Day: July 3, 2024

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SHYAM SOOD

Utilize available technological resources to secure borders: Gen Upendra Dwivedi.
COAS visited forward locations, interacted with Veterans & parents of Bravehearts.

RAJOURI, JULY 03:–Within four days of assuming charge as the 30th Chief of the Indian Army, General Upendra Dwivedi during his maiden visit to J&K conducted a detailed review of the security situation along the Line of Control in Poonch district.
He was accompanied by GOC-in-Chief Northern Command, Lt Gen M V Suchindra; GOC 16 Corps, Lt-General Navin Sachdeva; and GOC 25 Infantry Division, Maj Gen Gourav Rishi.
Army Chief, General Upendra Dwivedi conducted a detailed review of the security situation along the Line of Control (LoC).
General Dwivedi also held a high-level
discussion with officers stationed in the region (J&K) and addressed the prevailing security situation and reviewed the measures taken to ensure the safety and security of the border areas.
remain steadfast to meet all current & emerging security challenges”.
The maiden visit of General Dwivedi to Poonch after assuming charge of Army Chief holds importance due to ongoing Shri Amarnath Yatra and forthcoming Shri Buddha Amarnath Yatra to Mandi in Poonch district, both major Hindu pilgrimages.
Recent terror attacks on Indian Air Force and Army convoys in Poonch district and terror attack on a pilgrim’s bus in Reasi district (terrorists from Rajouri-Poonch were involved in the attack) were among other reasons for COAS visit.
General Upendra Dwivedi during his visit to Poonch also met with ex-servicemen at 93 Brigade HQ at Poonch.
ADG PI -Indian Army post on ‘X’ read: “General Upendra Dwivedi COAS interacted with the parents of Braveharts of Poonch region who laid down their lives in the service of the Nation. COAS also met the Veterans & assured them of unwavering support from India Army ”.
“He (COAS) also interacted with officials of J&K Police & prominent civil dignitaries and appreciated their synergy & cooperation with the Indian Army in maintaining peace & harmony in the region” read the post.
Pertinently, General Dwivedi previously served as the GOC-in-Chief of the Northern Command from 2022 to 2024 & his interactions and security situation reviews highlight the strategic importance of the region and the commitment of the Indian Army to safeguarding national interests.

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RAJOURI, JULY 03:–In a significant effort to address public grievances, the Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Om Prakash Bhagat chaired a comprehensive public outreach camp at Teryath as a part of weekly block diwas which aims to create a direct communication channel between the district administration and the residents.

During the event, a diverse range of issues were brought to the fore by local residents, as, the need for the macadamization of roads, upgradation of government institutions, shortage of staff in these institutions, water scarcity and the need for enhanced health infrastructure. Specific issues which were highlighted during the event were; shortage of staff at HSS Teryath, speedy implementation of JJM schemes, shortage of electricity poles, sanctioning additional handpumps, dilapidated condition of road from Teryath to Sunderbani etc.

Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Om Prakash Bhagat emphasized the commitment of the district administration to deliver basic amenities to the public in the most efficientand transparent manner. He acknowledged the crucial role played by all stakeholders in achieving the objectives of various government initiatives in the district. He encouraged continuous hard work and collaboration for the betterment of the community.

The Deputy Commissioner assured the public that all their grievances were properly documented. He committed to addressing genuine concerns in a phased manner, involving the concerned departments. He emphasized on the importance of raising awareness about the Governmental schemes to ensure maximum participation and benefit of the eligible beneficiaries.

During the camp, DC Om Prakash Bhagat issued on the spot directives to the concerned departments to prioritize and resolve the issues highlighted by the public in a time-bound manner. Several issues were resolved immediately with the intervention of the concerned authorities. He underscored the need for sustained progress and cooperation among all stakeholders. He stressed that such collaboration is vital to improving the quality of life for the citizens of the district.The Weekly Block Diwas at Terayth facilitated meaningful discussions on various public issues, and many issued were resolved on the spot.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Commissioner also handed over appreciation letters to the persons who rendered their selfless services in evacuating the injured persons who got injured during the militant attack on a pilgrim bus ferrying the pilgrims to the Holy Shrine of Shiv Khori ( Reasi).

The event was attended by the DDC Member Moughla, Shamim Akhter; ADC Kalakote, Mohd Tanveer; CPO, Maqsood Ahmed; ACD, Vijay Kumar; ACP, Sheraz Chowhan; CMO, Dr. Manohar Rana; CEO Education, Mohd Mushtaq; LDM, Sanjeev Bhasin; EXEN PDD Rajouri, Mohd Rashid and other concerned district and sectoral officers.

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BY AYAZ MUGHAL 

POONCH JULY 03:–A construction project for an art/craft room, science lab, and library room was awarded to the contractor, M/s Mohammad Shafi, in May 2023. The contract, valued at ₹43.97 lakhs, was to be completed within 270 days. However, as of July 2024, the work has not progressed beyond the plinth level. This significant delay is affecting the students’ access to improved educational facilities.

Performance securities were submitted by the contractor, but they have failed to adhere to the agreed timeline. The contract also includes a 12-month defect liability period, which is essential for maintaining the quality and longevity of the facilities. The delay in construction raises concerns about meeting this requirement.

This is not the first instance of such delays. Two other buildings at High School Mahra also remain incomplete, with construction halting after reaching the plinth and wall plate levels, respectively. The ongoing issues with the construction of the craft/library room follow a similar pattern, with work stopping at the plinth level.

The repeated failures of contractors to complete their projects on time raise serious questions about their capabilities and the vetting process for awarding contracts. Authorities must take immediate action to ensure the completion of these critical projects. Contractors who fail to deliver should be blacklisted, and their previous work should be thoroughly inspected for quality.

The Concerned authorities are urged to enforce the contract’s terms, including penalties and the completion of work at the contractor’s risk and cost if necessary. This project is vital for the educational development of the community, and swift action is needed to hold the contractor accountable and expedite the construction process.

Despite repeated approaches to XEN PWD Poonch, no action has been taken. Now, the Deputy Commissioner Poonch is urgently requested to address this issue and ensure the project’s completion.