Day: September 24, 2025

  • Rana Voices Strong Concern Over Ladakh Protests; Urges Restoration of Democratic Fedrealism in J&K and Ladakh

    Rana Voices Strong Concern Over Ladakh Protests; Urges Restoration of Democratic Fedrealism in J&K and Ladakh

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

    NEW DELHI SEPT 24:-Senior Cabinet Minister in the Omar Abdullah-led Government and veteran tribal leader, Javed Ahmed Rana, has expressed grave concern over the unfolding developments in Ladakh, terming the ongoing protests a “clear manifestation of the growing disconnect between the people and the institutions that are meant to represent them.”

    In a strongly worded statement issued today, Rana said that the unrest in Ladakh is not an isolated expression of discontent but reflects a wider crisis of political disempowerment and exclusion across the entire region of Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh.

    “The replacement of elected governance with bureaucratic control strikes at the core of our constitutional democracy,” Rana said.

    “The growing reliance on centralised administration cannot substitute the will or aspirations of the people. What we are witnessing today in Ladakh is a direct outcome of that alienation.”

    Rana emphasised that the ongoing unrest must be seen in the larger context of the erosion of democratic institutions and representative mechanisms in both Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh post-August 2019.

    Calling for immediate corrective steps, he urged the Union Government to urgently restore full democratic rights and institutional autonomy, in line with India’s federal democratic framework.

    “Democracy is not merely about administrative efficiency—it is about trust in the people’s will. Governance from a distance breeds resentment, not resolution,” Rana remarked.

    Reiterating the Jammu and Kashmir National Conference’s unwavering commitment to democratic values, regional autonomy and inclusive governance, Rana affirmed solidarity with all those in Ladakh and across Jammu & Kashmir who are seeking a return to representative politics and constitutional safeguards.

    The statement comes amid growing protests in Ladakh, where civil society groups, student bodies and local political organisations have intensified demands for constitutional protections, greater autonomy and the reinstatement of democratic processes.

    Rana has warned that continued political alienation in the region would only deepen discontent and weaken public faith in the system, urging New Delhi to respond not with delay or deflection, but with sincerity and concrete action.

  • Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) set to become a Carbon-Neutral University

    Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) set to become a Carbon-Neutral University

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI, SEPTEMBER 24: Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) has taken a major step towards sustainable energy and environmental responsibility with the launch of Campus solarisation project.

    The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with the Science & Technology Department, Government of Jammu & Kashmir and the Jammu & Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA).

    Registrar BGSBU, Abhishek Sharma informed that a detailed survey has been initiated as part of the project to facilitate the installation of solar power infrastructure across the campus. With a proposed capacity of 1 Megawatt (MW), the project will substantially reduce the University’s reliance on conventional energy sources, lower electricity expenditure and promote the use of renewable energy. As communicated by the implementation team, the project is scheduled for completion by March 2026.

    Speaking on the occasion, Abhishek Sharma said: “The solarisation of the University campus is a landmark initiative that will not only make BGSBU energy-efficient but also set an example for other institutions in the region. This project reflects our commitment to environmental sustainability and clean energy adoption. We are grateful to the Science & Technology Department and JAKEDA for their collaboration and support in making the vision a reality.”

    The solarisation project at BGSBU is in line with the national vision of adopting renewable energy for sustainable development and underscores the University’s dedication to building a carbon-neutral and eco-friendly campus.

    NO: PR/DDI/J/2961//

  • Awareness Programme on PC & PNDT Act organized at Rajouri

    Awareness Programme on PC & PNDT Act organized at Rajouri

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI, SEPTEMBER 24: The Department of Social Welfare, on the direction of District Development Commissioner Abhishek Sharma, organized an awareness Programme on the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PC & PNDT) Act, here today. The programme aimed at sensitizing stakeholders about the objectives and provisions of the Act which seeks to prohibit pre-natal sex selection and to regulate the use of pre-natal diagnostic techniques strictly for lawful purposes.

    The programme witnessed the active participation of Anganwadi Workers, ASHA workers, students from the Nursing College, representatives from the One Stop Centre and the District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW), Supervisors from the ICDS Department, representatives from Laboratories and Ultrasound clinics and the officials of the Social Welfare Department.

    The resource persons who addressed the gathering included Chief Prosecution Officer Shahin Khan; Dr. Neelam Sharma from the Health Department; P.D. Sharma and Dr Gayandish from the Veteran Citizens Forum; Mohammad Anwar from the District Legal Services Authority and District Social Welfare Officer.

    They deliberated upon the legal framework of the Act, punitive measures for the violation and ethical responsibilities of medical practitioners. The speakers also underlined the community’s responsibility in reporting violations, need to check the declining child sex ratio and the importance of promoting gender equity and safeguarding the rights of the girl child.

    Additionally, the participants were apprised about the provisions of the Act, vigilance mechanisms in place and the government initiatives designed to strengthen gender justice.

    The programme concluded with an interactive session in which participants expressed their views and committed themselves to carry forward the message at the grassroots level, thereby contributing to the creation of a more gender-just and equitable society.

    NO: PR/DDI/J/2958//

  • Week-long lecture series on Gandhian Philosophy commences at BGSBU ; Varsity Registrar delivers keynote lecture on the subject

    Week-long lecture series on Gandhian Philosophy commences at BGSBU ; Varsity Registrar delivers keynote lecture on the subject

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI, SEPTEMBER 24: As part of the ongoing Seva Parv campaign, a week-long lecture series on Gandhian Philosophy commenced today at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU). Scheduled from September 24 to 30, 2025, the series forms a vital component of the University’s Induction Programme for newly admitted students of History, Political Science and Geography. It aims at acquainting them with the timeless teachings of Mahatma Gandhi.

    The programme began with a welcome address by Dr. A.A. Shah, Associate Professor, School of Biosciences and Biotechnology.

    The inaugural session was graced by Registrar BGSBU Abhishek Sharma, who delivered the keynote lecture on Gandhian Philosophy.

    Calling the initiative a unique step towards sensitizing young minds, the Registrar urged students to draw inspiration from Gandhiji’s Talisman in moments of doubt and decision-making.

    He underlined Gandhi’s vision of self-reliance (Atmanirbhar Bharat), economic freedom, self-sufficient villages, non-violence, truth, honesty and communal harmony. Emphasizing the relevance of these ideals, he remarked that Gandhian philosophy is not just a legacy of the past but continues to embody the collective spirit and conscience of every Indian.

    “Following Gandhian thought in our daily lives will be the most meaningful tribute to the Father of the Nation,” he said, while extending best wishes to the faculty and staff for their commitment to nurturing the University’s academic environment.

    The session concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Shamas Kamal Anjum, Associate Dean, School of Social Sciences who lauded the Registrar’s visionary role in the transformation of BGSBU.

    The event was attended by senior faculty members, including Dr. Marya Aslam, Head, Political Science; Dr. Tanvir Ahmed, Head, Sociology; and Tazeem Akhter, Head, History along with students and staff of the University.

    NO: PR/DDI/J/2960//

  • Rajouri observes day 08 of Sewa Parv with focus on youth empowerment, Labour Welfare & Cleanliness

    Rajouri observes day 08 of Sewa Parv with focus on youth empowerment, Labour Welfare & Cleanliness

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    RAJOURI, SEPTEMBER 24: As Sewa Parv entered the eighth day, the district Rajouri continued to witness a wide spectrum of public welfare activities and awareness campaigns, reinforcing the spirit of community engagement, inclusive development, and responsive governance.

    One of the key highlights of the day was an awareness session under Udyam Jagriti 4.0 held at the Cluster Level Federation Chowkian. The program covered several panchayats including Chowkian A, B, C, Thanamnag A, Sagrawat, and Khotran. The initiative focused on sensitizing Self Help Group (SHG) members and rural youth about opportunities in entrepreneurship and skill development.

    At Peeri, Budhal New, another Udyam Jagriti 4.0 awareness campaign was organised by NRLM under Mission YUVA, drawing the participation of a large number of SHG members, their households, and YUVA Doots. A comprehensive presentation was delivered on the features and benefits of Mission YUVA. Participants also downloaded the dedicated mobile application, completed registrations, and submitted feedback via Google forms, marking an important step toward digital integration.

    In a significant outreach effort, a vibrant programme was conducted at the Sericulture Complex in Kangri under ATMA, where farmers and stakeholders were informed about various sericulture-related schemes.

    Further promoting animal welfare and rural livelihood, the Animal Husbandry Department Rajouri conducted an awareness camp at Doongi, highlighting schemes and services available to livestock farmers under Seva Parv.

    On the labour welfare front, an awareness camp on BOCWWB schemes and labour welfare initiatives was held at ITI College, Nowshera, educating workers and students about social security schemes designed for the unorganised sector.

    Marking National Service Scheme (NSS) Day, GDC Thannamandi organised a cleanliness drive and awareness programme at the revered Shahdara Sharief Shrine. The event drew participation from students and faculty, reiterating the values of selfless service and community responsibility.

    Health and wellness remained a core focus with SNSP medical camps being organised across multiple locations in the district, offering health check-ups and medical consultations to citizens under Seva Parv.

    Celebrating the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, GDC Kalakote observed Seva Parv with the screening of a documentary and a book reading session on Gandhian philosophy, fostering moral education and civic consciousness among students.

    With a dynamic blend of awareness, education, and outreach, Day 08 of Sewa Parv exemplified the commitment of district Rajouri to participatory governance and citizen-centric service delivery.

    NO: PR/DDI/J/2953//

  • Collaborative Plantation Drive at GDC Bemina Highlights “Pooling Resources to Save the Environment”

    Collaborative Plantation Drive at GDC Bemina Highlights “Pooling Resources to Save the Environment”

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    SRINAGAR SEPT 24:-In a significant display of organisational cooperation, the Rotary Club of Kashmir (Rotary International), the Department of Community Medicine at Government Medical College (GMC) & Associated Hospitals, Srinagar (Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences), the Abdul Ahad Azad Memorial Degree college (AAAMDC) Bemina under *SEWA PARV 2025* and the J&K Forest Department (Urban Forestry division Srinagar )Kashmir Concern (Regd NGO) joined hands for a large-scale plantation drive at the Government Degree College (GDC) in Bemina today.

    The event was graced by the Chief Guest, Shri M. Y. Tarigami, Honourable Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) and Chairman of the Legislative Committee on Environment. The drive underscored a shared commitment to combating environmental degradation and promoting ecological sustainability in the region.

    Addressing the media on the sidelines of the event, Shri Tarigami lauded the collaborative effort, stating that such partnerships are crucial in the face of environmental challenges. In a powerful statement, he emphasized, “Collaboration, not contradiction, is the need of the hour. We have limited resources, and we need to pool them to save the Environment, which is already an emergency.”

    He further stressed that proactive afforestation is key to mitigating the effects of climate change and preserving Kashmir’s fragile ecosystem for future generations.

    The plantation drive saw active participation from members of all collaborating institutions, including doctors, medical students, Rotary members, forest officials, and college faculty and students. The initiative aimed not only to increase the green cover but also to foster a sense of collective responsibility towards environmental stewardship among the community, particularly the youth said Dr Touseef Bhat .

    Representatives from the collaborating organizations expressed their commitment to continuing such synergistic efforts. They highlighted that this drive is the first step in a long-term partnership focused on implementing tangible environmental conservation projects across the Kashmir Valley.

  • J&K Forest Minister Javed Rana Meets Union Environment Minister in New Delhi

    J&K Forest Minister Javed Rana Meets Union Environment Minister in New Delhi

    GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

    NEW DELHI SEPT 24:-Jammu and Kashmir Forest Minister Javed Rana met Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav in New Delhi to discuss key priorities of the Union Territory’s forest and environment sector.

    During the meeting, Rana highlighted critical concerns including dedicated funding for forest fire management, catchment area treatment, progress on CAMPA projects, wetland conservation, and the release of pending biodiversity grants.

    He stressed the importance of stronger collaboration between the Centre and J&K to ensure sustainable forest management, enhance climate resilience, and promote ecological conservation in the region.