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Srinagar, July 26: In a world where sporting glory is often measured by medals and podium finishes, a 10-year-old girl from Srinagar reminded everyone that the greatest triumphs are won through compassion. The first-ever Blind Cross Country Run in Kashmir witnessed an unforgettable moment as Maham Khan, a Class V student from Qamarwari, chose to run not for personal achievement but to become the guiding light for a partially visually impaired participant, helping her complete the race and secure a podium finish. The 3-kilometre event, organised from Duck Park to Crescent School, Naseem Bagh, brought together visually impaired runners and volunteer guides in an effort to promote inclusion and equal opportunities in sports. But amid the cheers, applause and excitement, it was the bond between Maham and her partner, Saima from Khag in Budgam, that captured every heart. From the moment the race began, Maham held Saima's hand firmly, matching every step with hers. She constantly encouraged her partner, guiding her through turns, uneven stretches and the final push towards the finish line. For Saima, completing the race itself was a remarkable feat. She had recently undergone gallbladder surgery and was running without proper sports shoes. Every step demanded immense courage, yet giving up never crossed her mind. Whenever exhaustion threatened to slow her pace, Maham reassured her with words of encouragement, promising that they would complete the journey together. Their determination paid off as the duo crossed the finish line to loud cheers, clinching third place in the competition. For Maham, however, the medal was merely a bonus. The young athlete had already proved her endurance by completing a challenging 21-kilometre marathon last year. This time, she deliberately chose a different challengeone where success meant helping another person realise her dream. As she received the award, Maham's heartfelt words reflected the true spirit of the event. I have never been as happy as I am today. Becoming her guiding stick and completing this journey with her is the greatest achievement for me, she said, leaving many in the audience visibly emotional. Her simple yet profound statement summed up what the marathon had come to representa celebration of empathy, resilience and inclusion rather than mere athletic excellence. Participants and spectators alike applauded the young girl's maturity and selflessness, describing her act as the defining moment of the event. While Saima's determination in overcoming physical challenges inspired everyone present, Maham's decision to dedicate her run to someone else's success transformed an ordinary race into an extraordinary lesson in humanity. The Blind Cross Country Run was conceived to encourage greater participation of persons with visual impairment in sports and to challenge perceptions about disability. Yet, by the end of the day, its most enduring image was not of medals being presented but of two young girls crossing the finish line hand in handone lending her vision, the other displaying remarkable courage. Their journey became a powerful reminder that while races eventually end, acts of kindness leave footprints that last far beyond the finish line. On a day meant to celebrate sport, a little girl from Qamarwari showed Kashmir that true champions are not always the fastest runners; they are those who choose to slow down, hold another person's hand and help them reach their destination.
MC Pattan launches sanitation drive under SABB campaign
Pattan, Jul 27: To enhance urban hygiene and prevent seasonal diseases, Municipal Committee Pattan executed an extensive, multi-sectoral cleanliness drive across the town on Monday. The drive was conducted under the nationwide Safai Apnao, Bimaari Bhagao (SABB) campaign 2026, launched by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA). Aligned with the IEC Action Plan under Swachh Bharat Mission Urban 2.0, the comprehensive effort focused on clearing drainage networks, eliminating Garbage Vulnerable Points (GVPs), and restoring local water bodies. As part of the town-wide drainage clearance, frontline sanitation workers de-silted major channels, removing accumulated solid waste and silt to ensure the unimpeded flow of wastewater. This critical action prevents water stagnation and significantly reduces the risks of water-borne and vector-borne diseases during the monsoon season. Concurrently, municipal teams successfully cleared and eliminated a chronic Garbage Vulnerable Point in Ward No. 02, situated behind the Government Girls Higher Secondary School. Following the physical cleanup, an on-site awareness session was held for local residents and students, urging them to utilize designated municipal bins and put an end to open dumping. Further strengthening its environmental protection measures, Municipal Committee Pattan organized a targeted Water Body Cleanliness Drive at Sikh Naag in Ward No. 02. Supported by ULB staff, Swachhata Executives, Community Mobilizers, and local volunteers, teams removed trapped waste and plastic debris from the water body and its surrounding banks. Alongside the cleanup, field teams sensitized residents on the vital necessity of preserving natural water resources and adopting responsible waste disposal habits. Municipal Committee Pattan reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining regular cleanliness drives to build a healthier, disease-resilient community through continuous civic action and public participation.
IUST signs MoU with Paderborn University, Germany to strengthen intl. collaboration
Awantipora, Jul 27: Expanding its efforts to strengthen international academic collaborations, the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), Kashmir on Monday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Paderborn University, Germany. The collaboration has been established between the Department of Philosophy, IUST, and the Centre for the History of Women Philosophers and Scientists at Paderborn University. The partnership will be coordinated by Dr. Muzaffar Ali Malla, Head, Department of Philosophy, IUST, and Prof. Ruth Hagengruber, Director Centre for History of Women Philosophers and Scientists, Paderborn University. The MoU signing ceremony was presided over by Prof. Shamim Ahmad Shah, Registrar, IUST, who congratulated both institutions on forging this significant academic partnership. Describing the agreement as a landmark milestone in IUSTs journey towards greater internationalisation and global academic engagement, Prof. Shah expressed confidence that the collaboration would promote high-quality research, academic exchange, and innovative scholarly initiatives while creating meaningful opportunities for students, researchers, and faculty members of both institutions. He further remarked that such international collaborations reflect IUSTs unwavering commitment to academic excellence, innovation, and knowledge creation, while strengthening the Universitys presence in the global academic community. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Afroz Ahmad Bisati, Dean, School of Humanities and Social Sciences (SHSS), welcomed the initiative and congratulated the Department of Philosophy for establishing this important international partnership. He observed that the collaboration demonstrates the Departments commitment to academic excellence and would significantly enhance international academic cooperation, interdisciplinary research, and the Universitys global engagement. The signing ceremony was attended by Samir Wazir, Finance Officer; Dr. Aabid Hussain Shalla, Dean Research; Dr. Ruheela Hassan, Dean Outreach; and Dr. Monisa Qadiri, In-charge International Affairs and Dean Students, from the IUST side. Representing Paderborn University, Prof. Dr. Matthias Bauer, President, Paderborn University, and Prof. Ruth Hagengruber welcomed the partnership and expressed their confidence that the collaboration would pave the way for sustained academic cooperation, joint research, faculty and student exchanges, and enduring intellectual engagement between the two institutions.
Workshop on rehabilitation of alpine grasslands in Western Himalaya begins at KU
Srinagar Jul 27: The Centre for Biodiversity & Taxonomy, Department of Botany, University of Kashmir (KU), commenced a three-day workshop on Rehabilitating Alpine Grasslands of the Western Himalaya: Connecting Science, Policy and Communities at the Main Campus. The workshop is being organised in collaboration with the G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment, CSIRInstitute of Himalayan Bioresource Technology, University of Ladakh and HNB Garhwal University. It is sponsored by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), Government of India, under the National Mission on Himalayan Studies (NMHS). The workshop aims to facilitate discussions on the conservation and restoration of alpine grasslands in the Western Himalaya by bringing together scientists, policymakers, forest managers and local stakeholders. It seeks to promote evidence-based strategies for biodiversity conservation, sustainable ecosystem management and community participation in the restoration of fragile mountain landscapes. Speaking at the inaugural session, Vice-Chancellor KU, Prof. Nilofer Khan, said that the conservation of Himalayan ecosystems requires sustained collaboration between academic institutions, government agencies and local communities. Universities have an important role in generating scientific knowledge that supports informed environmental policies and sustainable resource management. Collaborative initiatives strengthen research and encourage practical solutions to ecological challenges, she said. Mr. Tawheed Ahmad Deva (IFS), Regional Wildlife Warden, Kashmir, highlighted the importance of protecting alpine ecosystems in view of increasing environmental pressures and emphasised that community involvement is essential for the long-term conservation of Himalayan biodiversity. Dean Research KU, Prof. Bashir Ahmad Ganaie, and Head, Department of Botany, Prof. Aijaz Ahmad Wani, in their remarks, noted the importance of interdisciplinary research in addressing ecological challenges. Earlier, Prof. Anzar Ahmad Khuroo, Organising Secretary of the workshop, in his welcome address, said the workshop has been designed to facilitate discussions on the ecological significance of alpine grasslands, emerging conservation challenges and practical approaches to their rehabilitation through scientific research and stakeholder engagement. The three-day workshop features expert lectures, training sessions, technical presentations, interactive discussions and field-oriented deliberations on biodiversity conservation, ecological restoration and sustainable management of alpine grasslands in the Western Himalaya. The proceedings of the inaugural session were conducted by Prof. Anzar Ahmad Khuroo, while the vote of thanks was presented by Dr. Aijaz Hassan Ganie, Co-Principal Investigator and faculty member, Dept of Botany, North Campus KU.
CS reviews implementation of ABDM in J&K
Srinagar, Jul 27: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, on Monday chaired a review meeting to assess the implementation of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission (ABDM) across Jammu and Kashmir, with particular focus on the progress achieved under its key components, adoption of digital health solutions, and their impact on healthcare delivery at the grassroots level. The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Health & Medical Education Department; Mission Director, National Health Mission; Managing Director, ABDM J&K; Principal, GMC, Srinagar/Jammu; Director, Health Services, Jammu; senior officers of the Health & Medical Education Department, and other concerned officers. During the review, the Chief Secretary underscored that the core objective of the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission is the creation of comprehensive digital health records for every individual, and stressed that all efforts under the Mission must remain aligned with this fundamental goal. He observed that while substantial progress has been achieved in creation of ABHA IDs and digital health infrastructure, the ultimate measure of success would be the availability of complete, secure and interoperable digital health records for every citizen. To realise this objective, Dulloo directed the Mission to put in place a well-defined implementation strategy with clearly identified milestones for progressively enhancing the generation and linkage of electronic health records across the Union Territory. He emphasised that implementation of the Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) should be expedited in all healthcare institutions, with primary focus on public health facilities, so that every patient interaction contributes towards building comprehensive digital health records. He further directed that the number of ABHA IDs created should progressively be brought at par with the number of Ayushman Bharat Golden Cards issued in the Union Territory, with targets fixed and closely monitored as important milestones towards achieving universal digital health coverage. The Chief Secretary also stressed the need to maximise utilisation of citizen-centric services available through the JK Sehat App. He called upon the department to promote greater public uptake of home healthcare services, online doctor appointment booking, tele-consultation facilities and doorstep delivery of medicines through local pharmacies. Appreciating the JK Sehat App as a comprehensive digital healthcare platform, the CS observed that the Department has developed an excellent online product catering to the needs of citizens. He directed that the application should be further strengthened by enriching its knowledge repository with additional academic resources, digital library content and medical courses for undergraduate and postgraduate medical students, thereby transforming it into a robust learning and knowledge-sharing platform alongside its healthcare service delivery functions. The Chief Secretary further instructed the department to undertake a comprehensive assessment of operational bottlenecks affecting implementation of various digital health initiatives and resolve them in close coordination with all stakeholders, including healthcare institutions, technical agencies and implementing partners, so as to ensure seamless delivery of services and achievement of the Mission objectives within the prescribed timelines. During the meeting, the Commissioner Secretary, H&ME, M.Raju remarked that Jammu and Kashmir has made significant strides in implementing the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission and has emerged as one of the leading performers in the country. He apprised that the Union Territory was recently conferred the National Award by the Health Authority for achieving the highest Health Record Linking per lakh population among medium-sized States and Union Territories. Earlier this year, J&K was also recognised for its best-performing model healthcare facilities under the Mission. Reviewing the progress achieved since the last assessment, the Chief Secretary was informed by MD, ABDM, Ananth Dwivedi that over 1.12 crore ABHA (Ayushman Bharat Health Account) IDs have been created in the Union Territory, covering nearly 83 percent of the estimated population. The number of ABHA-linked electronic health records has increased substantially, while more than 1.34 crore Scan & Share tokens have been generated. He said that 100 percent registration of public healthcare facilities, doctors and nurses on the Health Facility Registry (HFR) and Health Professional Registry (HPR) has been achieved, ensuring complete onboarding of the public healthcare ecosystem onto the national digital health platform. Reviewing district-wise performance, the Chief Secretary directed the Deputy Commissioners, Chief Medical Officers and district health authorities to intensify focused campaigns in districts requiring further improvement so that universal ABHA coverage is achieved within the stipulated timeline. He stressed that every eligible citizen visiting a health institution should be facilitated in creating an ABHA ID at the point of service, while sustained awareness campaigns and inter-departmental convergence should continue to accelerate saturation across the Union Territory. The Chief Secretary also reviewed the implementation of the Hospital Management Information System (HMIS) under the JK e-Sahaj platform and the transition to the Next Generation e-Hospital solution. He was informed that JK e-Sahaj has already been implemented in more than one hundred healthcare facilities across the Union Territory, while 85 hospitals have already been onboarded onto the Next Gen HMIS platform. The remaining identified institutions are expected to be onboarded within the next two weeks, after which phased implementation of registration, IPD, pharmacy, laboratory and radiology modules will be undertaken. Moreover, the progress of Scan & Share, Electronic Medical Record (EMR) generation and digital health record linkage across healthcare facilities was also reviewed in detail. It was revealed that the majority of patients visiting government hospitals are now availing digital registration services through Scan & Share, while continuous efforts are being made to improve EMR generation and strengthen linkage of laboratory, pharmacy and radiology reports with ABHA IDs. The meeting was further apprised about the increasing adoption of the JK Sehat App, which provides citizens access to a wide range of digital health services including Scan & Share, ABHA creation, health record viewing, blood bank services, online appointments, tele-consultation, ambulance services, home healthcare and pharmacy services to the citizens. The platform has registered over 15.5 lakh citizens, while lakhs of users have availed different healthcare services through the application. Officers informed that the latest version of the application now includes Health Locker and enhanced digital health functionalities. The CS directed the department to achieve 100 percent ABHA saturation, strengthen generation of ABHA-linked electronic health records, maximise utilisation of Scan & Share services in hospitals, and expand ABDM-enabled HMIS implementation across all healthcare institutions of the UT.
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Beyond Breadwinning: Rethinking Parenthood
A child first opens their eyes not to a classroom, but to a face. Before there are teachers, textbooks, or timetables, there is the quiet universe of home. In that universe, parents are the first curriculum, the first moral compass, and the first mirror in which a child learns to see themselves. Yet, in our race for better schools, higher salaries, and shinier gadgets, we are slowly forgetting that the strongest foundation for any society is not laid in institutions but in living rooms, kitchens, and bedtime conversations. The parentchildren relationship is, in many ways, the most natural bond known to humanity. But what is natural does not always remain intact on its own. It must be nurtured, protected, and consciously renewed. In Kashmir and across the world, this relationship is now under pressure from economic stress, political uncertainty, social change, and especially from the invasion of screens into every corner of domestic life. The question we must ask is simple: what kind of adults are we raising when our homes are noisy with technology but silent in affection and meaningful dialogue? Parents as the first teachers We often repeat the phrase parents are the first teachers as if it were a slogan, but rarely pause to consider what it truly means. A teacher is not simply someone who transfers information; a teacher models a way of being. A parent who speaks kindly teaches kindness. A parent who listens attentively teaches respect. A parent who apologises when wrong teaches humility. Conversely, a parent who shouts, belittles, or constantly complains teaches fear, insecurity, and resentment. Children learn far more from what they see than from what they are told. A father who lectures about honesty but lies on the phone in front of his child plants confusion, not integrity. A mother who insists her child must study hard, but spends hours scrolling on her own phone, sends the message that distraction is acceptable. We cannot demand discipline, empathy, and resilience from our children while refusing to cultivate those same qualities in ourselves. In our context, where families often live in close quarters and where social and political tensions are never far from the doorstep, the emotional climate of the home matters even more. A home cannot control what happens outside, but it can decide whether its own walls vibrate with anxiety or with reassurance. A child who grows up hearing I am here for you is more likely to face the world with courage than one who constantly hears you are a burden or you are never good enough. The crisis of time and attention Ask any child today what they wish for and the answer is rarely a new toy. More often, if they feel safe enough to answer honestly, they will say: I want my parents to spend time with me. We have mistaken providing for our children with being present for them. In the name of securing their future, many parents sacrifice the very present that shapes that future most powerfully. Mobile phones, social media, and endless work-related stress have become silent intruders in the home. We see families sitting together at the dinner table, each member lost in a separate digital world. Parents often justify their own screen time as important while scolding children for theirs. This double standard not only weakens trust but also robs the family of the simple, unhurried moments in which connection is built: a shared meal, a walk in the neighbourhood, a story before sleep. Time is the language in which love is written. Children rarely remember the expensive gifts we buy them; they remember the moments when we were fully, undistractedly with them. They remember the evening their father patiently helped them with homework, the afternoon their mother listened without judging, the weekend when the family laughed together over something silly. These memories become an inner shield they carry into adulthood. Respect must flow both ways In many traditional societies, including ours, respect is often defined oneway: children must obey parents, and that is the end of the conversation. But genuine respect in a family is never a onedirectional command; it is a mutual practice. A child who is constantly humiliated, compared with others, or silenced because elders know best learns fear, not respect. Such a child may obey outwardly but will carry an invisible wound inside. Parents deserve respect for the sacrifices they make, the years of care they invest, and the burdens they carry silently. But children also deserve respect as individuals with their own thoughts, emotions, and dignity. Listening to a childs fears, explaining decisions instead of dictating them, and admitting when we are wrong does not weaken parental authority; it strengthens it. Authority that is rooted in compassion and consistency is much stronger than authority enforced by anger and threat. We also need to rethink harsh disciplinary practices. Beating, shouting, and shaming children may bring shortterm compliance, but they leave longterm scars. Islam and our own cultural traditions emphasise gentleness, mercy, and patience in dealing with children. Yet in daily life, we sometimes allow our frustrations and external pressures to turn our homes into battlegrounds. A society that normalises emotional or physical violence inside the home should not be surprised when that violence spills into the street. Mothers, fathers, and shared parenting Another aspect of the parentchildren relationship that requires reflection is the division of roles between mothers and fathers. Too often, the emotional labour of raising children is placed almost entirely on mothers, while fathers see their primary duty as financial. This division not only exhausts mothers but also deprives children of a fuller relationship with their fathers. A fathers presence is not merely symbolic. When fathers participate in everyday caregiving from changing diapers to attending school meetings, from helping with homework to simply listening they provide a powerful model of balanced masculinity. Children learn that strength is compatible with tenderness, that manhood includes empathy. Similarly, when mothers are supported in pursuing education, work, or community engagement alongside their parenting, children see that womanhood is not limited to sacrifice but includes growth and selfrespect. Shared parenting does not mean that both parents must do everything in exactly equal proportions. It means recognising that raising a child is a joint responsibility that demands emotional, physical, and moral engagement from both. In a region where many families have faced loss, displacement, or economic hardship, children need to feel that both their parents, in whatever form family takes, are a stable and loving presence. The shadow of comparison and pressure One of the most damaging habits in parentchildren relationships today is the culture of constant comparison. Look at your cousin; he scores better than you. The neighbours daughter got into medical college; what are you doing with your life? These sentences are spoken casually but land heavily on a childs heart. Under the weight of such comparisons, many children begin to see themselves not as unique individuals but as failed replicas of someone else. Our education system and competitive job market already exert enormous pressure on young minds. When parents add to that burden by measuring their childrens worth only in marks, degrees, or job titles, they risk pushing them into anxiety, depression, or quiet rebellion. Every child has a different pace, a different talent, and a different path. Some may shine in academics, others in art, sports, entrepreneurship, or community service. True parental love is not blind praise; it is the courage to see your child as they are and to support the best within them. This does not mean abandoning discipline or ambition. It means aligning ambition with the childs strengths and wellbeing, not with societys narrow definitions of success. A child encouraged to pursue what genuinely suits them is far more likely to become a confident, responsible adult than one forced into a life chosen only to impress relatives and neighbours. Listening as an act of love In our social fabric, young people are often told what to do, rarely asked what they feel. Yet one of the simplest ways to strengthen the parentchildren bond is to listen not as a formality, but as a genuine act of curiosity and care. When a child comes home from school distressed, the easy response is to say, These are small things; you will forget them. The harder but more loving response is to sit down, maintain eye contact, and say, Tell me what happened. Listening does not mean agreeing with everything a child says. It means acknowledging their experience. It opens a doorway through which guidance can later enter. A teenager who feels heard at home is more likely to share their struggles with their parents rather than seek answers in unsafe spaces. In a time when mental health issues among adolescents are quietly rising, attentive listening may be one of the most powerful forms of protection parents can offer. Rebuilding the home as a sanctuary Kashmir has seen more than its share of uncertainty and suffering. In such an environment, the home should be more than a shelter from the weather; it should be a sanctuary for the soul. Children who grow up in conflictaffected regions often carry invisible anxieties. The warmth and stability of their relationship with parents can either soothe those anxieties or amplify them. Rebuilding the home as a sanctuary requires intention. It may mean setting simple family rules: shared meals without screens, a fixed time each week for honest conversation, a daily habit of appreciating at least one small thing about each other. It may also mean parents seeking support for their own unresolved traumas, so that they do not unconsciously pass them on to their children. We must remember that no parent is perfect, and no child is either. The goal is not to create a flawless family, but a forgiving one a family where mistakes can be acknowledged, apologies can be offered, and love is not withdrawn when expectations are not met. A call to conscience Ultimately, the state of our parentchildren relationships will shape the state of our society. The leaders of tomorrow are sitting in our homes today, watching how we speak, how we argue, how we treat the weak, and how we respond to injustice. If we want a more compassionate, honest, and courageous society, we must first become more compassionate, honest, and courageous within our own homes. The time has come to slow down, to put the phone aside, to look our children in the eye, and to ask ourselves some uncomfortable questions: Do they feel safe with us? Do they feel seen by us? Are we raising them to fear us, to impress us, or to trust us? The answers to these questions may decide not only their future, but ours. In the end, a child will not remember every word we spoke, but they will remember how we made them feel. If we can ensure that they feel loved, respected, and guided even in our imperfections then we have already given them a gift greater than any material inheritance. The first school of life is the home; it is time we treated it with the seriousness and the tenderness it deserves. (The author is a lecturer in HED and columnist)
Sgr Police attach Rs 5.60 cr properties under NDPS Act
Srinagar, Jul 27: Continuing its sustained and uncompromising crackdown against drug trafficking under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyan, Srinagar Police have attached immovable properties worth approximately Rs 5.60 crore under the provisions of Section 68F of the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, 1985, dealing a significant blow to the financial infrastructure of narcotics traffickers. Police Station Chanapora attachments: 1. Mohd Yaseen Rather Property worth approximately Rs 65 lakh, involved in FIR No. 42/2023. 2. Suhail Rashid Haroon Property worth approximately Rs 60 lakh, involved in FIR No. 41/2025. 3. Mohd Asif Rather Property worth approximately Rs 75 lakh, involved in FIR No. 35/2026. 4. Arsalan Syed Beigh Property worth approximately Rs 35 lakh, involved in FIR No. 28/2026. 5. Hilal Ahmad Parray Property worth approximately Rs 1 crore, involved in FIR No. 23/2026. 6. Danish Reyaz Shah Property worth approximately Rs 75 lakh, involved in FIR No. 21/2025. 7. Saqib Naseer Beigh Property worth approximately Rs 70 lakh, involved in FIR No. 45/2025. Police Station Saddar attachment: 8. Shaheem Farooq Bhat A residential house worth approximately Rs 80 lakh, attached in connection with FIR No. 08/2026. All the attached properties have been identified as illegally acquired assets generated from the proceeds of illicit drug trafficking, a police spokesperson said, adding that the attachments have been carried out strictly in accordance with the provisions of the NDPS Act and are subject to confirmation by the Competent Authority wherever applicable. These actions reflect J&K Police's unwavering resolve to dismantle the financial backbone of drug trafficking syndicates by targeting assets amassed through the illegal narcotics trade. By depriving drug peddlers of their unlawfully acquired wealth, Srinagar Police aim to effectively disrupt the economic networks sustaining the drug menace and send a strong message that crime will not pay. J&K Police reiterated its steadfast commitment to making society drug-free and appealed to the public to continue extending their cooperation by sharing information regarding drug trafficking and other criminal activities, with every credible input treated with utmost confidentiality.
Centre approves 1,915 ICT labs, 3,910 smart classrooms for J&K schools in 5 yrs
Srinagar, Jul 27: The Union Government has approved 1,915 Information and Communication Technology (ICT) labs and 3,910 smart classrooms for government schools across J&K under the Samagra Shiksha scheme during the five financial years from 2021 to 2026. The information was shared by Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary in a written reply to a question raised by Members of Parliament Kadiyam Kavya and Appalanaidu Kalisetti, and answered on July 27. According to the ministry, J&K received approval for 408 ICT labs during 2021 to 22, 203 in 2022 to 23, 172 in 2023 to 24, 598 in 2024 to 25 and 534 in 2025 to 26, taking the five-year total to 1,915. Approvals for smart classrooms stood at zero in 2021 to 22, 834 in 2022 to 23, 372 in 2023 to 24, 1,703 in 2024 to 25 and 1,001 in 2025 to 26, bringing the total to 3,910. The Centre also approved financial assistance of Rs 15,475.6 lakh for ICT labs and smart classrooms in J&K during the five-year period. The annual allocation included Rs 1,321.9 lakh in 2021 to 22, Rs 3,300.8 lakh in 2022 to 23, Rs 1,330.7 lakh in 2023 to 24, Rs 5,573.9 lakh in 2024 to 25 and Rs 3,948.3 lakh in 2025 to 26. For Ladakh, the ministry approved 141 ICT labs and 127 smart classrooms during the same period. Financial assistance of Rs 890.4 lakh was sanctioned, including Rs 313.6 lakh in 2021 to 22, Rs 112 lakh in 2022 to 23, Rs 163 lakh in 2023 to 24, Rs 190.1 lakh in 2024 to 25 and Rs 111.7 lakh in 2025 to 26. At the national level, the Ministry of Education approved 73,308 ICT labs and 1,36,382 smart classrooms between 2021 to 22 and 2025 to 26. Of these, 37,511 ICT labs and 82,856 smart classrooms had been completed, according to Annexure 5 of the parliamentary reply. The figures show that J&K accounted for about 2.6 percent of the country's approved ICT labs and around 2.9 percent of sanctioned smart classrooms. Ladakh's share stood at nearly 0.2 percent in both categories. Across the country, financial approval for digital learning infrastructure under the scheme reached Rs 6,49,727.8 lakh over the five year period. J&K received around 2.4 percent of the total allocation, while Ladakh accounted for about 0.14 percent. The ministry's data further showed that approvals under Samagra Shiksha during the period included 42,319 additional classrooms, 11,791 biology laboratories, 11,331 chemistry laboratories, 11,266 physics laboratories, 4,796 science laboratories, 15,494 drinking water facilities, 42,057 girls' toilets, 41,635 boys' toilets, 20,885 toilets for children with special needs and 2,910 library rooms. Completion figures released by the ministry showed that 21,775 additional classrooms, 978 biology laboratories, 910 chemistry laboratories, 916 physics laboratories, 3,118 science laboratories, 13,878 drinking water facilities, 29,679 girls' toilets, 27,968 boys' toilets, 14,025 toilets for children with special needs and 2,004 library rooms had been completed. The Centre informed Parliament that technology based education initiatives, including PM eVidya and DIKSHA, are being implemented under Samagra Shiksha to strengthen digital learning in government schools. It said ICT labs and smart classrooms are sanctioned on the basis of proposals submitted by States and Union Territories through their Annual Work Plan and Budget. The reply stated that PM eVidya, launched on May 17, 2020, integrates digital, online and on air education initiatives. Its major components include 200 DTH television channels and 400 radio channels providing supplementary educational content for students from Classes 1 to 12 in different Indian languages. The ministry also highlighted DIKSHA, the national digital platform for school education, which offers digital learning material, QR-coded Energised Textbooks and supports both online and offline access. According to the reply, the platform had recorded 579.41 crore learning sessions involving 2.29 crore users. More than 3.67 lakh digital learning resources had been developed and contributed by States, Union Territories and autonomous bodies in mother, local and regional languages. The parliamentary reply, however, did not provide separate J&K or Ladakh wise expenditure details or completion status for broader infrastructure categories such as classrooms, laboratories, libraries, drinking water and sanitation facilities. While Annexure 5 contained national level data, a separate district wise progress table was furnished only for Warangal district in Telangana. The ministry also reiterated that education falls under the Concurrent List of the Constitution and that government schools are primarily administered by State Governments and their respective agencies.
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J&K loses 4,386 govt schools in five years
Srinagar, Jul 27: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a sharp decline in the number of government schools over the past fiveyears, with officialdata tabled in the Lok Sabharevealingthat 4,386 schoolshaveceased to exist during the period. According to information furnished by the Ministry of Education in response to an unstarred question in the Lok Sabha, the number of government schools in the Union Territory fell from 23,173 in 202122 to 18,787 in 202526. The figure remained almost unchanged at 18,785 during 202223, 202324 and 202425, before registering a marginal increase of two schools in the current academic year. Responding to the query, Minister of State for Education Jayant Chaudhary reiterated that education is a subject under the Concurrent List of the Constitution, and decisions regarding the opening, merger or closure of schools lie with the respective state governments and Union Territory administrations. The minister said the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 permits the consolidation of schools only when undertaken judiciously and without compromising students access to neighbourhood schools. He added that the policy encourages the formation of school complexes or clusters to enhance governance, optimise the use of resources and improve institutional management while safeguarding access to education. The Ministry also informed Parliament that the number of government schools across the countryhasdeclined from 10,22,386 in 202122 to 10,05,245 in 202526, based on data submitted by states and Union Territories through the Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE+). The Centre further said that it continues to extend financial assistance to states and Union Territories under the Samagra Shiksha scheme for strengthening school infrastructure, constructing classrooms, providing transport facilities, distributing free textbooks and uniforms, and supporting enrolment and student retention initiatives. However, the Ministry maintained that policy decisions concerning school mergers and closures, as well as teacher recruitment and deployment, remain the exclusive responsibility of the respective state governments and Union Territory administrations.
LG chairs Governing Board meet of Gandhi Memorial College
Srinagar, Jul 27: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday chaired the introductory meeting of the newly constituted Governing Board of Gandhi Memorial College Srinagar at Lok Bhavan, discussing various matters of academic and administrative importance to further improve the overall functioning of the College. The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary Higher Education Ram Niwas Sharma, Commissioner Secretary Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Achal Sethi, Director Colleges Prof (Dr) S. Ajaz Bashir, Hindu Education Society Kashmir President Prof B. L. Zutshi, members Prof Ashok Aima, Prof Veena Pandita, Prof Verinder Rawal, V.K. Raina, M. K. Jalali, Dean Academic Affairs University of Kashmir Prof Shariefuddin Pirzada, Dean College Development Council University of Kashmir Prof (Dr) Aneesa Shafi, Principal Gandhi Memorial College Prof Masood Ahmad Malik, and other senior officials. The Lieutenant Governor directed for laying out a comprehensive policy aimed at streamlining the administrative and operational framework across the institution. The Board also held detailed deliberations on adoption of the Rules of Business of the Governing Board, Grant-in-Aid to G.M. College of Education, Bantalab, Jammu, streamlining the recruitment process, pensionary benefits for existing staff and retired employees w.e.f. 2002, augmentation of campus infrastructure, revision of existing curriculum, and the introduction of new courses aligned with the National Education Policy (NEP).
CM Omar assures govt support to Kashmir's cricket bat industry
Sangam (Anantnag), Jul 27: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday assured Kashmir's cricket bat manufacturing industry of the government's support, saying the concerns raised by manufacturers over raw material, power supply, worker safety and infrastructure would be addressed. The Chief Minister visited the Hallamulla Industrial Estate in Sangam, where he met members of the Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association. He was accompanied by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, who holds the Industries and Labour portfolio, Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology and Environment Javed Ahmed Rana, and local MLA Dr Bashir Ahmad Veeri. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Abdullah said the Association's biggest concern was ensuring an uninterrupted supply of raw material. The biggest issue for the Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association has beenthatthe supply of raw materialshould continue.Following a court order concerning Wular Lake, willow trees were felled there, but fresh willow plantations cannot be taken up. To ensure the industry does not face a shortage of raw material in the future, some decisions have been taken today, he said. The CM said the manufacturers had alsosoughtassured power supplytothe industrial estate.They had raised the issue of assured power supply, and we have found a solution to that as well, he said. On workers' welfare, Abdullah said the Association had demanded a first-aid centre as injured workers currently have to be taken to Bijbehara for treatment.They have demanded that the department establish a first-aid centre here so that workers receive immediate treatment. We will act on all these issues, he said. Referring to the Common Facility Centre established around 2004-05, the Chief Minister said it had remained largely unused over the years. I have asked the members of the Cricket Bat Manufacturers Association and the local MLA to discuss whether they still require a Common Facility Centre and what form it should take, and then inform the department so that further steps can be taken, he said. Earlier, during the interaction, members of the Association raised issues related to sustainable willowplantation and the availability of raw material,uninterrupted power supply, medical facilities for workers, a permanent Fire and Emergency Services unit, and measures to check the illegal movement of willow clefts. Later, speaking to reporters on political issues, CM Abdullah said he had not seen remarks attributed to the Leader of theOpposition onthe restoration of statehood. He gives ten statements a day. I don't have that much time to respond to every statement. Statehood will not be restored after asking him. The decision has to be taken by the Prime Minister and the Home Minister, he said, adding that the National Conference would continue its efforts for the restoration of statehood. Asked about the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026, Abdullah said the proposed legislation would first be debated in Parliament, and his party would decide its stand once it came up for consideration. On the proposed Business Rules for Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Minister said the government had revised the draft after incorporating changes suggested by the Centre and had shared it informally with Raj Bhavan. If no response was received within a week or ten days, the draft would be sent back to the Centre, he said. Responding to PDP leader Waheed Para's criticism, Abdullah said Mehbooba Mufti should apologise for her remarks at Jantar Mantar instead of claiming the video was AI-generated. He said if she did not apologise herself, Waheed Para should apologise on her behalf.
Ethical Tourism Conclave : Eco-friendly tourism must become mass movement: LG Sinha
Srinagar, Jul 27: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday called for developing a tourism model that is responsible, sustainable, andinclusive. Tourism must empower boatmen, pony owners, artisans, homestay families, and local youth, he said, addressing the Ethical Tourism Conclave organised by the Tourist Trade Interest Guild, J&K. In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor extended heartfelt congratulations to the organisers for the conclave, which he described as a significant step in redefining tourism as a moral responsibility for tourism stakeholders. He said the theme Responsible Today, Sustainable Tomorrow, Beneficial for All reflects the collective duty of society to safeguard natural and cultural heritage for future generations. The Lieutenant Governor highlighted the remarkable progress achieved in the tourism sector. Tourist arrivals have reached record levels, confidence among domestic and international travellers has been restored, investments have increased, and employment opportunities have expanded. However, the true success lies not in numbers alone but in ensuring that prosperity reaches local communities and contributes to social inclusion, he said. He said that Responsible Tourism must ensure that every visitor departs with cherished memories while natural resources thrive, calling for heightened sensitivity towards forests, lakes, and rivers, and reiterating that development must proceed in balance with conservation. Sinha said that boatmen of Dal Lake, pony owners serving mountain trails, artisans engaged in crafts such as pashmina and papier-mch, and families running homestays in Gurez and Bangus must be equal stakeholders in the tourism journey. Profits should not remain confined to large enterprises. Tourism must provide dignified incomes, training, and opportunities to all stakeholders to ensure sustainability. Together, let us ensure that prosperity reachesthe last village, the last family, and the last citizen in the queue, he said. The LG observed that sustainable tourism is an approach where nature and progress are partners, urging that infrastructure such as roads, hotels, and facilities must be developed with zero ecological impact. He called for eco-friendly tourism to become a mass movement, encouraging tourists and stakeholders to adopt practices such as avoiding single-use plastics, proper waste management, prudent use of water and energy, and respect for wildlife. The Lieutenant Governor urged all stakeholders to translate discussions at the conclave into concrete action plans with clear goals, timelines, and evaluation mechanisms. He proposed certification standards for eco-friendly homestays and hotels to encourage healthy competition, comprehensive training programmes for youth to become protectors of nature and guardians of culture, and use of digital platforms to connect tourists directly with local communities. If local communities and youth combine innovation with sensitivity, link technology with culture, and development with environmental conservation, then I am confident that Jammu Kashmir can emerge as a model of sustainable tourism for the entire nation, the Lieutenant Governor said. The conclave was attended by Tourist Trade Interest Guild Chairman Zahoor Ahmed Karnai, University of Kashmir Vice Chancellor Prof. Nilofer Khan, IUST Vice Chancellor Prof Shakil Ahmad Romshoo, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, DIG CKR Rajiv Pandey, SSP Srinagar Dr G.V. Sundeep Chakravarthy, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Akshay Labroo, industry leaders, heads of various business organisations, members of Tourist Trade Interest Guild, and prominent citizens.
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Chinar Book Festival must seed a year-round reading culture
The third edition of the Chinar Book Festival at SKICC has ended with impressive numbers and evocative images: thousands of visitors thronging the venue every day, over 200 publishers, more than 800 authors and artists, an overflow of students, families and readers. In the span of nine days, Srinagar briefly resembled a bustling literary capital, reminding us that despite digital distractions and shrinking attention spans, the written word still has the power to draw crowds in Kashmir. Organised by the National Book Trust in collaboration with the district administration and the National Council for Promotion of Urdu Language, the festival has clearly outgrown the tag of a niche event. The daily footfall crossing one lakh on weekends is not just a statistic; it is a quiet rebuttal to the narrative that young Kashmiris are indifferent to books. From schoolchildren clutching their first purchases to college students browsing world literature, the festival foregrounded a hunger for ideas and stories that formal classrooms often fail to satisfy. The diversity of programming this year was also noteworthy. The release of bilingual Gojri titles and new novels under the Rajtarangini Samvad initiative, alongside the Urdu translation of Jammu Kashmir & Ladakh Through the Ages , signalled a conscious effort to root reading in local histories and languages. Interactive sessions with astronaut Shubhanshu Shukla, actor Rakesh Bedi and filmmaker Imtiaz Ali stretched the festivals canvas beyond conventional book talks, connecting literature with science, cinema and storytelling as lived practice. Equally significant were the spaces created for children and for Kashmiri women. The Childrens Corner, with its storytelling, puppet shows, calligraphy and craft workshops, hinted at how reading can become an experience rather than a chore. Sessions highlighting womens contributions across fields challenged the persistent invisibility of female voices in our public narratives. Cultural eveningsRouf, folk theatre, Sufiyana music, Mushairasreminded visitors that books do not exist in isolation from oral traditions and performance. Yet the real test of the Chinar Book Festival will begin now that the stalls are dismantled and the lights dimmed. If the event is to be more than an annual spectacle, the institutions behind it must use this momentum to strengthen school and college libraries, support local authors and translators, and take books to districts and villages that cannot come to SKICC. The festivals theme, Together We Read, Together We Lead, demands follow-through in the form of reading clubs, mobile libraries, author visits and sustained engagement with students. NEP 2020 rightly speaks of promoting reading beyond classrooms, and NBT officials have hailed the festival as a brand ambassador of Kashmirs literary heritage and literary tourism. For that promise to be realised, policy vision must meet local ownership. If district administrations, universities, civil society groups and publishers collaborate, the Chinar Book Festival can become not just a nine-day fair but the anchor of a living reading culture in the Valley. That would be the true measure of its success.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinhas address at the Ethical Tourism Conclave in Srinagar yesterday comes at a moment when Jammu and Kashmirs tourism story is increasingly being told through superlativesrecord arrivals, restored confidence, rising investments. These accomplishments are not insignificant. They reflect a measure of political stability, improved connectivity, and renewed global curiosity about a region long projected only through the lens of conflict. Yet, as the LG himself underlined, tourism measured merely in numbers risks becoming a hollow success. The theme of the conclaveResponsible Today, Sustainable Tomorrow, Beneficial for Allrightly shifts the conversation from counting footfalls to asking who gains, who pays, and what endures. For decades, Kashmir has been described as heaven on earth for its rare harmony of nature and culture. That very harmony is now under strain from unplanned construction, choked lakes, degraded mountain trails, and a fragile ecology groaning under seasonal surges of visitors. The LGs insistence that tourism be treated as a moral responsibility is therefore not just a rhetorical flourish; it is an overdue admission that the existing model is lopsided. If forests, lakes, and rivers are sacrificed at the altar of short-term revenue, the region will be left poorer in every sense. Responsible tourism cannot coexist with untreated waste flowing into Dal and Wular, plastic-strewn meadows, or hotels rising in violation of basic environmental norms. Equally important is the question of who participates in and profits from this growth. The LGs explicit mention of boatmen of Dal Lake, pony owners on mountain trails, artisans of pashmina and papier-mch, and homestay families in Gurez and Bangus points to a long-standing distortion: the benefits of tourism have too often been captured by a narrow circle of big operators, while those who give Kashmir its character remain on the margins. A genuinely inclusive tourism model must guarantee fair wages, social security, skills training, and direct market linkages for these communities. The call for eco-certification of hotels and homestays, mass campaigns against single-use plastics, and promotion of energy and water prudence are welcome, but they must not remain confined to conclave speeches and policy drafts. What is required is a time-bound roadmap with clear regulatory standards, independent monitoring, and strict penalties for violatorspublic or private. At the same time, communities need to be empowered as co-guardians of heritage through education, incentives, and digital tools that connect tourists directly with local experiences. If Jammu and Kashmir is to emerge as a model of sustainable tourism, as the LG envisions, the test will lie not in the next seasons visitor count but in whether the last village, the last artisan, and the last stretch of wetland are better off five years from now. Only then will tourism truly become a celebration of this land, rather than a slow erosion of the paradise it is famed to be.
Way to Ambulances, Way to Life
Every day, thousands of vehicles travel on our roads with different destinations, different priorities, and different stories. Some are heading to work, some to school, others to markets or family gatherings. Amidst this daily movement, there is one vehicle that carries a mission unlike any otherthe ambulance. It does not carry passengers; it carries hope. It does not race against traffic; it races against time. Every second saved may mean the difference between life and death. As drivers, we often speak about our rights on the road, but we rarely reflect on our responsibilities. One of our greatest responsibilities is to immediately give way to an ambulance. It is not merely a legal obligation; it is a moral duty, a humanitarian act, and an expression of our collective compassion. Imagine for a moment that the patient inside the ambulance is your own father struggling to breathe, your mother suffering a stroke, your spouse injured in an accident, or your child requiring urgent medical care. In that moment, you would pray that every driver ahead would move aside without hesitation. The same consideration must be extended to every ambulance we encounter because every patient is someone's loved one. Giving way to an ambulance is perhaps one of the easiest acts of kindness a driver can perform. It costs nothing except a few seconds of patience, yet those few seconds may save an entire lifetime for another family. The driver who calmly moves aside may never know whose life was saved, but that silent act becomes one of the noblest contributions to humanity. Unfortunately, an unhealthy practice has become increasingly common on many roads. Whenever responsible drivers create a clear path for an ambulance, several other vehicles immediately take advantage of the open space and begin following closely behind it. Instead of respecting the emergency corridor, they use it as a shortcut to escape traffic congestion and reach their destination more quickly. This behaviour is not only irresponsible but also dangerous. The clear path created ahead of an ambulance is reserved exclusively for emergency medical transport. When other vehicles start chasing the ambulance, they occupy the very space that emergency responders may need for sudden lane changes, braking, or manoeuvring through intersections. Such vehicles increase the risk of collisions, create confusion among other road users, and may even delay the ambulance itself. An ambulance driver operates under immense pressure. Every decision is taken while balancing speed with safety. Unexpected vehicles tailgating the ambulance make this already difficult task even more hazardous. Instead of assisting the emergency response, such drivers become an obstacle to it. Traffic discipline is not tested when roads are empty; it is tested when patience is required. A responsible driver understands that reaching a destination a few minutes earlier is never more important than another person's chance to live. Roads are shared spaces where individual convenience must never outweigh human life. In recent years, our country has made remarkable progress in strengthening emergency healthcare services. Ambulance networks have expanded, trauma care has improved, and emergency medical teams work tirelessly around the clock. However, even the most advanced ambulance, the most experienced doctor, or the most skilled paramedic cannot overcome unnecessary delays caused by careless driving. The chain of survival begins long before the patient reaches the hospitalit begins with every driver making the right decision on the road. Road safety is not solely the responsibility of traffic police or transport authorities. It is a shared responsibility. Every person behind the steering wheel contributes either to a safer road or a more dangerous one. The true character of a driver is revealed not by how fast they can drive but by how responsibly they behave when someone else's life depends on their actions. Parents should teach their children from an early age about the importance of respecting emergency vehicles. Driving schools should continue emphasizing this principle as an essential part of driver education. Public awareness campaigns can reinforce the simple but powerful message that an ambulance deserves an immediate and unobstructed passage. Such awareness gradually transforms road culture and creates habits that save lives. Technology and infrastructure may continue to improve, but human behaviour remains the most decisive factor. A disciplined society is recognised not merely by modern highways or expensive vehicles but by the respect its citizens show towards life itself. The next time you hear the distant sound of an ambulance siren, do not see it as an interruption to your journey. See it as an appeal from a family hoping for another chance. Slow down safely, indicate your intentions, move aside whenever possible, and allow the ambulance to pass without obstruction. Once it has gone, continue your journey patiently instead of following behind it. Those few extra moments of waiting are insignificant compared with the priceless value of the life being carried inside. Our roads should become corridors of compassion rather than corridors of competition. Every driver has the power to become an unseen hero simply by making space for an ambulance. Heroism is not always found in hospitals or operating theatres; sometimes it begins with a simple turn of the steering wheel. Let us pledge to build a culture where ambulances never struggle to find a way through traffic, where emergency corridors are respected by everyone, and where no driver exploits another person's medical emergency for personal convenience. Because when we give way to an ambulance, we are not merely giving way to a vehiclewe are giving way to life. (The author is a Library Futurist and a writer from Kulgam. Email: waniishfaq0001@gmail.com )
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Beyond Borders: Inspiring a New Generation Through Jammu & Kashmir's Agricultural Exports
Every spring, the orchards of Kashmir produce fruits and crops that are cherished across India and beyond. From crisp apples and succulent cherries to the world's finest saffron, walnuts, almonds, and honey, the region possesses an agricultural legacy that few places can rival. However, despite consumers seeking authentic and premium products from Kashmir, youngsters in the Himalayan valley are slowly turning away from agriculture in search of opportunities elsewhere. There remains a critical question: how do we transform agriculture into a field of ambition, innovation, and global opportunity? Beyond connecting our farms with international markets, we must connect our growers with global consumers and inspire our youth with a vision of agriculture as modern, entrepreneurial, and internationally competitive. Changing the Narrative Earlier agriculture was often associated with uncertainty and modest returns. Today it is supported by technology, quality certification, branding, food processing, logistics and digital commerce. The process has changed entirely. Success is no longer measured only as quantity of the harvest but the value created throughout the supply chain. A premium carton of Kashmir produce displayed on a supermarket shelf in an international marketplace represents that. It embodies scientific cultivation, careful post-harvest management, world-class packaging, international quality standards and the confidence to compete on a global market. Agriculture todays is beyond farming; it is entrepreneurship with global reach. Exports as a Catalyst for Rural Prosperity Agricultural exports should be seen beyond mere creating opportunities. As it strengthens an entire ecosystem of growers along with Farmer Producer Organisations, packhouses, transporters, laboratories, logistics providers, exporters. Considering that horticulture is the backbone of Jammu & Kashmirs economy. Exports represent not merely commercial success but sustainable rural transformation. For many years, the Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA) has been steadily strengthening the agricultural export ecosystem by opening doors to global markets. APEDA has been ensuring that Indian agricultural products meet the highest international standards, it helps farmers from developing export infrastructure and quality assurance systems to promoting traceability, branding, buyer engagement and market access across the Gulf, Europe, Southeast Asia and beyond. From Kashmir's Orchards to the World's Tables Among other achievements, the export of premium Areko Cherries and Scentrose Plums from Shopian and Pulwama to Singapore by APEDA has been transformative. Building upon earlier promotional consignments to the United Arab Emirates, these exports demonstrate that Kashmir's temperate fruits possess the quality, consistency and distinctiveness demanded by discerning international consumers. Supported by APEDA's interventions in quality assurance, traceability, export facilitation and market development, these partnerships have strengthened international confidence in Jammu & Kashmirs produce. Today, the region's global footprint extends well beyond cherries and plums. GI-certified Kashmir Saffron is reaching Middle Eastern markets; premium apples and black carrots are finding buyers in Saudi Arabia; snow peas have entered the United Kingdom; and the celebrated GI-tagged Mushqbudji rice is being promoted in Japan. Alongside these, walnuts, almonds, Bhaderwah Rajmash, Sulai Honey and several other niche products continue to expand their presence in international markets. Building an Export Ecosystem Sustaining this momentum requires much more than market access. It demands world-class infrastructure. To strengthen these foundations, APEDA has supported the establishment of the Regional Cum Referral Quality Assessment (RCRQA) Laboratory at SKUAST-Kashmir, significantly enhancing the region's capacity for internationally compliant testing and certification. Through export awareness programmes, buyer-seller meets, stakeholder consultations and capacity-building initiatives. Beyond the Apple Economy While apples will always remain the backbone of our horticultural economy, our future cannot rest on a single crop alone. Overdependence on apples limits our ability to fully realise the region's potential. Kashmir can cultivate a remarkable range of premium products. The need is to embrace diversity and expand our export basket. Reimagining Agriculture for the Next Generation Young people should consider agriculture not as a profession inherited by circumstance, but as a sector driven by innovation and entrepreneurship. When a young entrepreneur witnesses locally grown cherries commanding premium prices in Singapore or saffron reaching discerning consumers across the Middle East, agriculture acquires a new identity. The future therefore belongs to agri-entrepreneurs and innovators who will redefine the sector for generations to come. APEDA is helping create an ecosystem where agriculture offers not merely livelihoods, but leadership, prosperity and purpose. Future Ahead Jammu & Kashmir possesses all the ingredients to emerge as one of India's leading exporters of premium agricultural produce. The responsibility is to continue investing in building infrastructure. Our story of agricultural exports goes beyond yearly harvests. It will be defined by our vision for the future, an innovation-driven mindset and creating avenues for new opportunities. Because I strongly believe the future will be shaped not only in our orchards; it will be shaped by bright young minds who will believe that the world's markets can begin in the fields of Jammu & Kashmir. (The Author is Regional Head, Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA), Jammu & Kashmir. Courtesy: PIB)
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