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44,551 cases pending in J&K and Ladakh HC
Srinagar, Aug 07: A total of 44,551 cases are pending before the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, while 3,65,191 cases are pending in the subordinate courts of Jammu & Kashmir and 1,748 cases in the subordinate courts of the Union Territory of Ladakh, according to data tabled in Parliament by the Union Government. Replying to a question raised by Members of Parliament Sanjay Haribhau Jadhav and Sanjay Uttamrao Deshmukh, Minister of State for Law and Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal informed the Lok Sabha that 44,551 cases were pending before the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh as on July 28, 2026. The data showed that pendency in the High Court stood at 47,371 cases in 2021, 43,575 in 2022, 42,934 in 2023, 43,296 in 2024, 43,039 in 2025, and 44,551 cases as on July 28, 2026. According to the reply, the number of pending cases in the subordinate courts of Jammu & Kashmir has increased steadily over the years. The pendency rose from 2,16,245 cases in 2021 to 2,72,543 in 2022, 3,10,486 in 2023, 3,11,925 in 2024, 3,45,785 in 2025, and 3,65,191 cases as on July 28, 2026. For the Union Territory of Ladakh, the subordinate courts had 1,244 pending cases in 2023, which increased to 1,407 in 2024, 1,583 in 2025, and 1,748 cases as on July 28, 2026. The minister also informed Parliament that, at the national level, 92,755 cases were pending before the Supreme Court of India, 64,67,391 cases were pending across the country's 26 High Courts, and 4,99,16,653 cases were pending in subordinate courts as on July 28, 2026. Meghwal said the disposal of cases lies within the domain of the judiciary and depends on several factors, including the availability of judges and judicial officers, adequate supporting staff and court infrastructure, the complexity of cases, the nature of evidence, and the cooperation of stakeholders such as the Bar, investigating agencies, witnesses, and litigants. He said the government remains committed to reducing pendency and ensuring the speedy disposal of cases through a series of initiatives. These include the implementation of the e-Courts Mission Mode Project to enhance access to justice and transparency, strengthening court infrastructure, policy and legislative measures to curb excessive litigation, implementation of the new criminal laws, establishment of Fast Track Special Courts, promotion of Alternate Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms, and focused development of judicial human resources to improve the justice delivery system.
BJP suspends 9 workers over berating slogans during August 5 rally in Kashmir
J&K loses 9.51% of apple produce to post-harvest losses
Table: Post-harvest losses in J&K vs national range Commodity J&K loss (%) National range for category (%) Apple 9.51 Fruits: 6.02-15.05 Egg 6.08 Egg (all-India): 6.03 Maize 3.92 Cereals: 3.89-5.92 Source: NABCONS Study, 2022, as tabled by the Ministry of Food Processing Industries in reply to Lok Sabha Srinagar, Aug 07: Jammu and Kashmir loses an estimated 9.51 per cent of its apple production to post-harvest losses, according to a government-commissioned study tabled in the Lok Sabha by the Union Ministry of Food Processing Industries. The ministry said the Centre is implementing several schemes to improve cold-chain infrastructure, storage and processing facilities to reduce post-harvest losses. The data was given in response to an unstarred question by MP Jai Prakash on the assessment of post-harvest losses of cereals, pulses, fruits and vegetables. Union Minister Chirag Paswan gave the reply, citing the most recent of two studies commissioned by the ministry, conducted by NABARD Consultancy Services (NABCONS) in 2022, with reference years 2020-22. An earlier study by ICAR-CIPHET had been conducted in 2015 with reference years 2012-14. J&K's apple loss figure of 9.51 per cent sits close to Himachal Pradesh's 9.2 per cent, the only other major apple-growing state listed in the study, suggesting similar post-harvest handling challenges across Himalayan fruit-growing belts. Nationally, post-harvest losses for fruits ranged widely from 6.02 to 15.05 per cent depending on the commodity, with items like guava recording losses as high as 17.08 per cent in some agro-climatic zones and tomato exceeding 12 per cent in others, pointing to particularly acute post-harvest losses in perishable, high-moisture produce. J&K's egg loss of 6.08 per cent was marginally higher than the all-India egg loss figure of 6.03 per cent cited in the study, while its maize loss of 3.92 per cent fell at the lower end of the national cereals range of 3.89 to 5.92 per cent, suggesting comparatively better post-harvest handling for that crop. The reply noted that the NABCONS study, while providing commodity-wise and state-wise post-harvest loss estimates based on field surveys in major producing states, did not include an assessment of the impact of these losses on farmers' incomes. What Centre says it's doing On strengthening storage and cold-chain infrastructure, the ministry pointed to three ongoing schemes. The Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana (PMKSY), running since 2017-18, supports integrated cold-chain and value-addition infrastructure, creation and expansion of food processing and preservation capacities, and agro-processing clusters, though two of its components, Mega Food Parks and Backward and Forward Linkages, were discontinued from April 1, 2021. The Pradhan Mantri Formalisation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) Scheme provides financial, technical and business support for setting up or upgrading micro food processingunits, whilethe Production Linked Incentive Scheme for Food Processing Industries (PLISFPI), running from 2021-22 to 2026-27 with an outlay of Rs 10,900 crore,is aimedat building globally competitive Indian food manufacturing brands.
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Power outages in J&K remain below 1% in 2026
Srinagar, Aug 07: Despite the rising electricity demand, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a power supply gap of less than one per cent during the first six months of 2026. The Ministry of Powerhas saidthe country has largely overcome power shortages through substantial capacity addition and grid strengthening measures. According to the data compiled by the Ministry of Power, the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh met almost their entire electricity requirement between January 2026 and June 2026, with unmet demand ranging from 0.1 per cent to 0.9 per cent. The data shows that in January, J&K and Ladakh required 1,966 million units (MU) of electricity, of which 1,961 MU was supplied, leaving a shortfall of just 0.3 per cent. The supply gap stood at 0.1 per cent in February, 0.2 per cent in March, 0.3 per cent in April, 0.7 per cent in May and 0.9 per cent in June, the highest during the six-month period. According to the details, India currently has an installed power generation capacity of 548.86 GW and has added 324.7 GW since April 2014, transforming the country from being power-deficit to power-sufficient. It reveals that despite a 12 per cent increase in peak electricity demand during April-June 2026 due to El Nio conditions, the all-time high national peak demand of 270.8 GW was successfully met in May and again in July this year. The ministry also outlined measures being taken to strengthen the country's power infrastructure in view of increasing heat waves linked to climate change. These include expansion of thermal, hydro, nuclear and renewable generation capacity, addition of battery and pumped storage projects, strengthening of transmissioninfrastructureand implementation of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) to improve reliability and quality of electricity supply. It has also been revealed that the average daily power supply in ruralareas has improved from 12.5 hours in 2013-14 to 22.6 hours in 2025-26, while urban supply hasincreased from 22.1 hours to 23.4 hours during the same period.
New 12-point reform plan for safer, better J&K roads
Srinagar, Aug 07: In a significant pushtowards improvingroad safety andmodernisingtransport management, the Motor Vehicles Department has prepared a comprehensive 12-point technical reform agenda for Jammu & Kashmir that advocates upgrading the nationalhighway, road safety audits and thecomplete mobility plan for Srinagar. The technical report, prepared by the ARTO (Flying Squad)-UT and submitted to the Transport Commissioner J&K, recommends a series of engineering, technological and regulatory interventions aimed at reducing road accidents, improving traffic flow and strengthening transport governance across the Union Territory. At the top of the recommendations is the need for immediate infrastructure improvementalong theNational Highway-44 (NH-44), the only all-weather road link connecting Kashmir with the rest of the country. The report, accessed by Rising Kashmir, states that addressing engineering deficiencies, improving road geometry, strengthening safety features and removing hazardous stretches are crucial for preventing accidents and ensuring smoothermovement of traffic. It recommends integrating the Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS) with the VAHAN and SARATHI digital platforms. According to the report, such integration would enable real-time verification of vehicle and driver records, facilitate automated enforcement of traffic violations and improve overall regulatory compliance. Emphasising the importance of scientific interventions, the document seeks detailed road safety audits at Lakhanpur, Samba, Ramban, Rajouri, Baramulla andAnantnag,areas that witness heavy traffic movement and where engineering improvements could significantly reduce accident risks. Recognising the mounting traffic pressure in the summer capital, the report proposes the preparation of a Comprehensive Mobility Plan for Srinagar to ensure sustainable urban transport, better public transport integration, improved parking management and long-term traffic planning. The Flying Squad has also expressed concern over the increasing presence of unfit vehicles on roads, calling for stricter inspections and timely removal of vehicles that fail to meet prescribed fitness standards. It further recommends action against the undue halting of vehicles on roads, saying the practice creates bottlenecks, disrupts traffic flow and increases the likelihood of collisions. To ease congestion in Srinagar, redesigning key intersections at Hyderpora, Bemina and Soura based on scientific traffic studies and modern engineering principles is the need of the hour, the report states. Acknowledging the unique challenges posed by Jammu and Kashmir's mountainous terrain, the report highlights the need to strengthen hill driving safety through specialised driver training, improved road engineering, better signage, crash barriers and enhanced awareness campaigns. The report also reviews the present status of the Intelligent Traffic Management System in Srinagar, observing that while the system has improved traffic monitoring, there remains considerable scope for expanding surveillance coverage, strengthening enforcement and enhancing operational efficiency. Among the enforcement-related recommendations, the report advocates comprehensive vehicle checking drives across all districts and calls for the suspension of Registration Certificates (RCs) and Fitness Certificates (FCs) in cases involving serious or repeated violations. The technical reports further recommend periodic audits of transport aggregators to ensure regulatory compliance and suggest stricter scrutiny of vehicle dealers, making valid trade certificates and authorisations mandatory before undertaking commercial operations. According to the technical reports prepared by the ARTO (Flying Squad)-UT, the recommendations are designed to create a safer, smarter and technology-driven transport ecosystem in Jammu and Kashmir by combining infrastructure upgrades, intelligent traffic management, scientific planning and stricter enforcement. Officials believe the proposed measures, if implemented in a time-bound manner, could significantly reduce road accidents, improve commuter safety and bring greater efficiency and accountability to the transport sector across the Union Territory.
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AI must deliver better outcomes: Omar
Jammu, Aug 07: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said Artificial Intelligence must ultimately translate into better outcomes for people. The CM launched the J&K Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence (AI CoE) at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Jammu and dedicated Project Phoenix, an AI-enabled digital commerce platform at IIT Jammu. The initiatives are aimed at promoting technology-driven governance, fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, and expanding economic opportunities through the adoption of emerging technologies and enhanced digital market access. Addressing faculty, students, entrepreneurs, artisans and officials, the Chief Minister said Artificial Intelligence should be harnessed to improve governance and deliver tangible benefits to citizens. The Centre of Excellence will help us build more efficient, responsive and citizen-centric governance, while Project Phoenix will create new opportunities for artisans, self-help groups, startups and MSMEs to access wider markets, he said. Highlighting the practical applications of AI, the Chief Minister said the technology should be deployed in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, education and disaster management to bridge the urban-rural divide and improve public service delivery. Referring to recent cloudbursts in Rajouri and Poonch, he stressed the need for AI-enabled early warning systems capable of identifying localised risks and saving lives through timely alerts. He also said AI could assist farmers and horticulturists by providing timely information on crop diseases, treatment and scientific use of agrochemicals. The Chief Minister said Project Phoenix would complement the governments flagship Mission YUVA initiative by strengthening market access, mentorship and incubation support for startups and local enterprises. He called for close collaboration between the Government and IIT Jammu to build a vibrant innovation ecosystem capable of generating employment and attracting investment. The J&K Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence, established at IIT Jammu with the support of the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, and the Information Technology Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, will serve as a hub for AI research, solution development, benchmarking, technology evaluation and deployment support. The Centre will work with government departments, academia, startups and industry partners to develop AI-enabled solutions for real-world challenges across sectors including governance, education, healthcare, agriculture, infrastructure and disaster management. Project Phoenix is designed to connect artisans, self-help groups, cooperatives, startups, brands and MSMEs from Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh with national and global markets through a digital commerce platform offering simplified onboarding, product discovery and market access. Earlier, Director IIT Jammu, Prof Manoj Singh Gaur, said that the institutes commitment to translating research into solutions with tangible societal impact and strengthening collaboration with the Government, industry and startups to build an innovation-led ecosystem for inclusive development. The event was attended by Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary, Information Technology Department Saurabh Bhagat, senior officers, faculty members, students, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.
NH-44 is lifeline of J&K: CM Omar
Udhampur, Aug 07: Emphasising that the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway is the lifeline of Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday directed the concerned agencies to expedite restoration works and take all necessary measures to ensure smooth, safe and uninterrupted movement of traffic. He laid particular emphasis on facilitating the movement of trucks carrying fruit and other agricultural produce, noting that any prolonged disruption on the highway adversely impacts growers, traders and the overall economy. The Chief Minister travelled by road from Jammu to Srinagar via National Highway-44 to personally assess the condition of the highway and review the restoration works being carried out following the recent spell of adverse weather that triggered landslides and disrupted traffic at several locations. During the journey, he was briefed by officials of the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the executing agencies on the progress of repair, restoration and stabilisation works being undertaken along the affected stretches of the highway. Abdullah was accompanied by Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister, Dheeraj Gupta, senior NHAI officials, Traffic Police officers and other concerned officers. The Chief Minister stressed the importance of coordinated efforts among the NHAI, executing agencies, Traffic Police and the district administration to minimise inconvenience to commuters and ensure effective traffic management during the ongoing restoration works. He instructed the officers to closely monitor vulnerable stretches, deploy adequate manpower and machinery wherever required, and complete the remaining works at the earliest while maintaining the highest safety standards. The Chief Ministers visit comes in the wake of the recent spell of heavy rainfall that triggered landslides, shooting stones and mudslides at multiple locations along the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway, leading to repeated closures of the arterial road over the past several days.
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5 driving licences, 15 RCs suspended in Budgam
Budgam, Aug 7: The Assistant Regional Transport Office (ARTO) Budgam on Friday recommended the suspension of five driving licences and 15 registration certificates (RCs) of commercial vehicles during a major enforcement drive aimed at ensuring compliance with the Motor Vehicles Act in central Kashmir's Budgam district. The drive was conducted on the directions of Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, along various routes leading to the tourist destination of Doodhpathri. The drive was conducted by ARTO Budgam Sheikh Manzoor Ahmad, the enforcement campaign focused on two-wheelers and commercial vehicles, with particular emphasis on vehicles operating without functional Speed Limiting Devices (SLDs) and other traffic violations. During the drive, the enforcement team issued 20 on-the-spot challans for various offences, with penalties amounting to an estimated Rs 65,000. The violations included riding without helmets, triple riding, and operating commercial vehicles without functional SLDs. Officials also recommended the suspension of five driving licences and 15 registration certificates of commercial vehicles found operating with tampered Speed Limiting Devices, citing serious violations of road safety regulations. As part of the inspection, the team also checked establishments dealing in new and second-hand vehicles to verify compliance with statutory provisions. Dealers were directed to ensure that all legal formalities are completed before the sale or transfer of vehicles. ARTO Budgam said such enforcement drives will continue across the district to strengthen road safety, curb traffic violations, and ensure strict adherence to transport laws.
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When learning is reduced to a market commodity, society pays the price
YAWAR NABI Education in Kashmir has long been spoken of as the ladder to dignity, empowerment and social mobility. For generations, families across the Valley have invested in schooling with the hope that their children would rise above hardship, think independently and contribute meaningfully to society. But somewhere along the way, this noble purpose has been steadily overtaken by a more troubling trend: the commercialization of education. What should have remained a public good has increasingly become a profit-driven enterprise, where fees rise faster than standards, and branding often matters more than learning. This shift is not unique to Kashmir, but its consequences here are especially serious. In a region already burdened by economic fragility, and unemployment the growing commercialization of education creates new barriers instead of removing old ones. It widens inequality, weakens merit, pressures families and turns education into a race for certificates rather than understanding. The result is an environment where access to quality learning depends less on talent and curiosity, and more on the ability to pay. Across the Valley, one can observe the steady growth of private schools, coaching centres and tuition-driven learning ecosystems that market themselves as the only route to success. In the absence of consistently strong public education, parents are often pushed into a costly compromise. They pay for school fees, transport, books, uniforms, annual charges, activity fees and then additional tuition on top of that. For many middle-class and lower-income households, this becomes a severe financial burden. Education, instead of being an equalizer, starts functioning as a pressure system that reproduces privilege. The deeper problem is not private participation in education by itself. Private initiative can play a useful role if regulated properly and aligned with public purpose. The problem begins when education is treated primarily as a business opportunity. In such a model, institutions are incentivized to expand marketing, charge more, and promise results rather than strengthen pedagogy. Parents are sold aspirations; students are sold rankings; teachers are often reduced to deliverables. The classroom becomes a marketplace, and learning becomes secondary to performance metrics. In Kashmir, this commercialization has also reshaped the culture of education. The pressure to excel in exams has intensified, while critical thinking, reading habits, creativity and emotional development receive far less attention. Many students are pushed into an endless cycle of tuition, test preparation and academic competition from an early age. This narrows the meaning of education. Instead of forming well-rounded individuals, the system often produces anxious students who know how to answer questions but not how to ask them. The consequences are visible in the widening gap between elite and ordinary learners. Children from affluent families can access better schools, more coaching, digital resources and personalized support. Those from poorer households, meanwhile, remain dependent on underfunded public institutions or low-cost private schools that may struggle with infrastructure and teaching quality. Over time, this creates an education hierarchy that mirrors social inequality. Those who already have advantages gain more, while those with fewer resources are told to work harder in a system tilted against them. Another troubling aspect is the commercialization of hope. In a society where education is seen as the main route to stability, institutions often exploit parental anxiety. Promises of guaranteed results, top ranks, and career success are used as sales tools. But real education cannot be guaranteed like a product. It requires patience, consistency, trained teachers and a supportive environment. When education is sold like a commodity, disappointment is inevitable, because the deeper responsibilities of teaching cannot be replaced by glossy advertisements and aggressive admissions campaigns. The coaching culture deserves special scrutiny. While supplementary learning has its place, the mushrooming of coaching centres across the Valley reflects a larger failure of the regular schooling system. If students need heavy dependence on tuition merely to keep pace with their syllabus, then the core system is clearly not functioning as it should. Coaching has become not an exception but an industry. And like any industry driven by competition, it thrives on fear, urgency and the belief that without extra payment, success is impossible. This is not healthy educational development; it is a market built on insecurity. At the heart of the issue lies the weakening of public education. No discussion on commercialization can be complete without acknowledging the responsibility of the state. When government schools lack adequate teachers, infrastructure, discipline and accountability, families naturally look elsewhere. That vacuum is then filled by private players. In that sense, commercialization is not merely the result of greed; it is also the result of neglect. If public education were strong, affordable and trustworthy, the market would not have such an easy opening. A serious response, therefore, must begin with revival and reform. Public schools must be improved in both quality and credibility. Teacher training should be prioritized, infrastructure upgraded, and classroom learning made more meaningful. The education department must move beyond paperwork and inspection rituals to real accountability. Private schools, meanwhile, must be regulated transparently so that fee structures, admission practices and academic standards are not left entirely to commercial discretion. Education cannot be left to the free market alone, because the market does not naturally protect equity. Parents too have a role, though theirs is often a difficult one. Many are under immense social pressure to choose the best school, even when the definition of best is shaped more by branding than substance. A society obsessed with labels eventually forgets values. We need to ask not only which institution sends students to top ranks, but which one teaches them to think, to question, to empathize and to grow with confidence. That is the larger purpose of education, and it should not be sacrificed at the altar of competition. The Valley needs an education system that serves society, not one that merely sells success. It needs institutions that nurture knowledge, not just performance. It needs classrooms that encourage understanding, not anxiety. And it needs a policy environment that treats education as an investment in the collective future, not as a lucrative business segment. If Kashmir is to move toward a more just and stable future, education must be rescued from excessive commercialisation. The classroom should not be a marketplace. It should be a place of discovery, discipline and hope. That is where the real battle lies. And that is where the future of the Valley will be decided. (The author is an educationist and a freelance writer)
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Corporate Social Responsibility
DR OWAIS ASLAM In todays corporate world, social responsibility is no longer a decorative phrase to be printed in annual reports or a public relations exercise rolled out during crises. It has become a serious expectation, one that reflects how businesses understand their place in society. Corporate social responsibility, or CSR, is about more than donating money or planting a few trees. It is about recognizing that profit and purpose are not enemies, and that a company operating in a community must also contribute to the well-being of that community. For a long time, business houses were judged almost entirely by their balance sheets. If profits were rising, the company was considered successful. But that narrow definition has changed. Today, people ask harder questions. How does a company treat its workers? Does it respect the environment? Does it invest in the society that helps sustain it? Does it act responsibly when it has the power to influence lives? These questions have pushed CSR from the margins to the center of public debate. The need for corporate social responsibility is especially visible in societies where public services remain under strain. In such places, private companies cannot afford to behave as isolated profit-making islands. They benefit from roads, electricity, labour, markets, and natural resources. In return, they owe something meaningful to the same social fabric that supports them. A business that uses community resources but refuses community responsibility is not truly contributing to development; it is only extracting value. CSR, when done properly, can fill important gaps. It can support education, healthcare, skill development, environmental protection, and livelihood generation. It can help build libraries in neglected schools, improve sanitation in underserved areas, support youth training, or provide relief in times of disaster. These are not minor acts. In many communities, they can change lives in practical and lasting ways. But such efforts matter only when they are sustained, transparent, and aligned with real needs rather than publicity goals. Unfortunately, CSR is still misunderstood by many businesses. Some treat it as a legal formality. Others see it as a one-off donation drive that satisfies annual requirements. Such an approach defeats the very spirit of the idea. Responsibility cannot be seasonal. It cannot begin only when a company has excess funds or when it wants to improve its image. It must be built into the companys culture, strategy, and decision-making. A truly responsible corporation does not ask what it can give only after making profits; it asks how it can operate in a way that creates value for everyone involved. There is also an ethical dimension to CSR that cannot be ignored. In an age of widening inequality, climate anxiety, and social fragmentation, corporations carry a greater burden than before. Their decisions affect not only shareholders but workers, consumers, local communities, and future generations. If a company pollutes the environment, underpays labour, ignores safety, or exploits vulnerable groups, no amount of charity can wash away that damage. Responsibility must therefore begin with conduct, not compensation. This is why CSR should not be reduced to cheque-writing. It should reflect fairness in hiring, honesty in business practices, environmental care, respect for human dignity, and long-term community engagement. A company that pays attention to these values will naturally be more trusted. And trust, in the modern economy, is one of the most valuable assets any institution can have. In fact, businesses that are socially responsible often discover that good ethics and good economics can go hand in hand. There is another important point: CSR works best when it is local, participatory, and responsive. Communities know their own needs better than corporate boards do. A meaningful CSR initiative should therefore involve consultation, collaboration, and continuity. It should not be imposed from above like a gift wrapped in corporate branding. Instead, it should emerge from a genuine understanding of local realities. That is what turns CSR from a photo opportunity into a development tool. For regions like ours, where unemployment, environmental pressure, and social needs remain pressing, responsible corporate engagement is especially important. Companies operating here should not limit themselves to extracting business opportunities. They should also help strengthen human capital, promote environmental stewardship, and support social resilience. If CSR is done with sincerity, it can bridge gaps that governments alone cannot always fill. Yet we must also be clear that CSR is not a substitute for the state. It should complement public responsibility, not replace it. Governments remain accountable for delivering basic services and ensuring justice. Corporations, however, have the capacity to support broader development and ease some of the burden through meaningful, targeted action. When both institutions do their part, society benefits. The real test of CSR lies not in speeches but in outcomes. Are lives improving? Are communities becoming stronger? Is the environment being protected? Are young people getting better opportunities? If the answer is yes, then CSR has moved beyond rhetoric. If not, it remains just another corporate slogan. In the end, corporate social responsibility is not charity dressed up in modern language. It is an acknowledgment that business exists within society, not above it. A company that grows while its surroundings decline is failing its moral duty. But a company that grows with its people, protects its environment, and invests in shared well-being earns something far more enduring than profit: legitimacy. That is the true promise of CSR, and it deserves to be taken seriously. (The author is a columnist and PhD scholar)
Rehabilitating Lives Through the SMILE Scheme
BEYOND ALMS RABIYA JAN Begging is often seen as a nuisance on roads and public places, but behind every outstretched hand lies a story of poverty, helplessness, disability, old age, mental illness, or social exclusion. In some cases, begging may be linked with difficult socio-economic conditions and limited access to social support systems. Therefore, begging is not merely a law-and-order issue but a social problem that demands compassion and rehabilitation rather than punishment. According to the 2011 Census, India has over 4.13 lakh persons engaged in begging. The issue poses not only economic and social challenges but also raises concerns about human trafficking, organized exploitation, and the vulnerability of children. Constitutional provisions such as Article 23 prohibit trafficking and forced labour, while Article 41 recognizes the States obligation to provide public assistance in cases of unemployment, old age, sickness, and disability. Further, Section 139 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 criminalizes the kidnapping or maiming of minors for the purpose of begging, highlighting the seriousness of child exploitation associated with the practice. Recognizing that criminalizing poverty cannot offer a lasting solution, the Government of India introduced the Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) Scheme. Under its component, Comprehensive Rehabilitation of Persons Engaged in the Act of Begging (SMILE-Beggary), the Government seeks to make India a Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat through identification, counselling, rescue, rehabilitation, skill development, and reintegration into mainstream society. Rather than viewing beggars as offenders, the scheme seeks to restore dignity and self-confidence to individuals trapped in cycles of deprivation. With this objective, the Srinagar administration has intensified the implementation of the Centre-sponsored SMILE Scheme and announced a complete ban on begging activities across the district. The initiative seeks not only to remove begging from public spaces but also to rehabilitate those engaged in it and reintegrate them into mainstream society. According to the district administration, more than 1,000 persons involved in begging have been rehabilitated over the past two years and accommodated in old-age homes, shelter homes, and juvenile care institutions. Children found begging are being provided counselling, educational support, and access to welfare schemes. Mobile publicity vans and awareness campaigns have also been launched to encourage citizens to cooperate with the administration and report instances of begging. However, rehabilitation cannot merely mean shifting people from the streets to shelter homes. True rehabilitation requires addressing the circumstances that force people into begging in the first place. Poverty, unemployment, disability, addiction, family breakdown, old age, homelessness, and mental illness are some of the major factors that compel individuals to seek alms. Therefore, rehabilitation must include not only temporary shelter and food, but also healthcare, psychological counselling, education, vocational training, employment opportunities, and social security measures. Children rescued from begging must be provided with access to education and a safe environment, while elderly and disabled persons require sustained care and financial support. Unless these underlying causes are addressed, the cycle of begging is likely to continue. Equally important is the role of society. Citizens must move beyond the culture of charity and support initiatives aimed at rehabilitation and social inclusion. Offering money on the streets may provide temporary relief, but long-term solutions lie in empowering vulnerable individuals through opportunities, care, and dignity. Government agencies, NGOs, religious institutions, and local communities must work together to ensure that those rescued from begging are not abandoned again to poverty and exclusion. Srinagars initiative under the SMILE Scheme marks a significant shift from charity to rehabilitation. The real success of the campaign will not be measured by the absence of beggars on the streets, but by the number of lives transformed through dignity, care, and opportunities for a better future. A truly Bhiksha Vritti Mukt Bharat will not be achieved by merely clearing public spaces, but by ensuring that every individual has the opportunity to live with dignity, security, self-reliance, and hope. ( The author is a research scholar at the University of Kashmir. rabiyamir119@gmail.com )
Stray dog threat grips Gund, Sonamarg
Ganderbal, Aug 7: The growing presence of stray dogs has become a major concern for residents across several areas of central Kashmirs Ganderbal district, with locals from Gund, Haknar, Rayil, Gagangir, Sonamarg Surfraw, Ganiwan and adjoining parts of Kangan in Central Kashmir's Ganderbal district saying they are facing inconvenience and fear, particularly during the morning and evening hours. Residents said packs of stray dogs are frequently seen roaming along roads, residential lanes and other public places, with many claiming that the animals often chase pedestrians. The situation has raised concerns among school-going children, elderly people and those who step out during early morning and evening hours for prayers. Locals said children are particularly vulnerable while walking to and from schools, while elderly residents often find it difficult to move freely because of the fear of being chased by stray dogs. People heading towards mosques during morning and evening prayers have also expressed apprehension over the situation. Abdul Gani, a local resident, said the presence of stray dogs has increased considerably in the area and people are now forced to remain alert while walking on roads. People, especially children and elderly persons, are scared when they see groups of stray dogs on the roads. They sometimes suddenly start chasing pedestrians, creating panic among people, he said. Mohd Sidiq, another resident, said the problem is not confined to one locality but is being witnessed across several areas along the Gund-Gagangir-Kangan belt. We see stray dogs roaming around Gund, Haknar, Rayil, Gagangir, Surfraw, Ganderbal, Sonamarg, Kangan and Ganiwan. During the morning and evening hours, the situation becomes more difficult as many people are out for work, school or prayers, he said. Hajra Begum, a local resident, said women, children and elderly people are particularly worried about the issue. Children are afraid to walk alone and elderly people also feel unsafe. We appeal to the concerned authorities to look into the matter before any unfortunate incident takes place, she said. Residents said the stray dog menace has also become a source of anxiety for families, particularly those with young children. They urged the concerned authorities to identify areas where stray dogs are frequently found and undertake sustained and humane measures to control their population. Locals maintained that a temporary response would not be sufficient and called for a proper mechanism involving regular monitoring, sterilisation and vaccination of stray dogs, along with measures to prevent their unchecked growth. Residents of the affected areas appealed to the administration and concerned civic authorities to take timely action and address the issue on priority, saying that ensuring safe movement of children, elderly people and other pedestrians should remain a key concern. They also urged authorities to pay particular attention to school routes, residential areas and roads leading to places of worship, where the movement of pedestrians increases during morning and evening hours.
Two Separate Political Identities: Why It Could Benefit Both Jammu and Kashmir
COLONEL AJAY K RAINA The demand for creating two political entities out of the present UT, i.e. a separate Jammu state/UT is often portrayed as a contest between two regions, as though the aspirations of Jammu can only be realised at the expense of Kashmir. This perception has obscured a more fundamental question: can the reorganisation of the present Union Territory create better governance, more balanced development and greater political stability for both regions? A careful examination suggests that it can. Across the world, administrative boundaries are periodically redrawn not because people become adversaries but because governance becomes more effective when institutions are aligned with regional aspirations, geographical realities and developmental priorities. India itself has repeatedly reorganised states on linguistic, cultural and administrative grounds. The creation of Uttarakhand, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand and Telangana did not weaken the Indian Union. Instead, it allowed governments to focus on the distinct needs of their respective populations. The proposal for a separate Jammu deserves to be viewed in this context. It is not about dividing people but about improving governance. More importantly, it offers significant benefits not only to the people of Jammu but also to the people of Kashmir. For decades, the politics of the erstwhile state revolved around a perpetual struggle over power-sharing between Jammu and Kashmir. Every issuebudget allocations, recruitment, infrastructure, tourism, education, healthcare and administrative appointmentswas viewed through the prism of regional competition. Whether these perceptions were entirely justified is less important than the fact that they became deeply entrenched in public consciousness. The result was a political discourse in which each region increasingly believed that the other's gain came at its own expense. A separate Jammu state would fundamentally alter this equation. Instead of competing within a single political framework for limited resources and influence, the two regions would govern themselves according to their own priorities while continuing to remain integral parts of the Indian Union. For Jammu, the advantages are evident. Its government would be accountable solely to the people of Jammu. Development priorities would naturally reflect the region's own requirements, whether that means expanding pilgrimage tourism, harnessing the hydroelectric potential of the Chenab River, improving infrastructure in the remote districts like Poonch, Rajouri, Kishtwar etc, promoting industry in Kathua and Samba, or strengthening agriculture in the plains. Administrative attention would no longer be divided between two regions with very different developmental needs. Less discussed, however, are the equally significant advantages for Kashmir. Successive governments in Srinagar have had to balance competing regional demands while simultaneously dealing with complex security and political challenges unique to the Valley. A separate Kashmir administration would no longer need to reconcile two distinct regional agendas within a single governmental framework. This would allow greater policy focus on issues specific to the Valley, including horticulture, tourism, urban development, environmental conservation, flood management and employment generation. Political debates within Kashmir would also become more internally focused. Instead of regional representation becoming a recurring issue, public discourse could increasingly revolve around governance, economic development, education, healthcare, entrepreneurship and environmental sustainability. In mature democracies, governments are judged less by whom they represent geographically and more by how effectively they deliver public services. Administrative separation creates the opportunity for precisely such a transition. The economic benefits are equally compelling. Jammu and Kashmir possess fundamentally different comparative advantages. Jammu's economy is anchored in pilgrimage tourism, agriculture, logistics, hydropower and emerging industry. Kashmir's strengths lie in horticulture, handicrafts, high-end tourism, floriculture and knowledge-based services. Under separate administrations, each government could formulate policies tailored to its own economic profile instead of pursuing one-size-fits-all approaches. Tourism illustrates this distinction particularly well. Jammu can position itself as India's premier spiritual and adventure tourism destination, while Kashmir can concentrate on luxury tourism, winter sports, eco-tourism and international branding. Rather than competing for budgetary allocations, both governments could independently invest in infrastructure, marketing and destination development while continuing to cooperate on integrated tourism circuits that benefit visitors travelling across the Himalayan region. Infrastructure planning would similarly become more efficient. Jammu's priorities include industrial corridors, expressways, logistics hubs and connectivity to the plains. Kashmir's priorities increasingly centre on urban mobility, environmental protection, flood mitigation and sustainable tourism. Separate governments would enable each region to allocate resources according to its own developmental needs without constant negotiations over competing regional claims. The administrative benefits extend beyond economics. Smaller states generally enable governments to function closer to the people they serve. Decision-making becomes more responsive, bureaucratic accountability improves and public grievances are addressed more efficiently. While smaller size alone does not guarantee better governance, it often facilitates more focused administration, particularly in geographically diverse regions. Kashmiris have been voicing their concerns about the reservations in education, jobs etc, citing absence of any significant reserved category population in Kashmir, unlike in Jammu. Such apprehensions will also get addressed if the step towards a peaceful separation is taken. There is also an important psychological dimension. Much of the political friction between Jammu and Kashmir has stemmed not merely from policy differences but from perceptions of imbalance. Whether relating to employment, public expenditure, infrastructure or political representation, these perceptions have repeatedly shaped regional politics. Administrative separation removes many of these sources of recurring contention. Each government becomes responsible for its own successes and failures, reducing the tendency to attribute local problems to decisions made elsewhere. Critics often argue that separating Jammu would weaken Kashmir economically. Such concerns deserve careful examination but are not necessarily supported by experience elsewhere in India. Modern federal systems are built upon cooperation rather than administrative dependence. States routinely trade with one another, share river waters, coordinate transport, exchange electricity and collaborate on tourism without requiring political integration. Jammu and Kashmir would continue to share history, culture, economic linkages and infrastructure irrespective of administrative boundaries. Indeed, cooperation may become easier once competition diminishes. The two governments could jointly promote tourism circuits, coordinate disaster management, develop common transport infrastructure, facilitate trade, protect shared river systems and collaborate on higher education and healthcare. Such cooperation would rest upon partnership rather than political rivalry. Nor should statehood be viewed as a rejection of Kashmir's unique cultural identity. On the contrary, administrative autonomy allows each region greater freedom to preserve and promote its own linguistic, cultural and historical heritage. J Jammu's Dogra and Pahari legacy, diverse religious traditions and multilingual society would receive focused institutional support, while Kashmir could independently strengthen policies relating to Kashmiri language, arts, crafts and cultural preservation. Diversity within the Indian Union has always flourished through decentralisation rather than uniformity. There is also a broader national perspective. Stable governance in both Jammu and Kashmir serves India's long-term interests. Administrations that are more responsive to local needs are better positioned to deliver development, improve public services and strengthen democratic institutions. As regional grievances decline, politics can gradually shift from questions of representation to questions of governance and economic performance. Such a transformation benefits citizens regardless of region. Naturally, state reorganisation would involve transitional challenges. The division of assets, liabilities, government cadres and institutional responsibilities would require careful planning. Mechanisms for sharing river waters, electricity infrastructure, transport networks and administrative services would need to be negotiated. Yet India has repeatedly demonstrated its ability to manage such transitions peacefully through constitutional processes. These are administrative questions, not insurmountable obstacles. Ultimately, the debate should move beyond the assumption that one region's progress must come at the expense of the other. Jammu and Kashmir are distinct in geography, economy, history and developmental priorities. Recognising these differences through administrative reorganisation need not diminish either region. On the contrary, it offers both an opportunity to govern according to their own needs while continuing to cooperate as neighbours within the same federal framework. The true test of any constitutional arrangement is whether it improves the lives of ordinary citizens. If a separate Jammu state enables better governance, more balanced development, greater accountability and reduced regional friction, while allowing Kashmir to focus more effectively on its own priorities, then the proposal should not be viewed as a division of a shared legacy. It should be seen as an exercise in cooperative federalismone that seeks stronger institutions, better governance and greater prosperity for both Jammu and Kashmir. (The Author is a retired Army officer and the Chairman of JSPM)
CM Omar inaugurates upgraded Residency RoadHigh Street in Jammu
JAMMU, Aug 07: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday inaugurated the upgraded Residency RoadHigh Street in Jammu, a landmark urban infrastructure project executed by Jammu Smart City Limited (JSCL) under the Smart City Mission at a cost of 9.18 crore. The project has transformed nearly 1.2 kilometres of the Residency RoadHigh Street corridor, covering the stretches from Raghunathji Mandir to CM House, Vivekanand Chowk to Raghunath Mandir Chowk, and Vir Marg Chowk to Vivekanand Chowk. As part of the upgradation, an underground communication corridor has been constructed and communication cables have been shifted underground to streamline utility infrastructure and enhance the area's visual appeal. The project also includes the development of new paver-block footpaths, a bituminous concrete road surface, and RCC drains, significantly improving civic infrastructure along the corridor. The upgraded corridor is expected to enhance pedestrian convenience, improve traffic movement and utility management, and contribute to a cleaner, more organised urban environment while lending a renewed aesthetic character to one of Jammu city's key commercial and civic corridors. MLA Jammu East Yudhvir Sethi, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary Housing & Urban Development Department Mandeep Kaur, CEO Jammu Smart City Limited Devansh Yadav, and other senior officers were present on the occasion.
Police rescue 35 stranded after landslide in Ladakh
LEH, Aug 7: Kharu Police in UT Ladakh safely rescued 35 passengers, including foreign nationals, who were stranded after landslides blocked the Shang SumdoChokdo road in Kharu area of Ladakh, officials said here on Friday. The passengers were left stranded along the road following landslide activity that disrupted vehicular movement and made the route temporarily inaccessible. On receiving information about the situation, Kharu Police launched a rescue operation to ensure the safe evacuation of all those caught in the affected stretch. The rescue operation continued for around six hours, with police personnel working in coordination with the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM), Kharu, and the Lambardar of Shang. Joint efforts were made to reach the stranded passengers and move them to a safe location despite the difficult conditions caused by the landslide. Police officials maintained close coordination with the civil administration and local representatives throughout the operation, ensuring that the stranded group, which also included foreign nationals, was safely evacuated. All 35 passengers were rescued without any injuries, officials said, bringing the operation to a safe conclusion. Kharu Police also urged travellers to remain cautious while travelling through landslide-prone areas and to follow advisories issued by the administration and concerned authorities during adverse weather conditions.
Ladakh to strengthen landslide safety on key roads
Leh, Aug 7: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena chaired a high-level review meeting with the Army, Border Roads Organisation (BRO) and UT Administration to assess disaster preparedness and preventive measures amid frequent landslides and rockfalls reported across the Union Territory in recent days. The incidents have caused extensive damage in several villages and disrupted traffic movement on key highways, raising concerns over the safety of residents, tourists and vital road infrastructure. The meeting focused on strengthening preparedness and ensuring timely intervention in vulnerable areas before such incidents escalate into major emergencies. During the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor directed concerned agencies to undertake immediate safety audits of identified high-risk stretches along the Leh-Kargil National Highway and the Khardung La route. He stressed the need for a detailed assessment of vulnerable slopes, rock faces and road sections to identify potential hazards and take preventive action. Saxena called for the deployment of advanced engineering and slope-stabilisation measures at vulnerable locations. These include rock bolting, flexible ring nets, soil nailing and smart detection systems aimed at reducing the risk of landslides and rockfalls and improving early warning capabilities. The LG also reviewed the preparedness and response mechanisms of the Army, BRO and civil administration in dealing with landslides, road blockages and other emergencies. He appreciated the forces and agencies for their prompt rescue operations and road-clearance efforts during recent incidents. However, Saxena emphasised that authorities must move beyond responding to disasters after they occur and adopt a more preventive approach. He urged all concerned agencies to shift from a reactive response to proactive safety and preventive measures, particularly along stretches that have repeatedly witnessed landslides and rockfalls. The meeting also underlined the importance of close coordination between the Army, BRO and UT Administration to ensure faster assessment, response and restoration of connectivity whenever roads are affected. The Lieutenant Governor stressed that the safety of human lives must remain the foremost priority while planning infrastructure and disaster-management measures in the mountainous region. Our priority remains safeguarding human lives, protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring uninterrupted and safe connectivity for all residents and tourists across Ladakh, Saxena said. The administration is expected to intensify preventive works along vulnerable road corridors, particularly before further weather-related disruptions, with a focus on strengthening slopes, improving monitoring systems and ensuring that emergency response teams remain prepared at critical locations.
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Bangus remains off the tourist map
Srinagar, Aug 7: Once considered one of J&K's most promising tourist destinations, Bangus Valley today remains largely inaccessible, with very few visitors making their way to the scenic meadow due to its closure and the absence of basic infrastructure. Known for its vast grasslands, dense forests and pristine streams, Bangus has long been described as a paradise for nature lovers. However, locals say the valley continues to remain neglected despite repeated promises to develop it as an eco tourism destination. Residents said the valley lacks essential facilities, including public toilets, visitor shelters, proper parking spaces, waste management systems and reliable road connectivity. They believe these shortcomings have prevented Bangus from attracting tourists even during the peak season. Bangus has everything that a tourist wants except facilities. Today, the valley is closed and hardly any visitors are reaching here. Unless the government develops basic infrastructure, its tourism potential will remain untapped, said Mohammad Yousuf, a local resident. Another resident, Shabir Ahmad, said sustainable tourism could create employment for hundreds of local youth without disturbing the valley's fragile ecosystem. We are not asking for hotels or commercial projects. We need clean toilets, eco friendly shelters, better roads and proper waste management. These facilities alone can make a huge difference, he said. Locals urged the Tourism Department to prepare a time bound development plan in coordination with the Public Works, Forest and Rural Development departments. They said all development should follow an eco sensitive model that protects the valley's natural beauty while improving visitor experience. Residents also appealed to the Tourism Minister and senior officials to visit Bangus and assess the ground situation firsthand. They said such a visit would help identify the gaps and speed up long pending development works. According to locals, Bangus has the potential to become one of India's finest mountain tourism destinations if the administration acts with urgency and commitment. They said the valley does not require large scale commercialisation, only thoughtful planning that preserves nature while opening new livelihood opportunities for the people living around it.
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J&K sees decline in exclusive breastfeeding: NFHS-6
Srinagar, Aug 7: As the world observes World Breastfeeding Week from August 1 to 7, doctors in Jammu and Kashmir have expressed concern over the declining rate of exclusive breastfeeding (EBF), saying the growing formula feeding is emerging as a public health challenge in the region. The concern comes in the wake of the recently released National Family Health Survey-6 (NFHS-6), which shows that the proportion of children under six months who are exclusively breastfed in Jammu and Kashmir has declined from 62 percent to 59.2 percent. Health experts say the trend is worrying, as exclusive breastfeeding during the first six months of life is vital for an infant's nutrition, immunity, growth, and overall development. Dr. Suhail Naik, Senior Consultant and Assistant Professor, Department of Paediatrics, GMC Srinagar, said the foundation of child rearing lies in nurturing infants naturally. Human milk remains the gold standard for infant feeding. It is nutritionally balanced and contains a wide range of anti-infective and immunity-boosting components, he said. Dr. Naik explained that breast milk changes its composition from feed to feed according to the baby's needs, a unique characteristic impossible to achieve with formula milk. Children who are exclusively breastfed experience fewer and less severe respiratory, gastrointestinal, and skin infections, he added. Dr. Amir Iqbal Lone, Gynecologist, J&K Health Services, described breastfeeding as one of the most effective interventions for ensuring child health and survival. Breast milk is the ideal food for infants. It is safe, clean, and contains antibodies that protect babies against many illnesses, he said. He explained that the first few days after childbirth are crucial for establishing breastfeeding. The initial days are learning days. Signals from the breast to the brain stimulate hormones that help produce breast milk while strengthening the emotional bond between the mother and her newborn, he said. Doctors say there is still a need to raise awareness among nursing mothers about the importance of exclusive breastfeeding, as many remain reluctant to breastfeed their babies. As per doctors, breast milk provides every essential nutrient required for healthy growth while protecting newborns against infections, allergies, and several childhood illnesses. According to doctors, formula-fed infants are more vulnerable to malnutrition and infections and are at greater risk of adverse short- and long-term health outcomes. Research consistently shows that breastfed infants experience fewer and milder infections, whereas formula-fed infants are more likely to develop severe and recurrent illnesses, leading to higher rates of hospitalization, morbidity, and even mortality, Dr. Naik said. Doctors attribute the decline in exclusive breastfeeding to several factors, including inadequate awareness, increasing number of Lower Segment Caesarean Section (LSCS) deliveries, challenges faced by working mothers, family pressures, and aggressive marketing of infant formula.
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The Unchecked Rise of Private Clinics
The mushrooming of private clinics across the Kashmir Valley is a sign of both opportunity and worry. On one hand, it reflects the growing demand for accessible healthcare in a UT where public medical facilities remain overburdened. On the other, it raises uncomfortable questions about regulation, standards, ethics and the rising cost of treatment for ordinary people. In recent years, private clinics have become increasingly visible across towns and even smaller localities. Many of them are run by qualified doctors and offer services that patients often seek in the face of long queues, shortage of specialists and inadequate facilities in government hospitals. For many families, these clinics provide convenience, quicker consultation and a sense of personal attention that is often missing in crowded public institutions. In that sense, they are filling a gap that the health system has failed to address. But the rapid expansion of such clinics has also brought with it a parallel set of concerns. Not every clinic opening its doors can be assumed to be adequately equipped, properly staffed or ethically run. In the absence of strict monitoring, there is always the danger of commercialisation overtaking care. When healthcare becomes a business first and a service second, patients, particularly those from poor and middle-income families end up bearing the burden. The issue is not private healthcare itself. A well-regulated private sector can be an important partner in strengthening medical services. The problem lies in the lack of effective oversight. Are these clinics meeting basic clinical standards? Are they prescribing tests and medicines responsibly? Are they maintaining transparency in consultation fees and treatment costs? Are they operating within the bounds of professional ethics? These are not minor questions. They go to the heart of public trust. There is also the broader concern of inequality. For a large section of the population, repeated visits to private clinics can become financially draining. A consultation here, a test there, a follow-up elsewhere, the expenses add up quickly. In the absence of a strong and responsive public health system, patients are often left with no choice but to pay whatever is demanded. That leaves them vulnerable not just to illness, but to exploitation. What Kashmir needs is not an uncontrolled proliferation of clinics, but a fair and regulated healthcare ecosystem. The government must strengthen inspection mechanisms, enforce licensing norms and ensure that patients are not subjected to arbitrary practices. At the same time, public hospitals must be improved so that private clinics are a choice, not a compulsion. Healthcare is too vital to be left to market logic alone. The growth of private clinics in Kashmir must be matched by accountability, affordability and patient protection. Otherwise, what begins as access may end as distress.
The latest official assessment of Jammu and Kashmirs rivers should shake the conscience of every citizen and policymaker alike. That 22 out of 52 monitored locations across 13 rivers failed to meet prescribed water quality standards is not merely an environmental concern; it is a reflection of how carelessly we have treated our lifelines. Most alarming of all is the condition of the Jhelum, the river that defines Kashmirs geography, nourishes its agriculture, sustains livelihoods, and carries its civilisational memory. For years, the Jhelum has been spoken of in sentimental terms, as if reverence alone could preserve a river. But rivers do not survive on poetry. They survive on protection, planning, and political will. The report titled Polluted River Stretches for Restoration of Water Quality 2025 makes it clear that the crisis is neither distant nor abstract. The pollution has spread across multiple river systems, driven by untreated sewage, poor waste management, commercial effluents, and unregulated human activity along riverbanks. What we are witnessing is not a single-point failure but a slow, cumulative assault on freshwater ecosystems. The Jhelums polluted stretch, from the confluence of Vishav Nallah to downstream Baramulla, is especially troubling because it cuts through one of the most densely inhabited and economically important parts of the Valley. This is not a marginal stretch where damage can be dismissed as localised. This is the heart of the river. When the heart is poisoned, the entire body suffers. Drinking water, irrigation, public health, fisheries, and ecological balance all come under strain. The classification of the Jhelum under Priority-IV underscores the seriousness of the matter, but labels alone will not clean a river. What is needed now is implementation, not interpretation. The reports recommendations are sensible and overdue: assess the functioning of STPs, ETPs and CETPs; intercept sewage-carrying drains; strengthen solid waste management; protect floodplains; and restore minimum environmental flows. These are not grand theories. They are basic obligations of governance. Yet the deeper crisis is institutional. Too often, river protection in Kashmir has been treated as a seasonal slogan rather than a sustained public policy. Encroachments continue, sewage flows unchecked, floodplains shrink, and accountability remains diffuse. Every agency knows its part, but no agency owns the whole problem. That must change. River restoration demands coordination between departments, municipal bodies, pollution control authorities, and district administrations but it also demands that the public stop treating rivers as dumping grounds. The report is right to stress timelines. Kashmir has seen enough action plans gather dust while rivers continue to deteriorate. If the government is serious, it must set measurable targets, publish progress, and make pollution data public. If the public is serious, it must demand cleaner rivers not as a luxury, but as a necessity for survival. The Jhelum is not just a river. It is Kashmirs lifeline. Letting it choke under pollution is a failure of governance, but more than that, it is a failure of responsibility. The time for concern has passed. The time for restoration is now.
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Uri road contractor told to curb dust pollution
Srinagar, Aug 7: Acting on complaints over rising dust pollution caused by ongoing road construction works in Uri town, the Officer Commanding (OC) of the Beacon unit has directed the executing construction company to ensure regular sprinkling of water on road stretches to minimize dust and inconvenience to commuters. The direction comes after the Executive Officer (EO), Municipal Committee Uri, formally wrote to the OC Beacon, seeking immediate intervention following the representation by the Uri Beopar Mandal over the worsening dust pollution in the main town. In a letter addressed to the construction company, the OC, 53 Road Construction Company (GREF), stated that the issue of dust pollution caused by the road works had been brought to his notice by the Executive Officer, Municipal Committee Uri. The letter noted that heavy machinery is continuously moving on the road under construction, resulting in excessive dust pollution that has become a serious concern for local residents and commuters. The OC directed the construction agency to deploy water sprinklers on the road at regular intervals to suppress dust and ensure that the movement of traffic remains smooth. The company was also instructed to submit an action taken report after implementing the directions. On 27th July, the Executive Officer, Municipal Committee Uri, had written to the OC Beacon highlighting the public inconvenience caused by the ongoing construction works. In his communication, the EO stated that road construction activities had generated excessive dust, creating inconvenience for pedestrians, shopkeepers and residents. He requested the Beacon authorities to direct the executing agency to undertake regular water sprinkling along the road to minimize dust pollution and maintain public convenience. The issue was first taken up by the Uri Beopar Mandal, which, in a separate letter to the Executive Officer, said the dust generated by the road construction had become a major nuisance for traders, commuters and the general public. The traders body said that ongoing road widening in Uri market was causing severe dust pollution, affecting business activities and posing health risks to residents. It urged the Municipal Committee to intervene with the concerned authorities and ensure immediate water sprinkling on the road to control the dust.
Srinagar police crack major theft case
Srinagar, Aug 7: Srinagar Police on Friday said to have solved a major theft case with the recovery of stolen property worth approximately 17.5 lakh, including gold ornaments, cash, iPhones and a motorcycle. According to a police spokesperson, the case was registered at Police Station Rainawari as FIR No. 35/2026 under Sections 305 and 331(3) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) following a complaint lodged by Mohd Amin Changa of Changa Mohalla, Mir Behri, Dal, Rainawari. The complainant had reported a theft at his residence. During the course of the investigation, police identified the prime accused as Mohd Hussain Latoo, son of Mohd Afzal Latoo, a resident of Akhoon Mohalla, Mir Behri, Dal, Rainawari. Investigators found that he had allegedly committed the theft in connivance with two associates, both of whom were found to be juveniles. Based on the accused's disclosure, the investigating team recovered gold ornaments valued at around 12 lakh along with cash amounting to 2.2 lakh. Police said further investigation revealed that a portion of the stolen cash had been used to purchase three iPhones and a motorcycle worth nearly 3.5 lakh, all of which were also recovered. The recovered property includes two gold bangles, eight gold rings, one gold necklace, one gold pendant set, two large earring sets, one small earring set, one pair of gold jhumkas, a wristwatch, cash amounting to 2.2 lakh, three iPhones and one motorcycle. The total value of the recovered property has been estimated at approximately 17.5 lakh. Police said further investigation is underway to ascertain the involvement of others and recover any remaining stolen property, adding that more recoveries are expected. Reiterating its commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of citizens, Srinagar Police urged the public to report any suspicious activity or criminal incidents to the nearest police station without delay.
Journalist, two children injured in Hazratbal hit-and-run; driver held
Srinagar, Aug 7: Kashmir Images journalist Majid Kapra and his two minor children were injured after a speeding load carrier allegedly hit the scooty they were travelling on near Hazratbal in Srinagar on Friday morning. The accident occurred at around 8:00 am when Kapra was on his way to drop his children at school. The impact left the journalist with head injuries and multiple bruises, while his two children also sustained injuries. The injured were immediately shifted to the Sub-District Hospital (SDH), Habbak, for first aid before being referred to SKIMS Soura for specialised treatment. According to reports, the driver of the load carrier fled the scene immediately after the accident. However, alert bystanders noted the vehicle's details and informed the police. Acting swiftly, police registered a case at Police Post Hazratbal. Within two hours of the incident, the accused driver was traced, arrested and the offending vehicle was seized. Police said the accused has been booked in connection with the hit-and-run case, and further investigation is underway. Speaking to Rising Kashmir, Majid Kapra said he suffered a head injury and bruises on both his arms and legs, while his son sustained injuries to his leg. We were first taken to SDH Habbak, where doctors provided initial treatment. Later, we were shifted to SKIMS Soura for specialised medical care. After undergoing medical examinations, the doctors discharged us. Thankfully, all of us are out of danger, Kapra said. He expressed gratitude to the doctors, and members of the public who came to their assistance immediately after the accident.
Human rights forum shares annual J&K report with NC
Srinagar, Aug 7: The Forum for Human Rights in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday presented its annual report, Seven Years Under Union Rule With a Special Section on Ladakh & Pakistan-held Territories of Jammu and Kashmir (August 2025July 2026), to National Conference president Dr Farooq Abdullah at the party headquarters, Nawa-e-Subha, in Srinagar. The Forum, led by Radha Kumar and Kapil Kak, briefed the NC leadership on the report's key findings and observations, highlighting issues and concerns relating to Jammu and Kashmir over the past seven years. The presentation was attended by National Conference General Secretary Ali Mohammad Sagar, party legislators, office-bearers, representatives of the party's frontal wings and members of the media. During the interaction, the Forum members and NC leaders exchanged views on governance, democratic institutions, human rights and the overall socio-political situation in Jammu and Kashmir. Speaking on the occasion, Dr Farooq Abdullah thanked the Forum for presenting the report and appreciated its efforts in documenting developments in the region. He said the National Conference would study the report in detail, adding that independent reports play an important role in presenting objective and unbiased findings and contribute to informed public discourse.
Chief Minister Vijay inaugurates handloom expo
Anantnag slogan row: BJP suspends 9 leaders
Srinagar, Aug 7: Facing mounting criticism over controversial slogans raised during a procession in south Kashmir's Anantnag district, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Friday suspended nine party functionaries and removed them from their organisational posts with immediate effect. The action comes a day after the party distanced itself from the August 5 procession, saying it was neither organised nor authorised by the BJP's Anantnag district unit and had been held without permission from the district administration. In a statement, the BJP said it had taken serious note of the objectionable and derogatory remarks made during the rally against Kashmiri women, describing the conduct as unacceptable and inconsistent with the party's discipline, dignity and core principles. The decision followed consultations involving BJP J&K General Secretary (Organisation) Ashok Koul, General Secretary Anwar Khan, party spokesperson and Anantnag district Prabhari Altaf Thakur, along with members of the district core committee. Those suspended include District General Secretary Nisar Ahmad Bhat, District Secretaries Khursheed Ahmad Sofi and Aabida Rafiq, Shangus constituency president Irshad Ahmad Malik, former district vice-president Mohd Maqbool Ganie and Pahalgam constituency president Waheed Ahmad Itoo. The party also removed District Secretary Nisar Ahmad Hakeem, Kisan Morcha District Secretary Feroz Ahmad Hajam and Mahila Morcha District Secretary Sabrooza Akhter from their respective organisational responsibilities. The BJP said the nine leaders had been stripped of their posts and their primary membership suspended until further orders. However, the party did not announce any action against former MLC Sofi Yousuf, who led the procession. The controversy erupted after videos of the rally went viral on social media, showing participants raising slogans widely condemned as derogatory towards Kashmiri women. The incident triggered sharp criticism from political parties, including the ruling National Conference, which accused the BJP of insulting the dignity of Kashmiri women and demanded stringent action against those responsible.
No solar, wind, renewable energy project within 1 km of international border, says Home Ministry
Bar on Chinese, Bangadeshi and Pakistani engineers or staff in such projects, say new guidelines
Man gets life term in 2020 Srinagar murder case
Srinagar, Aug 7: A court has sentenced a man to life imprisonment in a 2020 murder case registered at Police Station Maisuma, Srinagar, after convicting him under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC). The convict, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Dar, a resident of Bichwara, Dalgate, was found guilty of murdering Abdul Gani Dar of Rassu, Budgam, in a case registered as FIR No. 03/2020. After hearing arguments on the quantum of sentence, the court observed that although the offence was grave and heinous, it did not fall under the arest of rare category warranting the death penalty. It accordingly sentenced the convict to rigorous imprisonment for life and imposed a fine of 50,000. The fine amount, if recovered, will be paid to the legal heirs of the deceased as compensation. The court also granted the convict the benefit of set-off for the period already spent in judicial custody, in accordance with law. While pronouncing the sentence, the court took serious note of the fact that the murder took place inside a mosque, observing that violence in a place of worship undermines public peace, communal harmony and the sanctity of religious institutions. Taking into account the hardship faced by the victim's family, particularly his dependent children, the court directed the release of 7 lakh as victim compensation under the Jammu and Kashmir Victim Compensation Scheme, 2019, through the J&K State Legal Services Authority. Srinagar Police said the conviction was the outcome of a meticulous investigation and effective prosecution, reflecting its commitment to ensuring justice through professional investigation, scientific evidence and diligent prosecution.
Delhi HC directs ECI to avoid imposing unbearable burden on teachers during SIR
Court expressed concern over the cumulative workload saying the teacher should not be expected to work for nearly 11 hours a day, particularly as many of them are women with family responsibilities
Altaf Bukhari unveils Apni Party's 'new vision' for J&K
Srinagar, Aug 7: Apni Party president Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari on Friday said the party was coming forward with a ew vision and strategy to restore Jammu and Kashmir's dignity and secure a better future for its youth, while launching a sharp attack on the National Conference (NC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over their political record. Addressing a workers' convention in Hajin, Sonawari, in Bandipora district, Bukhari said the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, continue to face insecurity, unemployment and a lack of opportunities. I wonder how long our people will have to suffer. Our youth deserve a life of dignity, security and hope for the future, he said. Bukhari accused the NC of repeatedly changing its political positions over the decades and alleged that such shifts had come at the cost of the people. He also criticised the PDP, alleging that family-based parties had pursued slogans for political gains while failing to address public concerns. Presenting the Apni Party's political roadmap, Bukhari said the party was committed to restoring Jammu and Kashmir's lost dignity, status and respect and ensuring a more prosperous future for the youth. Referring to the developments of August 5, 2019, he described the day as a lack day for the people of Jammu and Kashmir but maintained that solutions to the region's issues would come through engagement with New Delhi. He said the party would continue to urge the Centre to initiate a meaningful dialogue with the people of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the youth, to understand and address their concerns. Bukhari also highlighted civic issues in Hajin and adjoining areas, calling for improvements in drinking water supply, electricity and healthcare infrastructure. He said the Apni Party, if voted to power, would seek to increase the domicile eligibility requirement from 15 years to 50 years and restore the rights of local communities engaged in traditional riverbed mineral extraction. Speaking on the occasion, Apni Party Senior Vice President Ghulam Hassan Mir criticised the government over rising unemployment, alleging that it had failed to fulfil its election promises or create meaningful job opportunities for youth. He also accused the government of delaying Urban Local Body and Panchayat elections, saying the move had deprived people of grassroots democratic representation. Provincial President Mohammad Ashraf Mir also addressed the convention, alleging that successive governments had failed to fulfil their responsibilities towards the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Fifty years ago | The King comes to the park
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MEA dismisses foreign concerns over FCRA Bill
Letters to The Editor July 29, 2026
Congress to march on Monday against FCRA amendment
Shillong, Aug 7: The Meghalaya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) will hold a peaceful march in Shillong on Monday opposing the Centres proposed amendments to the Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA), with the party expressing concern over their possible impact on missionary-run institutions in the North East. Block Congress Committee president Eugene Jarain on Friday described [] The post Congress to march on Monday against FCRA amendment first appeared on Highland Post .
Woman's Skeleton Found In Bengaluru Home. She Died A Year Ago, No One Checked
The woman has been identified as 52-year-old Dakshayini. The police suspect she had died nearly a year ago, with her body remaining undiscovered inside the house until now.
Breastfeeding awareness programme held at MGM Healthcare
Over 100 mothers and healthcare professionals participated in the programme to promote awareness of exclusive breastfeeding and address common concerns
CM reviews Tracing the Roots initiative
Shillong, Aug 7: Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma today reviewed the progress of Tracing the Roots, an interdisciplinary research initiative of the Department of Arts and Culture aimed at documenting and studying the history, language, culture, heritage and historical development of Meghalayas indigenous communities. During the review meeting, the CM held detailed deliberations with the [] The post CM reviews Tracing the Roots initiative first appeared on Highland Post .
Kangana calls Gen Z as greatest strength of the nation.
