KashmirLife

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 []

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 []