PATNA FEB 04:-The prestigious Patliputra Theatre Festival, organized by Praangan Group at Premchand Auditorium, witnessed a significant conversation on the state of regional and Hindi theatre in India. Rajeev Verma, a distinguished Bollywood and theatre actor-director, engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with Vishal Pahari, a committed theatre Director from Pir Panjaal.
The discussion revolved around the challenges faced by theatre artists, particularly in regional circuits. Pahari highlighted the plight of amateur theatre artists, who continue to sustain the art form without any financial backing or honorarium. He expressed concerns over the lack of resources, which leaves many artists struggling to support their families.
Acknowledging Pahari’s relentless efforts in promoting theatre in Pir Panjaal, despite limited resources, Rajeev Verma lauded his dedication. The veteran actor assured Pahari of his support and committed to raising awareness about the challenges faced by theatre practitioners.
The festival, known for celebrating the vibrancy of theatre, served as a crucial platform for addressing these pressing concerns, fostering dialogue, and seeking solutions to uplift theatre artists across India.
POONCH FEB 04:-SSP Poonch Shafqat Hussain Bhat (JKPS), accompanied by SDPO Surankote Ajaz Choudhary and SHO Surankote Insp. Sachinder, conducted a comprehensive security review of Bufliaz, DKG, Dodawali, Gunwali, Marah, and Sawni areas.
As part of the initiative to enhance security preparedness and community engagement, SSP Poonch convened a Police-Community Partnership Group (PCPG) meeting at Marah, where he interacted with local residents, listened to their concerns, and assured them of proactive measures to ensure safety and security in the region.
During the visit, the team also interacted with the Army personnel deployed at the Marah camp, discussing security challenges and coordination strategies to maintain peace and stability in the area.
SSP Poonch emphasized the importance of vigilance, community cooperation, and synergy between security forces and civilians to counter any potential threats
RAJOURI, FEB 04: Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma today chaired a meeting to review the ongoing anti-drug campaign under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. He emphasized the need for holding extensive awareness programs across the district with prior publicity of the date and venue to maximize public participation.
To strengthen the campaign, the Deputy Commissioner instructed to organise orientation programs for health workers, police officials and members of Self-Help Groups (SHGs). He also called for awareness initiatives through powerpoint presentations and short videos to effectively educate the public on the dangers of substance abuse.
Highlighting the need for stringent monitoring, he directed senior officers to conduct surprise inspections on regular intervals and submit weekly progress reports. He further stressed that awareness activities must cover all 385 villages of the district, ensuring widespread sensitization.
The DC reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to eradicating the menace of drug abuse and urged collective efforts from all stakeholders to make Rajouri a drug-free district.
The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Rajiv Khajuria; Additional Superintendent of Police, Bikram Singh; Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, Sheraz Chouhan; District Social Welfare Officer, Abdul Raheem; Chief Education Officer, Bishamber Dass; and other district officers.
RAJOURI, FEB 04: Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma today chaired a review meeting to assess the status of onboarding of departments onto the MY Bharat platform. The meeting aimed to expedite the integration of departments and facilitate the creation of Experiential Learning Programs (ELPs) for youth engagement.
At the outset, District Youth Officer Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) Nitin Hangloo presented a detailed report on the progress of departmental onboarding. The DC emphasized the significance of the MY Bharat platform for empowering young individuals by providing skill development, leadership training, and career-oriented opportunities.
Highlighting the role of ELPs in youth development, the DC appreciated the departments that have successfully onboarded and urged the remaining departments to expedite the process. He directed officials to ensure the timely creation of ELPs, enabling young individuals to gain hands-on experience and enhance their career prospects.
The meeting was attended by Chief Planning Officer (CPO) Maqsood Ahmed, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat (ACP) Sheraz Chouhan, Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Vijay Kumar Verma, Assistant Director FCS&CA Rohit Kumar, Assistant Labour Commissioner (ALC) Pradyot Gupta, and other district and sectoral officers.
A ration card is an indispensable document for rural populations, guaranteeing the supply of essential nutritional commodities and serving as a prerequisite for availing government schemes. Nevertheless, the Electronic Know Your Consumer (EKYC) has created difficulties for residents of various rural areas in Jammu and Kashmir, especially the erstwhile Doda district of the Chenab region. What is the final objective of EKYC? The response is that KYC is a process that verifies and updates an individual’s privacy and personal information on digital platforms, ensuring accuracy and validation.
The government has associated this process with the ration card to promote transparency and accountability in the public sector. Nonetheless, the process is proving to be particularly onerous for rural populations. The fundamental issue arises from limited internet accessibility in most rural areas of the Chenab region. As a result, individuals often encounter difficulties in completing EKYC and Aadhar updates due to slow internet speeds or unavailability.
SHAFQAT SHEIKH
Moreover, name discrepancies on Aadhaar cards and other documents lead to rejected EKYC applications. Government offices lack adequate KYC facilities, compelling villagers to travel to distant cities, where they face lengthy queues and unnecessary complications. Many individuals are unfamiliar with the system and face difficulty navigating and completing the process. However, no corrective action has been taken thus far.
A 30-year-old woman, Aisha Begum described her situation, stating that her husband’s work-related absence from the station has necessitated updates to her Aadhar card and other documents. She expressed concerns about her family’s financial vulnerability and reliance on government-issued rations. She mentioned rumors that individuals without valid documents would no longer receive rations, prompting her to visit the block market office for six consecutive days, albeit without success. Her situation is precarious, and she struggles to afford necessities like food.
Set up a training camp to enhance work efficiency. Participants should be trained on the co-digital system to enable self-sufficient process completion. Strengthen and increase computer infrastructure in Panchayat, Tehsil, Block, and district Government offices to expedite process completion. In addition to Aadhaar, other identity documents should be acknowledged to alleviate public issues.
The Bunjwah area of Kishtwar District with a vast population does not have any Aadhar Updating centre as the demand was projected several times before the administration. The Jammu and Kashmir Bank B/U Bunjwah also has not established the centre thereby no other private institution is having such facilities to facilitate the general society at door steps.
The process of obtaining a Ration Card through KYC is more arduous for women and the elderly. The majority of ration card holders are presently working outside their home station and return only after extended durations of several months or years.
To ensure an efficient experience, individuals should complete their EKYC personally. Several individuals face obstacles due to incomplete identity documents or difficulties in reaching offices. Barket Ali, a 45-year-old local, noted that most women applying for ration cards are from this area, pointing out the crowds outside offices. The government’s promise of doorstep delivery of services remains unfulfilled.
A question persists: when will this take place? How will these individuals, particularly working mothers who must leave their distressed children at home, receive notification? The rural population of the Chenab region requires assistance with a critical issue like rationing. The government and local administration must work to resolve the problems of these individuals quickly to ensure uninterrupted provision of necessities.
A concern is shared by all. As a result, there is no knowledge or benefit to share with them. Why are these women being penalized in this cold weather? Are there alternative arrangements for this task? A potential solution to the aforementioned problems could be organizing camps in rural areas; the government should visit each village.
(The author is a Freelance Writer and Columnist from Kishtwar, Jammu and Kashmir, and can be reached at freelancershafqat@gmail.com 9419974577).
