J&K to revive Overseas Employment Corporation
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the roadmap for the revival and operationalisation of the Jammu & Kashmir Overseas Employment Corporation Limited (JKOECL) and reviewed J&Ks overseas recruitment facilitation infrastructure, with a focus on creating a robust institutional framework to connect J&Ks skilled youth with global employment opportunities. The meeting reviewed the proposed strategy for reviving JKOECL as the governments nodal recruitment agency for facilitating safe, transparent and market-driven overseas employment. Discussions centred on strengthening institutional mechanisms, expanding international partnerships, enhancing skill development aligned with global standards, and establishing an integrated ecosystem to prepare youth for overseas careers. A detailed presentation by Director Employment J&K Harvinder Singh outlined a phased roadmap for operationalising JKOECL, including the creation of a digital overseas employment portal, partnerships with licensed recruiting agencies, foreign languages and international certification programmes, employer engagement, counselling, pre-departure orientation and post-placement support. The proposed framework seeks to position JKOECL as the nodal agency coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Protector of Emigration, Indian Missions abroad, skill institutions and licensed recruiting agencies to ensure ethical, transparent and legally compliant overseas recruitment. Protector of Emigration, Chandigarh, Ministry of External Affairs, Yashu Deep Singh, also made a presentation on emigration trends from Jammu & Kashmir, the regions contribution to overseas remittances, and employment opportunities available through Indias labour mobility agreements with several countries. He highlighted sector-wise demand for workers, emerging job roles in global markets, and key challenges affecting overseas migration from J&K, including limited public awareness of legal migration channels, inadequate institutional outreach, dependence on unverified social media information, and the need to develop skills that meet international standards. Reviewing the proposals, the Chief Minister emphasised that the objective should not merely be to facilitate migration but to prepare a globally competitive workforce. We should not only send people abroad; we should send skilled people there. Our focus should be on skilling, he said. The Chief Minister directed the concerned departments to prepare a time-bound implementation plan and convert the proposed pillars into clearly defined, actionable outcomes. He also called for adopting best practices from states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which have successfully institutionalised overseas employment facilitation. Emphasising long-term sustainability, Omar Abdullah directed that the forthcoming Industrial Policy should provide for the establishment of skill development and training institutes to nurture an ecosystem capable of meeting international workforce requirements. He also stressed the need for a complementary industrial policy that encourages greater private sector participation in skill development and employment generation. The meeting was attended by Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary School Education Ram Niwas Sharma, Secretary Labour & Employment Rajiv Ranjan, Protector of Emigration, Chandigarh, Ministry of External Affairs, Yashu Deep Singh, Director Employment, Director Skill Development and other senior officers.
Srinagar, Jul 07: Chief Minister Omar Abdullahon Tuesday chaired a high-level review meetingto assess the roadmap forthe revival and operationalisation ofthe Jammu & Kashmir Overseas Employment Corporation Limited(JKOECL), sayingthat the objectiveshouldbenot merely to facilitate migration but to prepare a globally competitive workforce,anddirectingconcerned departments to prepare a time-bound implementation plan. The meeting reviewed the proposed strategy for reviving JKOECL as the government's nodal recruitment agency for facilitating safe, transparent, and market-driven overseas employment. Discussions centered on strengthening institutional mechanisms, expanding international partnerships, enhancing skill development aligned with global standards, and establishing an integrated ecosystem to prepare youth for overseas careers. A detailed presentation by Director Employment J&K Harvinder Singh outlined a phased roadmap for operationalising JKOECL, including creation of a digital overseas employment portal, partnerships with licensed recruiting agencies, foreign languages and international certification programmes, employer engagement, counselling, pre-departure orientation, and post-placement support. The proposed framework seeks to position JKOECL as the nodal agency coordinating with the Ministry of External Affairs, the Protector of Emigration, Indian Missions abroad, skill institutions, and licensed recruiting agencies. Protector of Emigration, Chandigarh, Ministry of External Affairs, Yashu Deep Singh, made a presentation on emigration trends from J&K, the region's contribution to overseas remittances, and employment opportunities available through India's labour mobility agreements with several countries, highlighting sector-wise demand for workers, emerging job roles, and key challenges affecting overseas migration from J&K. Reviving the Jammu & Kashmir Overseas Employment Corporation is a crucial step toward connecting our skilled youth with global employment opportunities. Our objective should be to prepare a globally competitive workforce. We should not only send people abroad; we should send skilled people there. Our focus should be on skilling, the Chief Minister said. He called for adopting best practices from states such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, which have successfully institutionalised overseas employment facilitation. Emphasising long-term sustainability, he directed that the forthcoming Industrial Policy should provide for the establishment of skill development and training institutes to nurture an ecosystem capable of meeting international workforce requirements, and stressed the need for a complementary industrial policy that encourages greater private sector participation in skill development and employment generation. The meeting was attended by Minister for Education Sakina Itoo, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Finance Shailendra Kumar, Commissioner Secretary School Education Ram Niwas Sharma, Secretary Labour & Employment Rajiv Ranjan, Protector of Emigration Yashu Deep Singh, Director Employment, Director Skill Development, and other senior officers.
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Watch: Monsoon rains trigger deadly debris slip in Wayanad |Above the Fold | 07.07.2026
From Kerala to Indonesia, and from Syria to the FIFA World Cup, in this episode, we look at the deadly debris slip in Kerala, Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Indonesia, explosions in Syria during French President Emmanuel Macrons trip, the Gujarat High Courts ruling on the 2008 Ahmedabad blasts case, and more.
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N. Seshadrinathan takes charge as State Election Commissioner
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Keralas Leader of the Opposition expresses condolences over the deaths in the incident; he demands serious investigation to determine whether there was any lapse in taking emergency measures
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Kerala: Three killed, several injured in landslide in Wayanad
Three people died and eighteen were trapped in a landslide at the Kalladi tunnel construction site. Rescue teams worked to free those still buried in debris after the incident. The agriculture minister stated this was a man-made landslide, not a natural event. Konkan Railways was alerted earlier but reportedly did not act on the warning. Efforts are ongoing to rescue all individuals affected by the disaster.
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Fazal murder case: evidence missing from Ernakulam CJM court recovered
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What Is The Wayanad Tunnel Project: Explained
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Wayanad debris slip: Why Kerala Minister said it was not a natural disaster
Kerala Agriculture Minister T. Siddique said the debris slip in Wayanad was caused by unscientifically stacked excavated soil, alleging that the contractors failure to remove the accumulated earth in time led to the incident
Expert says clearance for the Wayanad tunnel road project was given without conducting detailed geological and hydrological studies and stricter infrastructural guidelines and ecological safety measures should be enforced in fragile areas of the Western Ghats, considering the changing climate-rainfall regimes and the increased vulnerability to landslides
At least 2 dead as landslides ravage Wayanad, toll likely to rise
Wayanad: A major landslide was reported at Kalladi near Meppady in Wayanad on Tuesday, July 7, killing two and trapping several others under the debris. The death toll is likely to rise. Wayanad: Rescue operation underway after a landslide at Kalladi, near Meppadi tunnel project in Wayanad, Kerala, Tuesday. (PTI) The landslide occurred near Meenakshi Get the latest updates in Hyderabad City News , Technology , Entertainment , Sports , Politics and Top Stories on WhatsApp & Telegram by subscribing to our channels. You can also download our app for Android and iOS .
Kerala fishing boat operators seek wider consultations on Merchant Shipping Rules
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Deepest Condolences: Priyanka Gandhi As Wayanad Landslide Kills 2, Rescue Ops Continue
A major landslide in Kerala's Wayanad triggered by heavy rainfall has killed two and left several feared trapped under debris.
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All efforts on to rescue those trapped in Wayanad debris slip, says Priyanka Gandhi
The Wayanad MP appeals to United Democratic Front workers, functionaries and members of the public to extend all possible support
One person was killed, and at least seven injured after a landslide in the southern state of Kerala's Wayanad district on Tuesday, media reports said.
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Mudslide hits Wayanad tunnel road project site; rescue operation on
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GECO Launches its First Brand Film, 'The Geco Tales: The Castaway'
GECO, the nature-inspired construction solutions brand from the VNC Group, today unveiled its first-ever brand film, 'The Geco Tales: The Castaway'. The film marks a milestone for the young brand, translating its founding metaphor — the gecko's extraordinary natural ability to hold — into a cinematic fable. GECO introduces its first brand film, "The Geco Tales: The Castaway GECO Epoxy Tile Grout to the shore. Guided by the creature, the castaway rebuilds his wrecked vessel piece by piece — fixing tiles, sealing leaks, and finally sailing home. The story dramatizes the brand's core belief that the right hold can change everything, and carries its signature positioning: Inspired by nature. Engineered to hold. The Geco Tales: The Castaway | Tamil Watch The Geco Tales: The Castaway | Tamil The film puts GECO's tile and stone fixing solutions at the heart of the story — the tile adhesives and grouting solutions that anchor the brand's range. Under the GECO name, the VNC Group brings together its tile fixing, adhesives and sealants, and tapes categories into a single, unified brand, with the tile and stone fixing line leading the way. GECO was founded in 2021 under the VNC Group, which has operated across categories since 1983. In a short span, GECO has built a distribution network of more than 1,000 retail outlets across Tamil Nadu and Kerala, and was recognised by Industry Outlook as a Top 10 Adhesives & Sealants manufacturer in 2024. " With GECO, the VNC Group is expanding into an entirely new category — tile and stone fixing solutions — and The Castaway is where that journey begins ," said Gokul Basker, Brand Founder, GECO & Partner, VNC Group . " For over four decades, VNC has built its name across welding consumables, steel and fencing solutions. GECO extends that legacy into the world of tile fixing solutions, sealants and tapes, giving builders and applicators a brand of their own. This film is our first step, and there's much more to come .” Commenting on the film, Director Yokesh R (Yoki) of The Paper Plane, Chennai said, " A fable lives or dies on whether you believe in its world. We wanted the island, the storm and the little gecko to feel real enough that a simple truth about holding on could land emotionally. For a brand built on nature's own engineering, telling the story as a fable felt exactly right ." 'The Geco Tales: The Castaway' premieres in July 2026, across GECO's YouTube channel, television, OTT and social media platforms. The film is positioned as the first episode in an ongoing brand story-world, The Geco Tales. About GECO GECO is the VNC Group's dedicated brand for construction solutions, spanning tile & stone fixing solutions, adhesives and sealants, and tapes. Inspired by the gecko's natural adhesion mechanism and engineered for dependable performance, GECO's tile and stone fixing solutions lead a growing range built for professional contractors, civil engineers, architects and applicators. GECO is distributed across Tamil Nadu and Kerala through a network of 1,000+ retail outlets. About VNC Group Headquartered in Karur, Tamil Nadu, VNC Group is a diversified enterprise with strong market leadership across welding consumables, steel wires, and fencing solutions. With over 40 years of commitment to creating lasting value, VNC’s BEST range of brands serves more than 8,000 retailers across South India. VNC launched GECO and Indicus Paints in 2021 and has been rapidly expanding product offerings across both categories. VNC is also a leading distributor for Tata Steel, managing a wide portfolio of their retail products across Tamil Nadu. www.thegeco.in .
Feet on the Street: Ramesh Chennithala Takes Operation, Toofan's Fight to Perumbavoor's Ground Zero
Operation Toofan Strikes at the Perumbavoor, Kerala: In one of the most closely watched ground actions of Operation Toofan — India's largest anti-narcotics mission — Kerala's Home & Vigilance Minister Ramesh Chennithala led a sweeping crackdown in Perumbavoor, Asia's plywood capital, a town whose industrial reputation had been quietly hijacked by a narcotics network operating in the shadows of its migrant labour economy. Kerala Home Minister Ramesh Chennnithala holding up the hand of a migrant labourer at Kandanthara Bhai Colony at Perumbavoor. Benny Behanan MP, Manoj Moothedan MLA also seen. The Minister announced the formation of a dedicated Special Task Force in his recent visit to Perumbavoor on Friday, 03 July, 2026. The force is to be led directly by the State Police Chief, to coordinate anti-narcotics operations across the state and to dismantle drug networks that operate across state lines. Additional police personnel will be deployed in Perumbavoor to reinforce the crackdown. The efforts of ACP Hardik Meena, a young IPS Cadre Officer, who had been handpicked by the Minister to lead the enforcement efforts on the ground in Perumbavoor, earned the praise of all present. What sets this ground action apart is its explicit refusal to let migrant workers bear the stigma of a trade they had no part in. The Minister was unambiguous: the narcotics network had exploited migrant labourers as cover, and it is this web — not the workers themselves — that Operation Toofan targets. In a gesture that resonated widely, the Home Minister addressed migrant workers directly in Hindi, administered an anti-narcotics pledge to them personally, and awarded "Toofan Warrior" badges to migrant worker representatives at Kandanthara Bhai Colony. The entire population of Perumbavoor — residents and migrant workers alike — was declared "Toofan Warriors" by the Minister, a symbolic move signalling that the fight against narcotics is a shared civic identity, not a dividing line between local and outsider. The response from the migrant worker community has been notably warm. Long conversations between the Minister and workers at the colony, the Hindi-language pledge, and the direct engagement by senior police officers and elected representatives together signalled an approach workers welcomed — one that treats them as partners in reclaiming the town's name, not suspects in its problem. State Police Chief Rawada Asad Chandrasekhar said no narcotics network can survive when an entire community mobilises against it. Thirty-five hospitals have expressed willingness to join the "Toofan Care" initiative, following Angamaly Little Flower Hospital's lead as the first to partner. Thousands — including elected representatives, police officers, community organisation leaders, students, and business figures — took part in the "Toofan Jagaran" rally, which culminated in a mass anti-narcotics pledge and march through the municipal stadium.
Wayanad landslip LIVE: At least two workers rescued, several feared trapped; NDRF deployed
Rescue operations are on at the site and NDRF has been deployed on an emergency basis
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Messi, Qatar and a mailbox in Kozhikode: The story of a 500-piece FIFA World Cup stamp collection
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Muthu was under police custody while undergoing treatment; the two children continue to be in critical condition
157 more houses for Wayanad landslide survivors to be completed by September 30, says Minister
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