduct of the Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2022.
Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Sh Pandurang K Pole; Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Dr. Owais Ahmad; Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Ms. Krittika Jyotsna; DIG SKR, Sh Abdul Jabbar, SSP Ganderbal, Sh Nikhil Borkar; SSP Bandipora, Mohd Zahid; SSP Anantnag, Sh Ashish Mishra; Additional CEO SASB, Sh Rahul Singh; ADC Anantnag; ACR Ganderbal; SDM Kangan, SDM Sumbal, besides senior officials of CRPF, SASB and other district officers accompanied the Principal Secretary during the visits.

21/04/2022

Lt Governor launches book titled “Vastu Botanics” at BHU Varanasi
Urges scholars to further deepen the cultural, spiritual ties between Kashi & Jammu Kashmir
Despite Covid Pandemic, We Have Approved Rs.52,088 Cr Investment Proposal : LG
Security forces have succeeded in breaking the backbone of the eco-system of terrorism: LG
LG invites saints and devotees of Kashi for Shri Amarnathji Yatra
Highlights J&K’s immense transformation after August 2019 under the guidance of Hon’ble PM
Varanasi, April 21: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha today launched a book titled ‘Vastu Botanics’, authored by Dr. Kunwar Sawhney, founder of Kashi Academy for Holistic Innovation, at the Malaviya Mulya Anushilan Kendra, BHU, Varanasi.
Addressing the august gathering on the occasion, the Lt Governor observed that the book will act as a guide and the combined scientific research of astrology, vastu and flora will be immensely helpful in holistic living.
The Lt Governor congratulated Dr Sawhney and the Kashi Academy for the launch of the book, and said that the effort gives a vital message to the world on the significance of Vastu and plants in our lives.
While lauding the efforts of the Kashi Academy in blending traditional knowledge with modern science, the Lt Governor said, “I believe that the first condition for establishing an inclusive society is the assimilation of values and culture with technological advancement. When we are passing through the era of modernity and accelerated development, we should also keep intact the values of our ancient traditions and culture”.
The work that Kashi Academy is doing has the potential to leave a rich legacy for future generations, the Lt Governor observed.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor also highlighted the immense transformation that Jammu Kashmir is undergoing after August 2019.
He said that Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in August 2019, unchained Jammu and Kashmir from the shackles of regressive laws that deliberately kept it away from the development. The speed with which J&K has progressed in the last one and a half years is unprecedented and unmatched, he added.
The Lt Governor underscored how for decades together, Valmiki, Gorkha, West Pakistani Refugees and tribal communities had been facing discrimination. However, today, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister, J&K is touching new heights of equitable development and growth.
He further said that under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister and Hon’ble Home Minister, “we have approved investment proposals of Rs 52,088 crore in just one year – i.e from March 2021 to April 15, 2022, despite Covid pandemic, creating immense employment opportunities for our youths”.
The Lt Governor said that our security forces have succeeded in breaking the backbone of the eco-system of terrorism and a record number of tourists from across the country are coming to J&K. In the last six months, 80 lakh tourists and pilgrims visited the UT, which in itself is a testimony of changing Jammu Kashmir.
Exuding confidence in the ongoing system of proactive, development oriented governance, the Lt Governor asserted that Aatm Nirbhar Jammu Kashmir would contribute to the progress of the country. It will compete with the developed States/UTs and J&K’s development model would be replicated in other regions of the country, he added.
Along with economic development, we are also committed to the cultural development of Jammu and Kashmir. I would urge the learned people present here to work to further deepen the cultural, spiritual ties between Kashi and Jammu & Kashmir. I am sure that Kashi Academy will take this work forward with its study, research and fieldwork, the Lt Governor said.
“There is a deep connection between Kashi, the age-old city of spirituality and knowledge, the city of Baba Bholenath and the Sharda Peeth of Goddess Saraswati. Both, Kashi and Jammu Kashmir have also been the Land of spiritual salvation for Adi Shankaracharya, the great proponent of the philosophy of Advaita Vedanta, the Lt Governor added.
On the occasion, the Lt Governor also extended invitation to the Sant samaj, Seers and devotees for the upcoming Shri Amarnathji Yatra starting from June 30th. He also assured full cooperation of the UT administration to the scholars who want to contribute through research on Shri Amarnathji pilgrimage.
Sh. Sudhir Mishra, President, Kashi Academy for Holistic Innovation; Sh Himanshu Rai, Convener, Kashi Academy for Holistic Innovation besides large number of people were present on the occasion.

20/04/2022

*North Kashmir: Pre Dawn Gunfight breaks out in Baramulla*

Srinagar, April 21 (GNS): A fierce Gunfight broke out between militants and government forces in Pariswani area of North Kashmir's Baramulla district on Thrusday.

Reports reaching GNS that a joint team of Police, Army and CRPF launched a cordon and search operation in Pariswani.

As the joint team of forces approached towards the suspected spot, the hiding militants fired upon the forces, triggering off a gunfight.

A senior police officer also confirmed to GNS about exchange of firing between militants and security forces.

As per the sources two to three militants are believed to be trapped.(GNS)

19/04/2022

DC Srinagar reviews Power scenario, drinking Water supply

Directs for quick response to public complaints

SRINAGAR, APRIL 19: The Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Mohammad Aijaz Asad Monday chaired a meeting of the concerned officers to review the Power and Drinking Water supply scenario in the district.

Taking strong note of complaints being received from the public regarding unscheduled power cuts, the DC asked the superintending engineers from KPDCL to look into the matter and make sure that power is supplied to all the households of the district while strictly adhering to the curtailment schedules particularly during Sehri and Iftar.

He also asked the PHE SE and Ex. Engineers to address the issues regarding shortage of drinking water in some city areas especially those reported in the last 2-3 days. He asked the Jal Shakti and PDD to take prompt measures to ensure the time-bound redressal of the genuine concerns regarding water and power supply.

The meeting was attended by SEs of KPDCL, SE PHE, Ex. Engineers and AEEs of the concerned departments.

19/04/2022

*Srinagar: Mosque, Few Other Structures Involved As Massive Fire Breaks Out in Gojwara*

Srinagar, Apr 19 (GNS): A mosque besides few other structures are engulfed in a massive fire in Gojwara area of central Kashmir’s Srinagar district.

Reports reaching GNS said that a fire broke at around 3:35 PM from a mosque and soon after spread to few other structures in proximity. The raging flames continued to spread even as efforts were on by the locals to contain the fire, when this report was being filed.

A Fire and Emergency Department official confirming it told GNS that fire tenders were on way to the site.

More Details Awaited. (GNS)

18/04/2022

NHM Employees held a protest at dogra chowk

17/04/2022

Transforming J&K
Oxygen production capacity enhanced from 14916 to 90300 lpm in J&K post Covid 19
Health dept adds 87 oxygen plants in 2 years to handle impending health challenges
SRINAGAR, APRIL 17: Jammu and Kashmir government’s prompt response and multi pronged strategies towards tackling the global pandemic, COVID-19, has not been only able to flatten the epidemic curve swiftly but strengthened emergency health services manifold to meet impending health challenges more proficiently.
Although, a stupendous task, but the UT administration with the dint of its professional manpower and strategic planning achieved this success by developing clear guidelines for the public, conducting comprehensive testing, contact tracing and supporting people in quarantine to make compliance easier.
With intervention of Lieutenant Governor’s administration and a good support from Government of India, the JK dispensation had been able to enhance its oxygen production capacity from 14916 lpm in August, 2020 to 90300 lpm capacity at present. The UT had 24 oxygen plants in August, 2020 and 87 plants more plants had been added since then.
As Covid cases started surging, J&K like other states found itself struggling to contain the pandemic in all its forms. As the second wave struck, the demand for medical oxygen soared and tragic scenes unfolded with people struggling to access the life saving commodity. The sudden spurt in demand was compounded by the concentration of oxygen production in far eastern areas of the country. The number of cryogenic tankers needed to transport Liquid Medical Oxygen (LMO) was too few to cope with the sudden spike in demand from other places to J&K.
The government responded in several ways: additional tankers were brought from outside, supply of oxygen was geo-mapped and an online system was established to track the real time movement of the commodity. Besides, establishment of Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) plants expedited and the procurement and distribution of oxygen concentrators was also stepped up.
Speaking on India’s tryst with COVID-19 crisis, Prime Minister acknowledged it as the crisis of the century. Applauding the vigour and enthusiasm with which India faced the crisis, he said, “Through the efforts of all, from just one lab at the beginning of the pandemic we have now have 3000 testing labs in the country. The Government worked round the clock to boost production and supply of essentials such as N95 masks, PPE kits, ventilators. The movement to become Aatmanirbhar ensured self-sufficiency in all our capacities.” He also mentioned the critical role played by Made-in-India ventilators and the Largest Vaccine Drive undertaken worldwide to combat COVID-19.
In his words, the management of production and transportation of oxygen in the time of crisis on a war footing set an example in itself.
“All districts now have at least one PSA plant made available to them, and the Centre, along with the States, has commissioned 4,000 new oxygen plants. One lakh concentrators were also installed with a focus on geographically distant areas,” he said.
The Jammu and Kashmir government also received a consignment of 9 Medical Oxygen Generation Plants. The state-of-the-art Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) Oxygen Generation plants, manufactured in Europe, were airlifted from Frankfurt, Germany by Indian Air Force C-17 cargo plane on 5th June and delivered at Srinagar Airport today morning. Five of these new plants with a generation capacity of 4000 LPM were installed in the hospitals of Kashmir and the remaining 4 with a generation capacity of 4400 LPM were installed in Jammu hospitals. The earlier consignment of 7 plants was also brought in by the Indian Air Force plane.
Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi saying that it was only because of his personal intervention that has made it possible for J&K to receive 16 Oxygen Plants from Europe in such a short span of time.
“Our goal is to augment the medical supply across the UT with a vision to tackle any future health emergencies. Medical infrastructure capacities shall be upgraded across the board", the LG observed.
According to official figures, Jammu and Kashmir has been the leader in Covid vaccination with administration of both the doses to 100 per cent population of above 18 years. Similarly, the population of the age group of 15-18 years of age was covered 100 per cent with the first dose.
The Centre had announced a financial assistance scheme for children who have lost their parents to Coronavirus. These children get a monthly stipend once they turn 18 from a corpus of Rs 10 lakh in order to meet personal and higher education expenses under the “PM-CARES for Children” scheme. Once they turn 23 years old, the government will give them the entire Rs 10 lakh.
J&K government had also announced a special pension for life for senior citizens who have lost the only earning member of their family and a special scholarship for children who have lost their parents. According to an official, 418 pension cases and 414 scholarship cases were also sanctioned for the families and children who lost their parents in J&K.
Under the Special assistance Scheme for Covid Mortalities (SASCM Scheme), a monthly pension of Rs 1000 is being provided through DBT to surviving spouse and eldest dependent member. The scholarship of Rs 20,000 per annum to school going students and Rs 40,000 to college students is also being provided through DBT.