KashmirLife

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday called upon entrepreneurs and eminent personalities from diverse fields to channel their efforts towards strengthening key sectors in Jammu and Kashmir, making them more resilient and people-centric. Speaking at the Big Impact Awards 2026 organised by 92.7 Big FM in Jammu and Kashmir, the Lieutenant Governor said entrepreneurs []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Saturday informed the Legislative Assembly that the Cabinet Sub-Committee constituted to examine and rationalise the reservation policy has submitted its report, which is currently under consideration of the competent authority. Replying to a question raised by MLA Budgam Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, the government said the panel has []

SRINAGAR: The government on Saturday informed the Legislative Assembly that significant funds have been sanctioned and utilised for major repair works in schools across Jammu Kashmir under the Samagra Shiksha Scheme over the past two years, with further allocations made for the financial year. Replying to an unstarred question by MLA Peerzada Feroze Ahmad, the []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday ruled out any proposal under consideration to grant a 50 per cent fare concession specifically in Smart Bus services, saying the existing concessions for students are already in place under notified rules. Replying to an unstarred question (A.Q No. 1523) tabled by MLA Sheikh Ahsan Ahmad, the []

SRINAGAR: The Chief Engineer, Distribution, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) has informed that scheduled shutdowns of multiple 33 KV and 32 KV transmission lines will be carried out across various parts of Kashmir, resulting in temporary power supply disruptions in several areas on different dates in March and April 2026. According to the official []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir is set for a major higher education transformation with Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo directing that at least 90 percent of faculty vacancies across universities and colleges be filled by August this year, underscoring urgent strengthening of teaching capacity across the Union Territory. The directive was issued during a high-level review of []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather on Saturday called for strict adherence to procedural rules governing the length of questions during the Question Hour, emphasizing that they must not exceed 150 words. The observation came after MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia raised a Point of Order regarding the length of questions being []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Finance Department has laid down clear rules governing the admissibility of charge allowance for government employees holding additional charge of identical or equivalent posts. The clarification comes amid repeated references from various departments seeking guidance on whether officials assigned additional responsibilities alongside their primary duties are entitled to extra remuneration. []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Health and Medical Education Minister Sakeena Itoo on Saturday said the government is firmly committed to eradicating drug abuse across the Union Territory. Replying to a question by MLA Iftikhar Ahmad in the Legislative Assembly regarding drug de-addiction centres, the Minister said two de-addiction facilities are currently functional in Rajouri district []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today passed three important Bills through voice vote, marking a significant step towards governance reforms, social equity and strengthening of the judicial framework in Jammu and Kashmir. The Bills were moved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and were subsequently put to vote by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather, who []

SRINAGAR: The government on Saturday informed the Legislative Assembly that a Rs 4.66 crore Water Supply Scheme (WSS) under AMRUT 2.0 has been launched to augment potable water supply in Magam and adjoining areas of central Kashmirs Budgam district. Replying to a calling attention by MLA Shafi Ahmad Wani, Minister Javed Ahmad Rana said the []

SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary informed the Legislative Assembly that Rs 27.245 lakh has been provided as relief to fire-affected families in Eidgah constituency during the 202425 and 202526 financial years. Replying to a calling attention by MLA Mubarik Gul, he said 14 fire incidents were reported in the constituency over the past two []

SRINAGAR: The District Administration Ganderbal has issued an advisory warning of a possible avalanche threat in the district over the next 24 hours. According to the forecast, a medium-level avalanche risk is likely above 2,400 metres, prompting authorities to urge heightened caution. People have been advised to avoid vulnerable areas, including higher reaches, snow-covered slopes []

SRINAGAR: Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Saturday announced that Jammu and Kashmir will soon have its first government homeopathy college, to be set up in the Rajbagh area of Kathua district in Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu & Kashmir is set to achieve a major milestone! J&K to get its first Government Homeopathy College in #Kathuas []

SRINAGAR: The Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Saturday trapped a Public Health Engineering (PHE) Mechanical Engineer while allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 12,000 in Awantipora area of south Kashmirs Pulwama district, officials said. The accused officer has been identified as Manzoor Ahmad Dar. The action followed a complaint alleging that the official had demanded illegal []

SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leader Waheed Para on Saturday expressed concern over the security arrangements for political leaders in Jammu and Kashmir, alleging that the government is adopting a selective approach. Speaking to Kashmir Life, Para said that efforts to evict former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti from her residence were unjustified, stressing that security []

SRINAGAR: The Meteorological Centre Srinagar has predicted a spell of cloudy weather with intermittent rain and snowfall across Jammu and Kashmir over the coming days. Director MET Centre Srinagar Mukhtar Ahmad told Kashmir Life that from March 28 to 30, skies will remain generally cloudy, with light to moderate rain in the plains and snowfall []

In the last 17 years, Kashmir Life grew through upheaval and pressure, emerging stronger in its pursuit of objectivity, depth, and a well-informed Kashmir. The issue you hold, or scroll through, marks the close of seventeen uninterrupted years of Kashmir Life. It is not merely a number. It is a testament to persistence in one []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir has recorded a remarkable improvement in child health indicators, with the Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) at 14 per 1,000 live births and the Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) at 15 per 1,000, according to the latest Sample Registration System (SRS) report of 2023. The Union Territorys performance is well below the national []

SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Friday finalised arrangements for Jammus first-ever international marathon, scheduled for March 29, with directions to ensure global-standard execution. At a high-level meeting attended by senior officials, Dulloo stressed flawless coordination across departments, calling for comprehensive preparedness in areas such as traffic management, route safety, medical support and volunteer deployment. []

SRINAGAR: As many as 149 prosecutions have been launched in Jammu and Kashmir over the past two years for violations involving spurious and substandard pesticides, with authorities recovering Rs 3.50 lakh in fines till December 2025, according to official data, highlighting intensified enforcement in the horticulture sector. The action follows extensive inspections and sample testing []

SRINAGAR: As many as 41 workers associated with the Power Development Department (PDD) lost their lives in electrical accidents across Jammu and Kashmir in 2025, exposing the scale of risk faced by frontline electricity staff and raising concerns over safety preparedness. Official data shows that the fatalities include 20 regular PDD employees and 21 workers []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that more than 4,700 houses have been constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas YojanaGramin (PMAY-G), while a majority of identified landless beneficiaries are yet to receive land for housing. Replying to a starred question, the Department of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj said []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that relief provided to fire victims is governed by centrally notified norms, and any revision in compensation falls within the domain of the Government of India. The information was placed before the House in response to a starred question raised by MLA Ali []

SRINAGAR: The Health and Medical Education Department on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that measures are underway to strengthen infrastructure and patient care at Shri Maharaja Gulab Singh (SMGS) Hospital, Jammu, including an MRI facility, additional manpower, and a multi-level parking system. Replying to a question by MLA Yudhvir Sethi, Health Minister Sakina Itoo said []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday said that the rehabilitation process of Dal dwellers to Rakh-i-Arth Housing Colony, Bemina, has been halted due to multiple impediments, including an ongoing investigation by the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB). Replying to a question in the Legislative Assembly tabled by MLA Budgam Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi, the government []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that an environmental compensation of approximately Rs 3.10 crore has been imposed on private construction firm NKC Projects Pvt Ltd for causing extensive damage to the Shaliganga stream in Budgam district, in compliance with directions issued by the Supreme Court of India. The []

SRINAGAR: Two non-local persons sustained burn injuries after a gas cylinder caught fire inside a rented accommodation in the Habakadal area of Srinagar on Friday officals said. They said that the incident occurred at Kakaroad, where the duo suffered multiple flame burn injuries following the fire inside their room. They were immediately shifted to SMHS []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that centrally sponsored schemes under the Smart City Mission have been fully implemented in the Union Territory. Replying to an unstarred question (A.Q. No. 892) by MLA Ali Mohammad Sagar, the government said it is not a fact that Smart City Mission (SCM) []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday said the estimated number of stray dogs in major urban centres of the Union Territory stands at 1,52,775, including 64,416 in Srinagar city as per the 2023 survey. Replying to an unstarred question by MLA Tanvir Sadiq in the Legislative Assembly, the government said 43,200 stray dogs []

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday reviewed the ongoing rescue and relief operations following the tragic avalanche at Zojila in Ganderbal district, which resulted in loss of lives and injuries. The Lieutenant Governor spoke to senior officials and took stock of the situation on the ground, directing authorities to ensure the safety of stranded []

SRINAGAR: Lawmakers across party lines in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly on Friday called for stringent legal and regulatory measures to curb the growing spread of fake news and misinformation, stressing the need for accountability, licensing norms, and enforcement mechanisms in the media and digital space. Participating in a discussion on misinformation, legislators urged []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly (JKLA) Speaker Advocate Abdul Rahim Rather on Friday stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive legal framework to address the growing challenge of fake news and misinformation in the Union Territory. Speaking during a short-duration discussion on measures to curb misinformation, the Speaker said the issue has serious implications []

SRINAGAR: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Fact Check unit has rejected certain social media posts and news reports claiming an alleged Iran donation scam in Jammu and Kashmir, terming them as fake. Fake News Alert! Please stay alert against such false and baseless claims and posts on social media! pic.twitter.com/QfS94cUGre MEA FactCheck (@MEAFactCheck) []

SRINAGAR: Jammu and Kashmir Police on Friday attached immovable properties of three proclaimed offenders in Sopore sub-district as part of continued action against the terror ecosystem. According to police, the action was executed by Sopore Police in connection with FIR No. 02/2008 registered under Sections 2/3 of the E and IMCO Act at Police Station []

SRINAGAR: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday ordered the promotion of four members of the Jammu and Kashmir Private Secretaries to Head of Departments (Gazetted) Service as Senior Private Secretaries. As per Government Order No. 489-JK(GAD) of 2026, issued by the General Administration Department, the promotions have been sanctioned following the recommendations of []

SRINAGAR: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir on Friday ordered the promotion and upgradation of 14 Junior Legal Assistants appointed under the Prime Ministers Special Package (Divisional Cadre, Kashmir) to the post of Associate Law Officers. As per Government Order No. 3898-JK(LD) of 2026, issued by the Department of Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, sanction []

SRINAGAR: A massive snow avalanche was triggered near Zero Point at Zojila on Friday, leaving several passenger vehicles trapped under snow and debris, officials said. Reports said that around three to four vehicles were caught in the avalanche. However, no loss of life or injuries have been reported so far, bringing relief to authorities and []

SRINAGAR: An 18-year-old fruit vendor was injured after being stabbed by another person in the Soura area of Srinagar on Friday, officials said. An official said the youth sustained injuries after being attacked with a sharp-edged weapon near Jinab Sahib in Soura. He was immediately shifted to hospital for treatment. He has been identified as []

SRINAGAR: A young labourer was found dead under suspicious circumstances in his rented accommodation in the Drangbal area of Pampore on Friday, officials said. An official said the deceased has been identified as Vicky, son of Baldev Chand, a resident of Farole in Tehsil Ramnagar, District Udhampur. He was around 22 years old. He was []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Friday informed the Legislative Assembly that a windrow composting unit established at the Fruit and Vegetable Market in Sopore is expected to become operational during the upcoming fruit season, with three more such units proposed for other major mandis across the Union Territory. The details were furnished in []

SRINAGAR: Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday criticised Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for taking nearly a month to unequivocally condemn Israels attack on Iran, describing the delay as disheartening. Her remarks came after Omar Abdullah, speaking in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, condemned the unjust and illegal war imposed on Iran []

SRINAGAR: Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday said the government is taking all necessary measures to ensure that there is no increase in the prices of petrol, diesel, and Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions in West Asia. Speaking to the media in New Delhi, she said a review meeting chaired []

SRINAGAR: In a swift anti-corruption operation, the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) apprehended a forester and a forest guard red-handed while allegedly accepting a bribe in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir, officials said. Authorities stated that details regarding the bribe amount and the circumstances leading to the arrests are being finalised and will be released shortly. []

SRINAGAR: National Conference (NC) chief spokesperson Tanvir Sadiq on Friday condemned the US-Israel action against Iran, asserting that no country has the right to wage an undeclared war and kill innocent people, including children. Speaking outside the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, MLA Sadiq expressed solidarity with the people of Iran over the killing of []

Kashmirs architects and residents are fusing traditional building techniques with modern design to preserve a 3,000-year cultural heritage under threat from globalisation, reports Syed Shadab Ali Gillani In the old city of Srinagar, 26-year-old Iram grew up in rooms shaped by centuries of craft, carved walnut screens filtering afternoon light, a top-floor Zoon Dabb gallery []

SRINAGAR: Government of India (GoI) on Thursday sharply reduced special excise duties on petrol and diesel as global fuel markets remain volatile due to supply disruptions linked to the Iran conflict. According to a finance ministry order, the duty on petrol has been cut to Rs 3 per litre from Rs 13, while the levy []

SRINAGAR: The second phase of the Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly will commence on Friday, with the Union Territorys annual budget for 2026-27, amounting to Rsv1.13 lakh crore, slated for passage on the opening day. The budget, presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on February 6, has already been debated in []

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Cabinet on Thursday approved a range of development projects aimed at strengthening infrastructure, public services and institutional capacity across the Union Territory. The meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at his official residence in Jammu, lasted about an hour and focused on accelerating development, improving service delivery and ensuring []

SRINAGAR: The second phase of the Budget Session of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly is set to resume on Friday, with the Union Territorys budget for 2026-27 scheduled to be taken up for approval on the very first day. The budget, amounting to Rs 1.13 lakh crore and presented by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah []