KashmirLife

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 []

SRINAGAR: Peoples Conference President and MLA Handwara Sajad Gani Lone on Tuesday launched a strong political attack on the National Conference leadership over the ongoing controversy related to official accommodation and security arrangements, accusing the party of double standards and political hypocrisy. Lone said that public assets, including official bungalows, are neither personal inheritance nor []

SRINAGAR: Rescuers on Tuesday recovered the body of the third teenager who was swept away in the Tawi river near Sainik School Nagrota on the outskirts of Jammu, officials said. The body was found nearly half a kilometre downstream from the incident site. Two other bodies had been retrieved on Monday following the incident that []

SRINAGAR: The Mission Director of National Health Mission (NHM), JK, Akriti Sager, IAS, on Tuesday issued a strict directive reminding all health officials to adhere to guidelines regarding the deployment of NHM staff. According to the circular, despite repeated instructions, some field functionaries continue to deploy or attach NHM contractual staff at various health institutions []

SRINAGAR: National Conference MLA Tanvir Sadiq on Tuesday said Indias long-standing relationship with Iran positions it as a potential mediator in the ongoing regional tensions, echoing remarks made by former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. Speaking to reporters in Jammu, Sadiq said any discussion on international conflicts must take into account historical ties between nations, particularly []

SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party MLA from Tral, Rafiq Naik, on Tuesday urged legislators to focus on public service and have faith in God rather than depending solely on security arrangements, amid ongoing concerns over the withdrawal or reduction of security cover for some lawmakers. Speaking during Assembly discussions, Naik said elected representatives are meant to []

SRINAGAR: The fisheries sector in Jammu and Kashmir has recorded significant financial activity, with the Government allocating over Rs 49.97 crore during 202425, of which Rs 42.78 crore has been utilised, generating a total revenue of Rs 10.28 crore, indicating steady returns and expanding aquaculture activity across districts. Official figures show that the highest allocations []

SRINAGAR: More than 770 cases under SRO-43 and the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS-22) are currently pending across departments in Jammu and Kashmir, with the government attributing delays primarily to incomplete documentation and eligibility-related issues. Replying to Un-Starred Assembly Question tabled by MLA Shakti Raj Parihar, the General Administration Department (GAD) informed that a total of []

SRINAGAR: In a major push to safeguard the authenticity of traditional crafts, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has enabled QR code-based GI labelling for handicrafts, with around 70,000 handmade products already tested and certified, allowing buyers to verify genuineness in real time. Replying to Un-Starred Assembly Question tabled by MLA Tanvir Sadiq, the Industries and []

SRINAGAR: A police constable lost his life after sustaining injuries in an accidental firearm incident in Shopian district of south Kashmir, officials said on Tuesday. An official said the 36-year-old constable, a resident of Noorpora, Shopian, was injured on Sunday. He was initially referred to SKIMS Soura from the Army Base Hospital after the incident []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir continues to grapple with dropout rates among adolescent girls in upper primary (classes 68) and secondary (classes 910) levels, according to data presented in the Lok Sabha on March 16, 2026 in response to an unstarred question by MPs Bhumare Sandipanrao Asaram and Delkar Kalaben Mohanbhai. The UDISE+ data shows that []

SRINAGAR: Jammu Kashmir has seen a sharp rise in government schools with zero student enrolment, according to data tabled in the Rajya Sabha on 18 March 2026 in response to MP Pramod Tiwaris unstarred question. The figures show that 65 schools had zero enrolment in 2023-24, which surged to 146 schools in 2024-25. These schools []

SRINAGAR: The Government of India on Monday said adequate stocks of fertilisers and fuel are available across the country, even as tensions in West Asia continue to disrupt global supply chains and energy routes. At an inter-ministerial briefing held at the National Media Centre, officials from the Ministries of Petroleum and Natural Gas, External Affairs, []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday said that four school buildings in Budgam constituency have been declared unsafe and steps are underway for their reconstruction under various schemes. Replying to an unstarred question in the Legislative Assembly tabled by MLA Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, the government said that the unsafe buildings have been []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday said that tourist arrivals in the Union Territory have shown fluctuations over the past three years, while highlighting a series of measures undertaken to boost tourism potential across Jammu and Kashmir provinces. The information was provided in response to a starred question (A.Q No. 468) tabled by []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that the Power Amnesty Scheme for domestic consumers has been extended till March 31, 2026, providing continued relief to consumers by waiving interest and surcharge accumulated up to March 2025. Replying to an unstarred question raised by MLA Mian Mehar Ali, the government []

SRINAGAR: The Chief Engineer, Distribution, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited has informed that the planned shutdown of the 33 KV KaniporaPinjoora transmission line has been rescheduled. As per the revised schedule, the shutdown, which was earlier set for March 31, 2026, will now be carried out on April 2, 2026, from 09:00 AM to 03:00 []

SRINAGAR: Nine Private Member Bills were introduced in the Legislative Assembly on Monday, of which six were withdrawn by legislators after assurances from the government, while two were rejected through voice voting following discussion in the House. Legislator Qaysar Jamshaid Lone introduced a bill seeking amendment to the Cooperative Societies Act, 1989, aimed at reforming []

SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that the JammuAkhnoor four-lane project on NH-144A is at an advanced stage of execution, with remaining works targeted for phased completion by mid-2026. Replying to a question raised by MLA Mohan Lal, the Deputy Chief Minister provided a package-wise timeline for the projects []

SRINAGAR: Minister for Education Sakeena Itoo on Monday informed the Legislative Assembly that around 150 Principals, Lecturers and Teachers are being detached and sent back to their original postings in the School Education Department to address staff shortages in Gurez and other far-flung and rural areas. The Minister made the statement during Zero Hour in []

SRINAGAR: Minister for Education, Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, on Monday directed strict action against private schools indulging in arbitrary fee hikes and violations of prescribed norms, warning that exploitation of parents will not be tolerated. Chairing a comprehensive review meeting of the Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education at the []

SRINAGAR: The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has revised school timings for all government and recognised private institutions across the Kashmir Division, with the new schedule coming into effect from April 1, 2026. As per Order No. 119-DSEK of 2026 dated March 30, schools located within the Srinagar Municipal limits will operate from 9:00 []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday projected Mission YUVA as a potential national model for self-employment, asserting that the Union Territory is working to set a benchmark in entrepreneurship-led development across the country. Addressing the Yuva MahotsavMission YUVA programme at the Convention Centre in Srinagar, the Chief Minister said the initiative []

SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh has dismissed an appeal seeking release of a vehicle seized in a militancy-related case in Kupwara, holding that the petitioner had no legal standing and had approached the court with unclean hands by making contradictory claims and suppressing material facts. The division bench comprising Justice Shahzad []

SRINAGAR: Rain in the plains and snowfall in higher reaches of Kashmir continued for the second consecutive day on Monday, reducing the rainfall deficit in Jammu and Kashmir by nearly five per cent, officials said. Light to moderate rain was recorded across most parts of the Kashmir Valley, while several mountainous areas received another spell []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has a total of 6,627 Fair Price Shops (FPS) functioning under the Public Distribution System, with a clear dominance of privately operated outlets over government-run sale depots across all 20 districts of the Union Territory, official data shows. Of the total network, 2,885 Fair Price Shops are located in the Jammu []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has cancelled a total of 2,671 ration cards during the financial year 202526, with an overwhelming majority of deletions reported from the Jammu division. Official figures show that 2,154 ration cards were cancelled in the Jammu division, compared to 517 in the Kashmir division, pointing to a significantly higher []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday said road accidents in the Union Territory have shown a declining trend over the past three years, even as over Rs 11.53 crore has been disbursed as compensation to victims under the Road Accident Victim Fund (RAVF). Responding to an unstarred Assembly question, the Transport Department stated []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday said that more than 10,600 posts have been advertised by major recruiting agencies over the past three years, with selections at various stages of completion, while attributing delays in some cases to litigation, eligibility clarifications and administrative processes. Replying to an unstarred Assembly question, the government said []

SRINAGAR: More than three lakh kanals of state land are under encroachment across Jammu and Kashmir, with Poonch district recording the highest extent of illegal occupation, even as forest land encroachments have been pegged at 5,857.41 hectares, according to official data tabled in the Assembly. Revenue Department figures show that Poonch accounts for the largest []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said that the 9 MW Sewa-III Hydel Power Project, commissioned in 2002, remains non-operational due to severe structural damage caused by floods, with a Rs 66.43 crore restoration plan now being pursued under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Responding to a starred Assembly question, the Power Development Department []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday acknowledged that hundreds of traditional land records, including Massavis and Latha maps, have deteriorated over decades of use, with many rendered illegible or missing, even as it said a Union Territory-wide digitisation and reconstruction exercise is underway to modernise the revenue record system. The disclosure came in []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday said apple imports from New Zealand under the proposed IndiaNew Zealand Free Trade Agreement would remain limited in scale, even as it acknowledged that no formal study has yet been conducted to assess the impact of such imports on local growers, prices or employment in the Union []

by Haseeb A Drabu Indias GST Council reshaped fiscal federalism through shared sovereignty, yet rising cesses, weak state coordination, and institutional gaps threaten to tilt the balance back toward centralisation. Indias Goods and Services Tax (GST) Council stands as one of the most ambitious institutional experiments in the countrys post-independence economic history. Conceived not merely []

SRINAGAR: Two personnel of the Border Security Force (BSF), including an Inspector and a Sub-Inspector, were injured after being attacked by locals during a raid at a suspected drug hotspot in the Gujjar Basti area of Supwal in Samba district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday. Official sources said that the duo had gone to []

SRINAGAR: A total of 33 Private Members Bills have been listed for consideration in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Monday, covering a wide range of legislative issues, including prohibition of liquor, regulation of doctors private practice, land reforms, youth welfare, and protection of religious institutions. Detaila stated that, among the major proposals, six []

SRINAGAR: Three boys drowned in the Tawi River near Sainik School Nagrota on Sunday evening, triggering a massive search operation. According to official sources, the incident took place in the evening when the trio slipped into the river and went missing. The missing boys have been identified as Sonam Dutt, son of Sunny Dutt; Bavish []

SRINAGAR: The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a notification permitting the temporary distribution of Public Distribution System (PDS) Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) in 21 SKO-free States and Union Territories, including Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, in view of global energy supply pressures linked to the prevailing geopolitical situation. The Centre has invoked []

SRINAGAR: A man lost his life after accidentally falling into a nallah in Uri area of North Kashmirs Baramulla district on Sunday. An official said that the deceased has been identified as Zaheer Ahmed Sheikh, son of Din Mohammad Sheikh, a resident of Jabla. He said the man accidentally slipped into a Jabla nallah while []