KashmirLife

by Ruqaya Akhter Health spending in Jammu and Kashmir has risen but remains insufficient, with structural gaps in tertiary care driving medical migration, high costs, and the need for targeted investment. Public expenditure on health in Jammu and Kashmir has increased over the past decade, yet its pace, structure, and outcomes raise important policy concerns. []

SRINAGAR: SIA Jammu Kashmir has filed a charge sheet before the designated court, against Sabar Hussain for harbouring terrorists affiliated with Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT)/The Resistance Front (TRF), involved in the brutal killing of Mohd Razaq. According to a statement by SIA, the case pertains to an incident that occurred on April 22, 2024, when unidentified terrorists, []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir recorded 682 hit-and-run road accident cases in 2024, marking a decline from 807 cases reported in 2023, the Government of India (GoI) informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday. According to official data, the Union Territory has witnessed a steady rise in such incidents over the past few years, with 337 cases []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday said there has been no arbitrary hike of 400500 per cent in Shop Tax and Trade Tax imposed on traders in Srinagar, clarifying that the tax structure was last revised in 2012, after nearly four decades. Replying to an Unstarred Assembly Question by MLA Tanvir Sadiq regarding []

SRINAGAR: NHM employees across Jammu Kashmir ended their 48-hour strike after a constructive meeting with Health Minister Sakeena Masood Itoo, who assured a detailed review of their long-pending demands, including job security, pay revision and social benefits. In a statement, a spokesperson said the 48-hour strike observed by NHM employees across Jammu Kashmir Division was []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has achieved significant progress in public grievance redressal, with an overall 88 percent disposal rate recorded on the JK Samadhan portal, officials said during a high-level review chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo. The meeting, attended by Administrative Secretaries and Deputy Commissioners, reviewed the performance based on a detailed presentation by []

SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg, on Thursday informed that the Valley has sufficient stocks of essential fuels, with LPG available for around 15 days and an additional 18 days supply in transit. Petrol and diesel stocks currently stand at approximately 12 and 19 days, respectively, with further replenishments in the pipeline. During a review []

SRINAGAR: The Government of India has stepped up its push to expand the countrys orange economy, with plans to establish Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming and Comics (AVGC) Content Creator Labs in 15,000 secondary schools and 500 colleges, backed by an outlay of Rs 250 crore, the Lok Sabha was informed. Replying to Unstarred Question Minister []

SRINAGAR: Around 13,800 contractual workers are currently engaged in various projects of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) and its joint ventures in Jammu and Kashmir, the Government of India informed the Lok Sabha on Thursday, outlining wage safeguards and welfare provisions for the workforce. Replying to Unstarred Question raised by MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh, Minister []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said that Kashmiri language is already being taught as a subject in schools and steps are underway for its systematic implementation, responding to a private members resolution moved by Waheed Ur Rehman Parra in the Assembly. According to an official reply from the School Education Department, Kashmiri has []

SRINAGAR: National Conference Rajya Sabha member Mian Altaf Ahmad has written to Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, raising concerns over the prolonged vacancies of crucial positions at the National Institute of Technology (NIT) Srinagar. According to letter, the MP highlighted that the posts of Chairperson of the Board of Governors (BoG), Director, and Registrar have []

SRINAGAR: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Thursday said they have filed a charge-sheet against five officials of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) and a private beneficiary for allegedly facilitating illegal construction of a commercial complex in Rajbagh by misusing official permissions. In a statement, a spokesperson said the Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau produced Charge []

SRINAGAR: Lemon Tree Hotels has announced the signing of a new hotel in Srinagar under its Keys Prima brand, as part of its ongoing expansion in Jammu and Kashmirs growing tourism market. The upcoming property, to be managed by Carnation Hotels, will take the companys regional portfolio to four operational hotels, with two additional properties []

SRINAGAR: Over 2.81 lakh kanal of land in Jammu and Kashmir is under the possession or occupation of the Army and other defence establishments, with a significant portion comprising private land, the government informed the Assembly, even as compensation and procedural issues continue to affect landowners in several districts. Replying to a question tabled by []

SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday hit out at party MLA Bashir Ahmed Veeri, calling his emotional outburst in the Assembly over the reservation issue drama and accusing him of misleading the public. The Deputy CM said the government had already acted on its commitments and that a sub-committee was set up by []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party President Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Thursday opposed the proposed establishment of a Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at a playground in Rawalpora Srinagar, saying the party would not allow diversion of land used by youth for sports and recreational activities. Speaking to reporters after visiting the area and interacting []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday said that 527 out of 691 stone crusher units in the Union Territory are currently operational, asserting that the closure of non-compliant units has not significantly impacted ongoing developmental works. Responding to a calling attention notice moved by MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia in the Assembly, the Mining []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Thursday introduced a Bill in the Legislative Assembly aimed at the establishment and incorporation of private universities in the Union Territory. The legislation, titled A Bill for the Establishment and Incorporation of Private Universities in Jammu and Kashmir and for Ensuring Academic Standards to Safeguard Quality []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Thursday said that 2,395 Rehbar-e-Khel teachers across the Union Territory are to be regularised in a phased manner, as per an existing policy, with modalities for implementation currently under consideration. Replying to Un-starred Assembly Questiontabled by MLA Reyaz Ahmad Khan, the Youth Services and Sports Department informed the []

SRINAGAR: The long-awaited Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara project is set for relocation after the originally identified construction site at Maidan Chogal/Chogal was found unsuitable due to recurring flood threats, the Health and Medical Education Department informed the Assembly. Replying to a question raised by MLA Khursheed Ahmad Sheikh, the Minister for Health and Medical []

SRINAGAR: A driver lost his life while two others were injured in a road accident involving a school van near Ghanta Ghar at Lal Chowk in Srinagar on Thursday. Fortunately, the students travelling in the vehicle escaped unhurt. Officials said the driver, identified as Javeed Ahmad (47), a resident of Umair Abad, Bemina, sustained critical []

SRINAGAR: PDP leader and MLA Pulwama Waheed Ur Rehman Para on Thursday said that the Jammu and Kashmir government has handed over two new hydropower projects to NHPC amid the ongoing Assembly session, raising concerns over the UTs control over its energy resources. As assembly session continues. J&K govt has handed over two new hydropower []

SRINAGAR: Masoud Pezeshkian on Wednesday issued an open letter addressed to the people of the United States, asserting that Iran harbours no enmity toward ordinary Americans and warning that continued confrontation between the two countries is more costly and futile than ever before. According to Press TV, the Iranian president said narratives portraying Iran as []

SRINAGAR: The Government of India (GoI) on Wednesday said the Environmental and Social Impact Assessment (ESIA) and Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed 13 GW renewable energy projects in Ladakh have been completed. Replying to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, Minister of State for New and Renewable Energy and Power, Shripad Yesso []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday said the issue of pending salaries of disengaged paramedical and allied staff engaged during the COVID-19 pandemic is currently under active consideration of the government. Responding to a question raised by MLA Narinder Singh Raina in the Legislative Assembly, Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo referred []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Wednesday said a total of 14,40,473 Priority Household (PHH) ration card holders are covered across the Union Territory. Replying to a starred question in the Legislative Assembly, the government said all eligible beneficiaries have been enrolled in the ration card database, while updation and deletion of cards is []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a 34 per cent deficit in seasonal rainfall between March 1 and April 1. Data released by the India Meteorological Department states that the Union Territory received 101.4 mm of rainfall during the period against a normal of 154.6 mm. Most districts in Kashmir division reported deficient rainfall, with []

SRINAGAR: A court in North Kashmirs Kupwara district has sentenced a man to five years rigorous imprisonment for sexually assaulting a minor. The verdict was delivered by the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kupwara, in a case registered at Vilgam police station in 2020. The accused, identified as Jameel Ahmad Mughal, of Nawbugh Champora in []

SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday chaired a second high-level meet of the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) at his residence in New Delhi to review preparedness and response measures in view of the ongoing Middle East conflict. According to an official statement, the CCS reviewed steps taken by various ministries and departments to []

SRINAGAR: The India Meteorological Department on Wednesday said erratic weather conditions are likely to continue across Jammu and Kashmir till April 10, with spells of rain, snow, thunderstorms and gusty winds expected over the next several days. An official of the Meteorological Centre Srinagar said that light rain or snow may occur at a few []

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday directed law enforcement agencies to dismantle drug trafficking networks across Jammu and Kashmir, asserting that tackling drug abuse must remain the top priority for the administration. Chairing a high-level meeting at Lok Bhavan with Deputy Commissioners, Senior Superintendents of Police and senior civil and police officials, the Lieutenant []

SRINAGAR: The simmering debate over reservation policy in Jammu and Kashmir took an emotional turn on Wednesday after ruling Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) legislator Bashir Ahmad Veeri broke down in the Assembly while arguing for a bill seeking changes to the existing framework. Veeri, known for his legislative interventions, became visibly emotional as []

SRINAGAR: Eight persons were injured after a speeding truck rammed into a passenger auto near the Okey area of south Kashmirs Kulgam on Wednesday evening. An official said that the accident took place around 8:00 PM when an auto (JK18-1972), driven by Mohammad Zulfkar Sheikh of Khokherhama, was on its way from Kulgam to Mahipora. []

SRINAGAR: The Special Crime Wing of the Crime Branch Kashmir on Wednesday said it has filed a chargesheet against a Doda resident for allegedly duping a job seeker on the pretext of arranging overseas employment. According to a statement, the Special Crime Wing of Crime Branch JK has filed the chargesheet in FIR No. 02/2025 []

by Muazam Khursheed A candid review of KK Venugopals memoir tracing his accidental entry into law, formative struggles, landmark cases, international work, and reflections on judicial reform and responsibility. Born in 1931 in a small village in Kerala, KK Venugopal came from a joint family house with seven siblings. His father, MK Nambiar, was practising []

SRINAGAR: Concerns over the deteriorating condition of the Sopore bypass bridge were raised in the Legislative Assembly on Tuesday, prompting the government to order a safety audit. MLA Irshad Rasool Kar highlighted the issue and sought immediate intervention, stressing that the bridge poses risks to commuters and requires urgent assessment. Kar, who represents Sopore constituency, []

SRINAGAR: Commercial LPG cylinder prices were increased by Rs 195.50 on Wednesday amid a sharp rise in global crude oil rates, driven by ongoing conflict in West Asia. Following the revision, the price of a 19-kg commercial LPG cylinder in Delhi has risen to Rs 2,078.50. This comes after a previous hike of Rs 114.50 []

SRINAGAR: Security forces neutralised a militant in an encounter in the Arahama area of central Kashmirs Ganderbal district, the Army said on Wednesday. The joint operation was launched by the Army and the Jammu and Kashmir Police on Tuesday evening following specific intelligence inputs regarding the presence of militants in the area, officials said. In []

SRINAGAR: The Tulip Garden in Srinagar has recorded a footfall of 1,77,869 visitors in the first 15 days, with officials saying the final count is likely to be higher as online ticketing data has not been included. Assistant Floriculture Officer In-charge Tulip Garden Srinagar, Imran Ahmad said that the current figures are based on available []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu Kashmir government on Tuesday informed the Legislative Assembly that 639 industrial units have been established in the Union Territory during the last two financial years. Replying to an unstarred question by MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia, the Industries and Commerce Department said that 234 units were set up in 202324 and 405 units []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday said that 994 vacant posts of Physical Education Teachers (PETs) have been kept reserved for the regularisation of Rehbar-e-Khel (ReK) candidates under the existing policy. Replying to an unstarred question by MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, the government said that as per the policy issued under Government []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu Kashmir government on Tuesday said there is no proposal under consideration to grant concession or exemption in job application fees charged by recruitment agencies in the Union Territory. Replying to an unstarred Assembly Question No 997 tabled by MLA Hilal Akbar Lone regarding waiver of application fees in view of rising unemployment []

SRINAGAR: As many as 64 private member bills have been listed for introduction in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Wednesday according to the official list of business issued by the Assembly Secretariat. The bills are scheduled to be taken up in the House during the days proceedings, subject to the smooth conduct of []

SRINAGAR: In a major recognition of grassroots governance, Wagoora Gram Panchayat in Budgam district of Jammu and Kashmir has secured the third position at the national level in the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Panchayat Satat Vikas Puraskar (DDUPSVP) 2025. The award, instituted by the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj (Ministry of Panchayati Raj), was presented under []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir administration has significantly intensified its disaster preparedness and mitigation strategy with a Rs 3,340 crore action plan aimed at strengthening early warning systems, reducing vulnerability to natural hazards, and upgrading emergency response infrastructure across all districts. The direction came during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo []

SRINAGAR: The Chief Engineer, Distribution, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited) has issued a shutdown schedule for several 33 kV transmission lines, resulting in temporary power disruptions across Srinagar and parts of South Kashmir on multiple dates in April 2026. According to the announcement, the 33 kV CheshmashahiTRCNedous line will remain []

SRINAGAR: The National Institute of Technology Srinagar says it has achieved a significant technological milestone by securing a patent for an innovative system designed to modernise the traditional Hamaam through the integration of artificial intelligence and Internet of Things-based automation. The patented invention, officially titled An Automated Temperature Control System for Underfloor Heating, was developed []

SRINAGAR: Members of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Tuesday highlighted a wide range of public issues during Zero Hour, pressing the government to address deficiencies in healthcare, education, infrastructure, public utilities, and administrative services across multiple constituencies. MLA Shagun Parihar flagged vacant specialist posts at District Hospital Kishtwar, including the urgent requirement of []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Tuesday effected a major administrative reshuffle in the Finance and allied departments, ordering transfers and new postings of senior officers with immediate effect to improve administrative efficiency. As per the official order, Imtiyaz Ahmad Wani, who was serving as Director Resources in the Finance Department, has been transferred []

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Tuesday attended the Mahavir Janma Kalyanak celebrations organised by SS Jain Sabha in Jammu, marking the birth anniversary of Lord Mahavira. Extending greetings on the occasion, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the enduring relevance of Lord Mahaviras teachings, particularly the principles of Ahimsa (non-violence) and Anekantavada (pluralism of truth), saying []