Day: March 20, 2025

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RAJOURI MAR 20:– In a significant move, the Public Works Department (PWD) Casual Labourer Association of Pir Panjal Range, J&K, has launched an indefinite strike from March 20, 2025, protesting against the drastic reduction in wages for highly skilled and skilled workers. The decision comes in response to a recent directive from the Chief Accounts Officer, Chief Engineer PW(R&B) Department, which has effectively slashed their earnings to the level of unskilled labourers.

Mohd Riaz, President of the PWD Casual Labourer Association, has expressed grave concerns over the wage restructuring, calling it an unjustified and demoralizing step. According to the Labour & Employment Department’s notification dated October 12, 2022, the prescribed wages for different categories of casual labourers were:Highly Skilled: ₹552 per day (₹16,560 per month), Skilled: ₹483 per day (₹14,490 per month), Semi-Skilled: ₹400 per Day and Unskilled: ₹311 per day

However, the latest order (No. CEP/R&B/Acctts/2024-25/271-286, dated October 1, 2024) mandates that all daily-rated workers, regardless of skill level, be paid only ₹311 per day—significantly reducing the wages of highly skilled and skilled workers to ₹9,300 per month.

“This move disregards the years of service and expertise of our workers,” Riaz stated. “It is unacceptable that a highly skilled worker, who was previously earning ₹16,560 per month, is now expected to survive on an unskilled labourer’s wage. Many of our workers are struggling to afford basic necessities, including their children’s education.”

The association argues that these workers had been receiving appropriate wages in accordance with previous government notifications, including the Labour & Employment Department’s SRO 460 (October 28, 2017) and multiple endorsements from the Chief Engineer PW(R&B) Department, Jammu. Despite repeated requests for funds to cover proper wage payments—such as the letter from Executive Engineers of Pir Panjal Range (No. 8115-17, dated March 8, 2025)—no action has been taken.

The striking labourers are now demanding the immediate reinstatement of their previous wage structure, in line with the October 2022 notification (SO 513). They have called for the intervention of higher authorities to resolve the issue and prevent further financial distress among the affected workers.

As the strike continues, concerns are mounting over potential delays in key public infrastructure projects across the Pir Panjal region. With no resolution in sight, the PWD Casual Labourer Association remains firm in its stance, vowing to continue the strike until their demands are met.

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RAJOURI, MAR 20:-The vibrant and thought-provoking two-day Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025, on the theme “One Nation, One Election: Paving the Way for Viksit Bharat”, concluded today at Government Degree College (GDC) Rajouri.

The event, organized under the guidance of the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, provided a platform to young minds to deliberate on India’s electoral reforms and their role in national development.

The second day commenced with a welcome address by Prof. Iqbal Raina, who underscored the significance of such discussions in fostering informed political participation among youth.

The parliamentary session witnessed enthusiastic participation. Sixty students engaged in intense deliberations on how a synchronized electoral process could enhance India’s governance, reduce political instability, and accelerate national development.

Following an impressive display of debating skills, ten outstanding students from Rajouri and Poonch were selected to compete at the UT-level Youth Parliament competition. Their exceptional performances in the preliminary rounds showcased their leadership potential and in-depth understanding of electoral reforms.

The event concluded with a valedictory ceremony, presided over by Prof. Zamir Mirza (Principal, GDC Rajouri), who lauded the participants’ exceptional oratory skills and appreciated the faculty’s efforts in organizing the event. Certificates of appreciation were awarded to the organizing committee members, including Dr. Zakir Hussain Kalis, Prof. Ayaz Ahmed Chowdhary, Dr. Ahsan Ur Rehman Rizvi, Prof. Joginder Singh, Prof. Ajaz Nazir, Prof. Randeep Kumar, Prof. Mohd Shoket, Prof. Altaf Ahmed, Prof. Rabia Koser, Dr. Ajaz Hussain Shah, Prof. Antima Gupta, and Dr. Flourance Chaand.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Prof. Zakir Kalis (HoD English), acknowledging the contributions of all stakeholders in making the Viksit Bharat Youth Parliament 2025 a grand success.

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RAJOURI, MAR 20:-To review and reinforce road safety in the district, Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma today chaired a crucial meeting of the District Road Safety Committee.

At the outset, District Rollout Manager Pankaj Sabharwal provided a comprehensive presentation on the Integrated Road Accident Database (i-RAD) and Electronic Detailed Accident Report (e-DAR). He highlighted the significance of i-RAD web portal in analyzing road accidents and formulating preventive measures. Additionally, he presented accident statistics, categorizing incidents based on road classification and month-wise trends.

It was revealed that 840 road accidents have been recorded in the district since July 2022, with all cases documented and uploaded onto the i-RAD platform for further analysis. The meeting extensively deliberated on awareness campaigns, identification of accident-prone black spots, and installation of crash barriers to strengthen road safety.

Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma underscored the importance of public awareness and responsible driving behavior in reducing accidents, injuries, and fatalities. He urged all stakeholder departments to foster a culture of mutual respect among road users and emphasized the need for drivers to prioritize safety precautions.

To ensure strict enforcement, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Traffic and Motor Vehicle Department to conduct special drives against traffic violations and impose strict penalties on violators.

The meeting concluded with a firm commitment to strengthening road safety measures in the district. The initiatives discussed during the meeting will be implemented with urgency to make road travel safer and more secure for all citizens.

The meeting was attended by ADDC Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa, SE PWD(R&B) Devi Dayal, CPO Maqsood Ahmed, ARTO Rajesh Gupta, XEN PWD(R&B) Rajouri, OC BRO 58 RCC Ankit Uniyal, CEO Education Iqbal Hussain, XEN PWD(R&B) Kalakote Mohd Aftab, XEN PWD(R&B) Thanamandi Rajesh Gupta, XEN PDD Rajouri Mohd Rashid, XEN PMGSY Rajouri Shahid Mustafa, XEN PMGSY Budhal Imtiyaz Mir, and other concerned officers.

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RAJOURI, MARCH 20:- Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, today chaired a meeting at the Conference Hall of PWD Dakbanglow to review arrangements for the upcoming Rajouri Day celebrations, scheduled for April 13. The event will be organized by the District Administration in collaboration with Rotary Club Rajouri.

During the meeting, a detailed discussion was held on various aspects of the event to ensure its smooth and successful execution. Several activities have been planned to highlight the district’s rich culture and tourism potential. These include stalls set up by different departments to showcase government schemes, a display of prominent tourist sites, and sports events.

A key pre-event activity will be the Talent Hunt Program, featuring competitions in singing, music, dance, and mimicry at the school, zonal, and district levels. The School Education and Culture departments have been directed to ensure the smooth conduct of these competitions, with the top three students earning a chance to perform at the main event. Additionally, farmers will be sensitized about pesticide handling as part of the awareness initiatives.

The celebrations will also feature a cultural program, showcasing the region’s diverse traditions. A blood donation camp and a medical camp will be organized to promote health and well-being. Further, a mock drill exercise for disaster management and awareness sessions on drug abuse and mental health will be conducted.

To promote lesser-known tourist destinations in the district, the Rajouri Development Authority has been directed to set up dedicated stalls at the main event. These stalls will highlight the district’s tourism potential and encourage visitors to explore its scenic and historical landmarks. Additionally, a trekking and cycling flag-off will be part of the celebrations.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need for seamless coordination among all departments to ensure the success of the event. He directed officers to complete all necessary arrangements efficiently and within the stipulated timeframe.

The meeting was attended by ADDC Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa, GM DIC Fareed Kohli, CPO Maqsood Ahmed, ACP Sheraz Chowhan, DPO Mohd Nawaz Choudhary, DSHO P.P. Sagotra, CAHO Dr. Khalid Hussain, EXEN PWD(R&B) Rajouri Sardar Khan, and members of the Rotary Club Rajouri.

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RAJOURI MAR 20:-Thana Divas program along with an awareness session on the newly introduced criminal laws was organized today at Police Station Kalakote. The event was chaired by DIG Rajouri-Poonch Range along with SSP Rajouri, ASP Nowshera, and SDPO Kalakote. Number of citizens from Kalakote attended the event.

During the program participants were briefed on the three newly introduced criminal laws and the prevailing security scenario. Citizens were advised to remain extra vigilant and to keep a close watch on anti-national and drug-related activities. Public grievances were also noted during the session.

The members of the Beopar Mandal were encouraged to enhance security measures by installing CCTV cameras across the marketplace to improve surveillance and public safety.

The event emphasized the importance of community participation in maintaining law and order. Citizens were urged to cooperate with security agencies to ensure peace in the area of Kalakote Rajouri.

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RAJOURI, MAR 20:-The District Administration Rajouri, in collaboration with Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU), organized an awareness program on Health and Menstrual Hygiene under the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao initiative today. Held in the Auditorium of University Polytechnic, the event aimed to educate female students and attendees on essential health practices and menstrual hygiene management.

The program was graced by Registrards BGSBU Abhishek Sharma; Dean of Academic Affairs Prof. M.J. Warsi; District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) Abdul Raheem and Nitu Sharma (Pharmacist), deputed by the Chief Medical Officer, Rajouri.

Dr. Shachi Sood delivered the welcome address, emphasizing the significance of health education for women. Ritu Sharma sensitized attendees on menstrual hygiene, dispelling myths and sharing best practices. A short documentary on menstrual hygiene was also screened, followed by interactive discussions.

Abhishek Sharma commended the organizers for addressing such a crucial topic and taking steps to break the taboos surrounding menstrual hygiene. He emphasized that collaboration between the University and District Administration is vital for the holistic development of the region, particularly in the education sector.

Prof Warsi highlighted how myths and societal taboos have often hindered awareness about menstrual hygiene. He appreciated the efforts of the District Social Welfare Officer in organizing the event and expressed gratitude to Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi for launching initiatives like Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, which have been instrumental in promoting gender awareness and sensitization.

In a significant announcement, Abdul Raheem pledged the installation of five sanitary pad incinerator machines at BGSBU to ensure safe menstrual waste disposal.

The event concluded with a vote of thanks by Abdul Raheem, acknowledging the collaborative efforts of all stakeholders. Attendees were provided refreshments, fostering informal discussions and networking opportunities.