SRINAGAR, JUNE 16: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo Monday chaired a high-level meeting to review the ongoing and proposed initiatives of the Handicrafts & Handloom Department aimed at promoting and preserving the rich craft heritage of Jammu & Kashmir, while simultaneously improving the socio-economic condition of artisans and weavers.
The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh; MD, JKTPO; Directors of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir and Jammu, besides other senior officers.
Underscoring the global demand for authentic and high-quality handmade products, the Chief Secretary stressed the need to safeguard the interests of genuine artisans by leveraging modern technological interventions. He called for widespread use of Geographical Indications (GI), QR code tagging, traceability tools and digital authentication mechanisms to clearly distinguish the original handmade products from counterfeits.
He directed the department to aggressively follow up with the Government of India for expediting approvals of dozens of project proposals submitted for promotion of various crafts across the UT. He emphasised the need to designate a senior nodal officer to spearhead the coordination and ensure timely clearances of these projects.
The Chief Secretary also called for fast-tracking the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the World Craft Council. He said this partnership is expected to significantly elevate the global footprint of J&K’s traditional crafts by establishing a World Craft Hub and Living Crafts Museum, envisioned as an international centre for craft preservation, innovation, and exchange.
Dulloo further highlighted the need for consistent promotion at national and international levels, leveraging not just conventional marketing channels but also digital and social media platforms. He remarked that the market for our crafts is vast, and we must tap into its full potential to uplift the lives of our artisan community.
Reviewing the progress on Ekta Malls being established in Jammu and Srinagar, the Chief Secretary urged for their timely completion. These malls are envisioned as dedicated platforms to showcase and sell indigenous products, enabling artisans to directly connect with consumers.
Commissioner Secretary, I&C, Vikramjit Singh, during his presentation, elaborated on the post-2020 policy reforms that have led to structured support for artisans, improved market access and revitalised the traditional craft economy in the UT. He noted that these initiatives paved the way for GI protection, upgraded infrastructure and financial empowerment of the artisan community.
He highlighted flagship interventions like the Credit Card Scheme for Artisans (CCSA), Financial Support Scheme for Cooperatives/SHGs, Karkhandar Scheme, Raw Material Banks, and Artisan Education Schemes—all aimed at holistic upliftment of artisans and weavers across J&K.
Regarding the key infrastructure and promotional projects, Director, Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, Masrat-ul-Islam, provided a detailed overview of recent initiatives, including the establishment of Craft Villages, Common Facility Centres (CFCs), Flatted Factories, De-hairing Plants, Bamboo Clusters and Craft-Based Resource Centres in various districts.
Notable among the proposed projects are Craft Village at Sonpah, Budgam, Wool CFC at Nowshera, Srinagar, Flatted Factories at Mujgund, De-hairing Plant at CDI Nowshera, Bamboo Cluster at Samba, Indian Institute of Textiles/Handlooms at Basohli, Promotion of Handloom Sector in Jammu, Block-level Craft Training Centres and dozens more proposals submitted for approval of GoI for their funding.

JAMMU, JUNE 16: Chief Electoral Officer, Jammu and Kashmir, Sanjeev Verma, Monday convened an interactive session with the representatives of print media houses at Nirvachan Bhavan, Jammu, with an aim to enhance better communication flow with the media fraternity.
The CEO underscored the importance of effective collaboration between the election machinery and the media to deliver accurate, clear and timely updates to the public from the Election Department.
Expressing gratitude for successful coverage and contribution in the previously held Parliamentary and Assembly Elections, the CEO appreciated the consistent support from the media fraternity in disseminating timely and accurate election-related information to the public.
Sanjeev Verma also acknowledged the role of media in fostering democratic values and enhancing voter education, creating awareness about SVEEP, dispelling myths, countering misinformation and false narratives.
The media fraternity also gave valuable suggestions like creating WhatsApp groups for better coordination and updated information.
The CEO stressed on seamless election-related communication and ensuring prompt coordination with media houses for press notes and releases, supplemented with relevant visuals provided by the Election office.

Reviews measures aimed to strengthen institute in JK

SRINAGAR, JUNE 16: Aimed at promoting tribal welfare and research in Jammu & Kashmir, Tribal Affairs Minister, Javed Ahmed Rana Monday reviewed measures aimed to strengthen the Tribal Research Institute (TRI) in Jammu and Kashmir.
In a meeting of the officers of the Tribal Affairs Department, the Minister emphasized the pivotal role of TRI in promoting tribal welfare. He called for transforming it into a premier institute of tribal research and excellence.
The meeting was attended by Secretary Tribal Affairs Department, Harun Malik, Director Tribal Affairs, Mohd Mumtaz Ali and other senior officers of the department.
During the review, the Minister directed the officers to formulate a comprehensive coordination plan with all the stakeholders to devise the broader structure of role and activities to be taken up by the TRI. He stressed the need for infrastructure upgrades, hiring of reputed consultants and submission of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) to ensure the institute’s effective functioning.
The Minister also emphasized the importance of studying and replicating best practices and models from other parts of the country to enhance TRI’s capabilities. He envisioned TRI as a hub for innovative research, policy formulation and capacity building, ultimately contributing to the socio-economic development of tribal communities in J&K.
Javed Rana directed for enhancing TRI’s infrastructure to facilitate cutting-edge research and training. He also asked for fostering broader coordination with all stakeholders, including tribal communities, academia and civil society organizations.
The Minister instructed for engaging experienced and reputed consultants to provide expertise in tribal research and development and prepare and submit DPRs for various projects and initiatives to be undertaken by TRI.
“Our vision for TRI should be to establish it as a premier institute of tribal research and excellence, contributing to the socio-economic development of tribal communities in J&K. TRI’s work should be guided by a deep understanding of tribal issues, cultures, and aspirations,” he said.
TRI should be positioned as a key driver of tribal welfare and development in J&K, leveraging research, innovation, and collaboration to improve the lives of tribal communities, he added.

Chairs maiden meeting at Srinagar

SRINAGAR, JUNE 16: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly Monday held its maiden meeting at the Assembly complex.
The meeting was presided over by the Chairman of Committee, Sham Lal Sharma and attended by MLAs Tariq Hamid Kara, Nazir Ahmad Khan, Altaf Ahmad Wani, Javid Hassan Beig, Muzaffar Iqbal Khan and Qaysar Jamshaid Lone; members of the Committee.
During the meeting, the Chairman briefed the members about the roles and responsibilities of PAC. He underlined the vital role of the Committee in ensuring transparency and efficiency in public expenditure.
He elaborated on the responsibilities of the Committee like examining audit reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), scrutinising government expenditures and recommending corrective measures to improve the fiscal discipline.
The Chairman urged the members to approach their responsibilities with diligence, impartiality and commitment to public interest, underlining that the committee serves as a watchdog over public funds and government operations. He expressed confidence in the members ability to work in coordination and contribute effectively to the Committee’s performance.
The members actively participated in the discussions, sharing their suggestions and feedback on various issues.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 16: Akshay Labroo on Monday assumed charge as new Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Srinagar district.
Akshay Labroo took over the charge from Dr Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat, who has been posted as new Deputy Commissioner of Budgam.
Additional District Development Commissioner, Rifat Aftab Qureshi; Additional Deputy Commissioners, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz and Aadil Fareed; Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad; SDM East, Zubair Ahmad and other Officers were present in the joining ceremony.
Before joining as DC Srinagar, Akshay Labroo was serving as DC Budgam.
The Officers accorded a warm welcome to Akshay Labroo on assuming the charge.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 16: Dr. Owais Ahmed, assumed charge Monday as the new Director of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCS&CA) Kashmir in a ceremony held at the Directorate Office, New Secretariat Road, Srinagar.
On his arrival, Dr. Owais Ahmed was greeted with a warm welcome by the staff of the Directorate, who expressed their enthusiasm and full support for his leadership. His appointment is seen as a positive step towards strengthening the department’s efforts in ensuring food security, equitable civil supplies, and consumer rights across Kashmir.
The newly posted Director conveyed his commitment to work diligently for the welfare of the public and to further improve the efficiency of the department’s services. Staff members and senior officials extended their best wishes for his successful tenure.
The department looks forward to a collaborative and progressive phase under Dr. Owais Ahmed’s guidance, aiming to serve the community with dedication and transparency.

BUDGAM, JUNE 16: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat Monday conducted an extensive visit to review the ongoing development and restoration works at Charar-i-Sharief shrine in Charar-i-Sharief area of Budgam.
The visit is part of the broader initiative under the Archives and Restoration scheme aimed at conserving and developing cultural & heritage sites across the district.
During his visit to the revered Charar-i-Sharief Shrine, DC inspected multiple components currently under execution as part of a major heritage upgradation plan.
Key developments include Devri Path around the shrine, additional Lavatory & Toilet Block, beautification of historic Bada-Talab which includes fencing around the water body contributing to the shrine’s aesthetic and environmental revival, upgradation of shrine facade, Parking Area which was recently opened and upgraded to facilitate better access for devotees and tourists.
Speaking on the occasion, DC emphasised that these interventions aim to preserve the spiritual and cultural essence of Charar-i-Sharief while providing better amenities to pilgrims and visitors.
DC said with projects focused on both infrastructure and historical preservation, Budgam administration is aligning its development goals with the promotion of spiritual tourism and sustainable heritage conservation.
During the visit, DC was accompanied by CPO Budgam, SDM Chadoora, Executive Engineer R&B Division Charar-i-Sharief, Tehsildar Charar-i-Sharief and other concerned officials.