Day: January 31, 2026

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

RAJOURI JANUARY 31:-Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Hussain Laarvi on Tuesday inaugurated the long-awaited Hasplote Dhoke to Dhoke Bhatali road project by laying its foundation stone, signaling a major boost to infrastructure development in the Thanna Mandi area of Rajouri district. The project was launched in the presence of MLA Thanna Mandi Muzaffar Iqbal Khan.
The road project, being executed at an estimated cost of ₹14.57 crore, is expected to resolve persistent connectivity challenges faced by the region and significantly improve transportation for local residents. Once completed, it is anticipated to strengthen economic activity, ease movement for students and patients, and improve access to markets and essential services.
The foundation stone ceremony witnessed the presence of prominent local leaders including Chaudhary Naseem Liaqat, Mushtaq Ahmad Shal, Shameem Ahmad Mughal, Munshi Khan, along with officials from the Public Works Department, SDM Thanna Mandi, social workers, community elders, and a large number of residents.
Speakers on the occasion highlighted that the absence of a proper road had long hampered daily life, particularly affecting commuters, traders, and emergency services. They described the project as a critical intervention that would pave the way for balanced development in the area.
Addressing the gathering, MP Mian Altaf Hussain Laarvi said that strengthening infrastructure in remote and underserved regions remains a core priority, adding that improved road connectivity is essential for inclusive growth and social upliftment.
MLA Muzaffar Iqbal Khan assured locals that the project would be completed within the stipulated timeline, with strict adherence to quality standards and transparency in execution.
The event concluded with expressions of appreciation from local residents, who welcomed the initiative and voiced optimism for continued developmental works in the region.

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

RAJOURI, JANUARY 31:-A comprehensive review meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Director Rural Development Department (RDD) Jammu, Shehnaz Akhter at the Raj Kumar Thapa Memorial Dak Bunglow Rajouri to assess the progress of key rural development schemes in the district.

The meeting was attended by the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Rajouri, Auqil Naveed, Executive Engineer REW Rajouri, Block Development Officers (BDOs), Assistant Engineers (AEs) and Junior Engineers (JEs).

The Director undertook a detailed review of the performance under major flagship programmes, including MGNREGA Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G) and Union Territory Capex works (CD & Panchayat). Emphasizing the need for faster implementation and stronger accountability, she issued specific directions to address bottlenecks, particularly in underperforming blocks.

To ensure timely benefits to workers, the BDOs were directed to significantly improve the payment of wages. BDO Plangarh and BDO Panjgrain were specifically instructed to improve the status of timely payments within 10 days. BDO Thanamandi, along with other BDOs were directed to complete Aadhaar seeding of job cards within a strict timeline of 7 days. Any technical issues were to be immediately escalated and resolved in coordination with the MIS team. The Director also directed all BDOs to fast-track e-KYC authentication of beneficiaries.

Reviewing the progress under PMAY-G, the Director stressed the urgent completion of pending houses. BDOs were directed to complete all houses under Category-A within the 15 days and to initiate recovery of amounts in cases of default by beneficiaries. As per the latest update, 60,253 houses have been completed so far, while 1,928 houses are still pending.

Under the CD & Panchayat (Ongoing) category, 76 percent expenditure has been done. The Director asked the BDOs to resolve all pending issues, restart stalled works and ensure full completion before the end of February. In the CD & Panchayat (New) category, 98 works have been approved, of which all have been started except 10 works currently under tendering. The concerned BDOs were directed to expedite the tendering process and complete these works while also boosting overall expenditure.

Calling upon all BDOs, AEs and field functionaries to work with utmost dedication, coordination and cooperation, the Director emphasized achieving the set targets and ensuring effective delivery of rural development schemes for the benefit of the rural populace.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment towards transparent, timely and efficient implementation of rural development programmes in Rajouri.

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

POONCH JANUARY 31:-Sarada Energy & Minerals Ltd, in collaboration with Spreading Smile Charitable Trust, Ahmedabad, distributed essential educational and utility items to the Army Goodwill School (AGS), Baba Garib Das Academy, Salotri in Poonch district of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.

The donated items included water dispensers, sports jerseys, inverters, fire extinguishers, and activity boards, aimed at enhancing the learning environment and overall well-being of students studying in this remote border area.

The distribution drive was organized as part of the Trust’s ongoing efforts to uplift rural education and promote child welfare in underserved regions. The items were formally handed over to the school authorities during a brief ceremony attended by Army officers, school faculty members, and representatives of the NGO.

Speaking on the occasion, Mrs. Nistha, Chairperson of Spreading Smile Charitable Trust, said, “Our mission is to ensure that geography and circumstances do not limit a child’s potential. Army Goodwill Schools are beacons of hope in remote areas, and through such collaborations, we aim to equip students with the resources they need to learn, grow, and dream big.”
Mrs. Rishu Raina, Principal of Army Goodwill School, Salotri, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Sarada Energy & Minerals Ltd and the Trust, stating that such initiatives strengthen the educational ecosystem and motivate students to excel academically and socially.

Army Goodwill Schools have played a vital role in providing quality education and fostering peace and development across Jammu and Kashmir. This initiative reflects Spreading Smile Charitable Trust’s continued commitment to supporting the Awaam (people) and contributing to nation-building efforts in the region.

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL 

POONCH JANUARY 31:-In a major boost to power infrastructure in Poonch district, the Omar Abdullah–led Government has sanctioned the construction of a 50 MVA, 132/33 KV Grid Station at Mendhar, marking a significant milestone for this strategically important border area.

The approval comes after sustained and determined efforts by MLA Mendhar and Minister Javed Ahmed Rana, who persistently pursued the matter with Power Development Department headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

The sanctioning of this long-pending project is the outcome of persistent follow-up and strong advocacy with the Chief Minister, wherein it was repeatedly highlighted the area faces severe and frequent power crisis.

Rana also drew attention to chronic issues such as frequent power outages, low voltage, transmission losses, and the resulting hardships faced by residents, students, traders, healthcare institutions, and public utilities in Mendhar and adjoining areas.

The Grid Station, to be executed at an estimated cost of ₹49 crore, is expected to substantially strengthen the power supply network in Mendhar.

Once commissioned, it will ensure improved voltage regulation, reduced transmission losses, and a stable and uninterrupted electricity supply, effectively putting an end to frequent breakdowns and prolonged outages.

This landmark infrastructure initiative is poised to bring widespread relief to the local population and significantly enhance the functioning of essential services, including water supply schemes, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, commercial establishments, and livelihood-related activities.

The project will also play a crucial role in accelerating overall socio-economic development in this border belt.

Rana has expressed gratitutde to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on behalf of people of Mendhar for approving what he described as a historic, visionary and people-centric project.

He stated that the people of Mendhar would remain forever thankful to the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for this transformative intervention, which will fundamentally change the power scenario in the region.

“The sanctioning of the 50 MVA Grid Station reflects the Omar Abdullah Government’s firm commitment to equitable and inclusive development, particularly in border and hilly areas.

This project will greatly improve the quality of life of the people and act as a catalyst for holistic development in Mendhar,” the Minister said.

The tendering process has already been initiated, marking the formal commencement of implementation of this long-awaited project.

Furthermore, an amount of ₹3.43 crore has been allocated for utilization during the financial year 2025–26, ensuring timely progress in the initial phase of construction.

GNS ONLINE NEWS PORTAL

RAJOURI JANUARY 31:-Former Minister and Vice President of Jammu and Kashmir BJP, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali  Today reiterated the long-pending demands for the establishment of a National Law University (NLU) at Rajouri and the inclusion of Rajouri–Poonch under the Fifth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

Addressing a press conference here, Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali, accompanied by Manzoor Ahmed Naik, State General Secretary, ST Morcha, and Mohd Arif Ranja, former Chairman, Municipal Council Rajouri, said the twin border districts continue to face institutional and educational neglect despite their strategic importance and socio-economic challenges.

Highlighting the border location of Rajouri–Poonch along the Line of Control (LoC), Zulfkar Ali said the region has made immense sacrifices for national integrity but has not received proportionate development. He termed the establishment of an NLU at Rajouri as an “urgent and justified necessity,” stating that it would provide quality legal education to local students, generate employment, enhance legal awareness, and contribute to regional development.
He further said that the inclusion of Rajouri–Poonch under the Fifth Schedule is essential due to the substantial tribal population, particularly Gujjars and Bakerwals, who continue to face social and economic disadvantages. “Fifth Schedule status is a constitutional requirement to protect tribal land rights, culture, and livelihoods and to ensure inclusive development,” he asserted.

Manzoor Ahmed Naik said tribal communities have consistently demanded Fifth Schedule protection to safeguard their constitutional rights, adding that sustainable development is impossible without empowering tribal populations.

Mohd Arif Ranja said an NLU would transform Rajouri into an educational hub and open new opportunities for local youth.

Chowdhary Zulfkar Ali urged the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, and the Government of India to initiate immediate steps to fulfill these demands, stating that decisive action is necessary to restore public confidence and ensure equitable development in the border districts.