New Delhi: Ahead of India’s ODI series against England starting in Nagpur on Thursday, the hosts’ need to decide who between KL Rahul and Rishabh Pant is their first-choice wicketkeeper-batter. India’s ODI wicket-keeping decision against England will heavily influence the team combination for their Champions Trophy matches in Dubai. Given his past successes, Rahul is likely to be chosen over Pant for the upcoming ODI series against England, according to Sanjay Bangar, the former Indian player who also worked as their batting coach. “My take is the player who has performed in that particular position should get the first look in. If you cast your mind back to the way KL Rahul has performed not only as a batsman but also as a wicketkeeper, some of the catches and the way he kept in the World Cup was simply fabulous. “So, Rishabh Pant, no doubt, is a very, very exciting talent. But currently, I believe that the team would start with KL in the starting line-up based on the performances that he’s given in the middle overs to the Indian team, as well as in his exploits as a wicketkeeper,” said Bangar, a Star Sports Network Expert, while replying to a question from IANS in a select virtual media interaction. When Pant was recovering from a life-threatening car-crash, Rahul became India’s primary keeper-batter in ODIs since August 2023, proving to be a great middle-order bat and reliable keeper in the 50-over World Cup, amassing 452 runs and effecting 17 dismissals. In the 2-0 ODI series defeat in Sri Lanka in August 2024, Rahul was the keeper-batter in the first two matches, making 31 and 0. Pant played the third match and made six runs on his ODI comeback. If India sticks with Rahul, they will not have a left-handed batter in their top six. Having Pant in their line-up will give India the variety they need in their batting order. Bangar feels it’s not feasible for India to play both Rahul and Pant in the same eleven, pointing out that the side can promote one of their spin-bowling all-rounders like Ravindra Jadeja if needed in a certain game situation. “I don’t think both can play in the single line-up. Generally because of the makeup of the team is right-hand dominant, at least in the top six, and we’ve seen in the past how Jadeja has been used in the batting at four or five according to the needs and situation of the game. “So, they have that luxury of Jadeja at number seven who can obviously fit in and do the role of a left-hander through the middle overs if the situations arises wherein teams rely on left-arm spinners or leg-spinners. So, yes, there is an option in Jadeja and because of that I think Rishabh Pant may still find it difficult to straightaway break in the playing eleven,” he added. The ODI series against England is also the last opportunity for captain Rohit Sharma and the talismanic Virat Kohli to find form ahead of the eight-team Champions Trophy, which India last won in 2013. Both veteran batters struggled during the Australia Test tour and failed to achieve significant results in their respective solitary Ranji Trophy appearances for Mumbai and Delhi. According to Bangar, Rohit and Kohli’s batting approach versus England will be a key indicator of how they will fare in the Champions Trophy. “See, both these players will go down as the best white-ball players of all times. If you make a list of all-time greats in 50-over cricket, they are automatic choices.” “So, the format and their past performances would certainly give them a lot of confidence in the way they would approach this series. How would Rohit approach at the top of the innings is something which will be very interesting because he’s had a run of low scores.” “So, once you see maybe one or two innings, then we’ll have an idea as to what is the approach that both these players will be taking into the 50-over format. The assessment will have to be not only in the ODI series, but also in the Champions Trophy. So, we will have a real and clear insight in their approach and also know if they will go back to the methods that have made them so consistent in ODI cricket.” With uncertainty hovering over Jasprit Bumrah’s availability in the Champions Trophy and Mohammed Shami’s workload still being a critical factor, young left-arm fast-bowler Arshdeep Singh may have a huge role to play in India’s pace bowling department. In the recent Vijay Hazare Trophy, Arshdeep finished as the leading wicket-taker with 20 wickets. He picked eight wickets in the first ten overs, while taking seven and five scalps respectively in overs 11-40 and 41-50 respectively. One of his standout spells was him picking a fifer against Mumbai, with his scalps being Angkrish Raghuvanshi, Ayush Mhatre, Shreyas Iyer, Suryakumar Yadav and Shivam Dube. With Arshdeep having played just eight ODIs for India, Bangar will closely watch on how the youngster uses the new-ball and his effective bouncer in the upcoming series against England. “He has now started to play regularly in the 50-over format as well. So, for me, the way he bowls with the new ball (is one to watch out for), because we know that he has the skills to bowl well at the start of the innings, as also towards the end of the innings. But in T20s, it’s only two overs at the top and two overs towards the end. “So, how he operates between the overs three to eight (is key), because the Kookaburra ball tends to not swing that much. So, he is going to get better as he plays. The good thing that was visible during the T20 World Cup was that he started to use the short ball also really well. So, he can certainly develop as he plays on, but as of now, I think he’s settling into being a regular ODI player and he’s doing that quite well,” said Bangar. India’s ODI series against England will be aired on Disney+ Hotstar and Star Sports 2 (HD & SD), Star Sports 3, Hindi (HD & SD), Sports18 1 (HD & SD), Colors Cineplex (HD & SD), Sports18 2, and Sports18 3 from 1:30pm. –IANS nr/
IICA and CMAI ink pact to speed up India’s transition to low-carbon economy
New Delhi: The Indian Institute of Corporate Affairs (IICA) and the Carbon Market Association of India (CMAI) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for strengthening carbon markets and advancing decarbonisation efforts in India, according to an official statement issued on Wednesday. By combining the CMAI’s industry expertise with the IICA’s institutional strength, the collaboration will aim to create impactful learning opportunities that will help accelerate India’s transition to a low-carbon economy. Under the agreement, the CMAI and the IICA will collaborate on training programmes, joint research, conferences and policy advocacy on carbon markets, low-carbon industrial solutions, and sustainable finance, the statement explained. The agreement provides for developing and delivering courses on carbon markets, low-carbon industrial solutions, and sustainable finance. It will enable the carrying out of joint research for studies and publishing insights on decarbonisation strategies and carbon trading mechanisms. The MoU will facilitate dialogue among industry stakeholders, policymakers, and academics which will also help to support regulatory and policy frameworks that drive India’s net zero ambitions. The landmark agreement was announced on the inaugural day of the IICA-CMAI Masterclass on Global & Indian Carbon Markets in the presence of Union Road, Transport & Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari. In his address on the occasion, Gadkari emphasised the pivotal role of biofuels and green hydrogen in shaping India’s economic and environmental future. He shared details of pilot projects related to Bio Bitumin, Bio Aviation-fuel, and Bio CNG, and highlighted that “Conversion of Knowledge into wealth is the future and No Material is waste”. Emphasising the importance of public-private partnership (PPP, he said: “Hydrogen is fuel for the future”. The Minister also shared his vision for the cost of hydrogen coming down to $1 per kg. He expressed confidence that India would be the pioneering nation to achieve this feat, backed by its state-of-the-art research and development initiatives in this field. While citing landmark initiatives being undertaken for the development of biofuels and alternative fuels, he also mentioned that though the initial cost of capital and technology seems high, significant research is currently underway which will eventually unleash as well as lead to the realisation of its true potential. Gadkari further highlighted the government’s commitment to developing a diversified biofuels sector, acknowledging the vast potential of various fuels to create a cleaner, more sustainable energy landscape which would enable India to become a Green Hydrogen exporting country soon. He congratulated the organisation for launching the Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) Alliance and the capacity-building initiatives in this domain. IICA’s School of Business Environment head Garima Dadhich stated that the IICA Certificate Programme in Decarbonisation will be focused on creating a pool of corporates with advanced expertise to develop carbon offset mechanisms for climate mitigation, as well as integrate long-term strategy to decarbonise their operations. CMAI President Manish Dabkara remarked that the MoU with IICA marks a significant step towards building a robust ecosystem for carbon markets in India. Training programs, research opportunities, workshops, and conferences are a huge part of accelerating sustainable business initiatives. CMAI is looking forward to a successful partnership in this area, he said. CMAI Secretary General Rohit Kumar remarked that awareness has been a major challenge in this area. This strategic partnership aims to equip industry professionals, policymakers and academicians with the necessary knowledge and expertise to navigate India’s evolving carbon markets. CMAI, a leading industry association focused on accelerating sustainable business initiatives, will serve as the knowledge partner to IICA, a think tank under the Ministry of Corporate Affairs, to support the growth and development of the corporate sector in India. Day 1 of the Masterclass on Global and Indian Carbon Markets witnessed the participation of more than 70 professionals from leading corporates, PSUs as well as delegations from governmental bodies, embassies and international organisations, the statement added. –IANS sps/vd
France denounces Trump’s plans to take over Gaza Strip
Paris: France on Wednesday affirmed its opposition to any forced displacement of Gaza’s Palestinian population, in the wake of remarks made by US President Donald Trump that he plans to take over the Gaza Strip and redevelop it after Palestinians are relocated elsewhere. Trump made the remarks at a joint press conference with visiting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, without providing details about how to conduct a resettlement procedure. The French Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday that the forced displacement of the Palestinian population of Gaza would constitute a “serious” violation of international law, and an “attack on the legitimate aspirations of Palestinians.” It would also represent a major obstacle to the two-state solution and could destabilize the entire region, the ministry said. “France will continue actively promoting the implementation of the two-state solution, which alone can guarantee long-term peace and security to Israelis and Palestinians,” the ministry said. It added: “Gaza’s future must lie not in the prospect of control by a third State but in the framework of a future Palestinian State, under the aegis of the Palestinian Authority.” France will continue to express its opposition to resettlement activity, and to “any hint of the unilateral annexation of the West Bank.” The Palestine Liberation Organisation (PLO) also strongly rejected Trump’s remarks suggesting the relocation of Gaza Strip residents to neighbouring countries, Xinhua news agency reported. Hussein al-Sheikh, Secretary General of the executive committee of the PLO, said in a press statement that the organisation “categorically rejects all calls to displace our people from their homeland.” The two-state solution, based on international law, remains the only viable path to peace and stability, he said. “We were born here, we have lived here, and we will remain here,” he added, praising Arab nations for standing by the Palestinians. –IANS int/as
Preserve traditional art forms for future generations: Com Secy Culture
JAMMU: Commissioner Secretary, Culture, K Ramesh Kumar, today reviewed the functioning of Kala Kendra, emphasizing the need to enhance its operations in line with its aims and objectives.
“All possible resources would be utilised to make Kala Kendra a center of excellence in promoting cultural heritage”, maintained the Commissioning Secretary.
Secretary, Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages (JKAACL), HarvinderKour; Special Secretaries in Culture Department, TrishlaKumariKundal and MalikzadaSheeraz Ahmed; Secretary, Kala Kendra Society, Dr.JavaidRahi; Deputy Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Dr. Sangeeta Sharma besides other senior officials were present in the meeting.
While deliberating on the initiatives required for further development, K Ramesh Kumar directed the concerned officers to focus on landscaping, renovation and repair of various sections of the building to enhance its aesthetic and functional value.
The Commissioner Secretary was briefed about various activities and programs being conducted by Kala Kendra for promotion and preservation of art and culture in the region. He also inspected different galleries of the institution and appreciated the dedication of the staff and artists in showcasing the diverse cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir. He emphasized the importance of preserving traditional art forms for future generations.
K Ramesh Kumar reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards strengthening cultural institutions and ensuring that Kala Kendra and JKAACL continue to serve as platforms for nurturing and promoting artistic excellence in the Union Territory.
Earlier, Dr.JavedRahi provided an overview of the institution’s functioning, highlighting its significant role in preserving and promoting the cultural heritage of Jammu region. He informed that Kala Kendra Society has organized 37 exhibitions and workshops in 2024, including national and international-level events.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner Secretary also reviewed the functioning of JKAACL at the Writers Club, Jammu.
During the meeting, he was apprised that the Academy has conducted 196 major events in 2024, with the participation of over 7000 writers and artists and an audience of lakhs of people. Additionally, the Academy has recently introduced 31 new schemes aimed at promoting art, culture, and languages.
Later, K Ramesh Kumar visited Abhinav Theatre, KL Saigal Hall, and other JKAACL buildings to assess their infrastructure and explore areas for further enhancement.
BJP set to storm back to power in Delhi after 27 years: Exit polls
New Delhi: A poll of seven exit polls predicted 42-49 seats for the BJP in the Assembly election to end its 27-year jinx, signalling an end of Arvind Kejriwal’s winning streak in Delhi after three back-to-back victories. The final results will be declared on February 8. The poll of election experts gave 20-28 seats to the Arvind Kejriwal-led ruling party, marking the end of the winning streak for the outfit which emerged victorious in three straight elections since 2013. A defeat for the AAP might also raise questions over the future of the political party which emerged from an anti-corruption movement in 2011. The majority mark in the 70-member Assembly is 36. In 2020, the AAP won 62 out of 70 seats with a vote share of 53.57 per cent. The BJP won eight seats with a 38.51 per cent vote share. The Congress got 4.26 per cent of votes and others polled 3.66 per cent votes. In 2015, the AAP won 67 seats, getting 54.6 per cent vote share. Pollsters claimed that the race to distribute freebies was won by the BJP in this election and the mega increase in income tax exemption relief from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 12 lakh tilted the balance in favour of the party which was led from the front by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. An exit poll by People’s Pulse projected a sweep by the BJP with 51-60 votes while an exit poll by Matrize projected a tough fight with 35-40 seats for the BJP and 32-37 seats for the AAP. However, Mind Brink predicted 44-49 seats for the AAP giving 15-21 to the BJP and one seat to the Congress. AAP spokesperson Priyanka Kakkar dismissed the exit polls and predicted 58 seats for the AAP and around 12 seats for the BJP. She also alleged poll code violations and misuse of official machinery, including the Delhi Police and the Election Commission. BJP candidate Ramesh Bidhuri, who challenged Chief Minister Atishi in Kalkaji, expressed confidence that the BJP will cross the 50-seat mark when the results are declared. “The BJP is going to comfortably form the government,” he said. The Congress is unlikely to spring any surprise for the third straight Assembly election with no exit poll giving it more than three seats. As the exit poll reports started coming in, Delhi BJP Virendra Sachdeva exuded confidence that the BJP is going to form a government and the party’s new government will approve in its first Cabinet meeting the payment of Rs 2,500 per month to all women. “I thank Delhi voters for voting for a double-engine government in Delhi,” he said. An exit poll by JVC gave the BJP 39-45 seats and projected 22-31 seats for AAP and 0-2 seats for Congress. People’s Insights predicted a victory for the BJP with 40-44 seats and gave 25-29 seats to AAP. Another exit poll by Chanakya Strategies gave 39-44 seats to the BJP and 25-28 seats to the AAP. The poll gave the Congress 2-3 seats. An exit poll by P-Marq said that the BJP will comfortably romp home with a clear majority with 39-49 seats. The poll gave the AAP 21-31 seats. DV-Research gave 36-44 seats to the BJP, projecting 26-24 seats for the AAP and none to the Congress. –IANS rch/uk
2 peddlers held: Police
Srinagar, February 05: Continuing its efforts to eradicate the menace of drugs from the society, Police on Wednesday said to have arrested two drug peddlers in South Kashmir’s Pulwama and Shopian districts.
Pulwama Police arrested a drug peddler at a checkpoint established at Parigam, identified as Mohd Amin Bhat son of Mohd Akbar Bhat resident of Wanpora and recovered 3.5 Kgs of Charas Powder-like substance from his possession, a police spokesman said.
Meanwhile in Shopian, a Police party from Police Post Wachi established a checkpoint at Wachi intercepted a drug peddler identified as Aabid Ahmad Bhat Son of Bashir Ahmad Bhat resident of GanieporaWachi. During the search, 4.300 Kgs of grinded Cannabis & 672 grams of Charas Powder were recovered from his possession.
Accordingly, police said that cases under relevant sections of law have been registered in respective police stations and investigations have been initiated.
“We urge all the citizens to join hands with the police in curbing the menace of drug abuse. Any information related to drug trafficking can be shared to the nearest police establishment or dial 112,” the statement reads.
Didn’t give false hopes, brought real change: PM
25 cr people lifted out of poverty in last 10 yrs
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday boasted about his government’s achievement in lifting more than 25 crore people out of the poverty line and slammed the previous Congress governments for beguiling the people with false promises.
Speaking in Lok Sabha on the Motion of Thanks to the President’s address, PM Modi said that the grand old party only bragged about poverty eradication for decades but did nothing to bring change.
“Big change happens and is guaranteed when people with a grassroots level and understanding work with a strong resolve. Only then does the real change happen,” the Prime Minister said.
Mocking the grand old party’s Garibi Hatao campaign, PM Modi said that “we didn’t give them false hopes but brought real change”.
“Real change demands courage, determination and a will to bring it. It is sad that many people lack it today,” he said.
PM Modi also listed the government’s concern and works for the poor and gave details of how people are benefitting from multiple welfare schemes.
The Prime Minister said that about 4 crore people have got pucca houses. Only those who live in kuccha houses can understand the pain and agony.
“We built more than 12 crore toilets. Women had to wait for hours for nature’s call. Construction of toilets has relieved them of their daily struggle. Our government has ensured direct tap water connection to about 12 crore households, under the Nal se Jal scheme,” he said.
In an indirect jibe at Aam Aadmi Party convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Prime Minister said that some leaders are focussing on jacuzzi, stylish showers, while his government was focussed on strengthening tap water connection.
“The President in her address laid down the roadmap for the next 25 years, evoking fresh optimism about the Viksit Bharat goal and also inspired the new generation to make their contributions,” he said.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted in Parliament on Tuesday that his government has succeeded in lifting 25 crore people out of poverty in the last 10 years, provided tap water to 16 crore homes and built 5 crore houses for poor families, as it has been working “tirelessly” to implement schemes for the economic development of the country.
Replying to the Motion of Thanks on the President’s address in the Lok Sabha, PM Modi said: “In the past 10 years, people gave us the opportunity to serve them, and 25 crore countrymen defeated poverty and came out of it, which has been stated again and again by various studies.
“Even after 75 years of Independence, 75 per cent of households comprising nearly 16 crore homes did not have tap water connections. In just five years, our government has provided tap water to 12 crore families in their homes.”
He pointed out that the poor have been given 4 crore houses and the government has provided more than 12 crore toilets to improve the quality of life of the people, especially women who had to suffer the most because of the lack of these facilities.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that the ‘farmers first’ initiatives undertaken by his government which include a total of Rs 12 lakh crore being spent over the last years to provide them fertilisers at affordable prices.
Besides, the government has deposited over Rs 3.5 lakh crore directly into the bank accounts of farmers under the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi, and raised the Minimum Support Price (MSP) to record highs, with procurement now three times higher than it was a decade ago, he observed.
The Prime Minister also mentioned the sharp increase in medical college seats that had taken place during his tenure. He stated that in 2014, before the BJP came to power, there were only 387 medical colleges in the country.
This number has now doubled to 780 medical colleges which has also resulted in a much higher number of seats for youths, the Prime Minister pointed out.
In 2014, there were only 3,800 MBBS seats for ST students. Today, this number has increased to nearly 9,000, he added.
“For OBC students, MBBS seats were less than 14,000 before 2014. Today, this number has risen to around 32,000, which means that 32,000 OBC students will become doctors,” PM Modi remarked.
“In the last ten years, a new university has been established every week, a new ITI every day, and a new college every two days. Imagine the growth in opportunities for SC, ST, and OBC youth,” the Prime Minister said.
PM Modi said that his government had also focused on youth aspirations, creating more opportunities and opening multiple sectors for them. As a result, India’s youth are now showcasing their potential on a global stage, he added.
Mentioning the benefits extended to the middle class, PM Modi said while 2013-14, the income tax exemption limit was only Rs 2 lakh, this has now been increased to Rs 12 lakh.
This has provided complete tax relief to those earning an income of up to Rs 12.75 lakh as they do not have to pay any tax, he added,
PM Modi also highlighted the setting up of Jan Aushadhi Kendras, which provide medicines at an 80 per cent discount enabling families purchasing medicines from these centres to collectively save nearly Rs 30,000 crore on medical expenses.
“This is just our third term, we are committed to building a modern, capable and Viksit Bharat (developed India). For all of us, the country must always come first. Let us come together and make the dream of a Viksit Bharat our own — a dream shared by 140 crore Indians,” the Prime Minister said.
J&K security meeting rescheduled for today
HM cuts short meet to attend PM’s reply
New Delhi: Union Home Minister Amit Shah had to cut short the J&K security review meeting on Tuesday, sources said.
They said that the meeting has been rescheduled and will be held on Wednesday at 10:30 am in the Parliament as many issues have to be discussed. “The Union Home Minister had to cut short the meeting to be present in the Parliament to attend the Prime Minister’s reply,” sources said.
The security review meeting was called after an ex-serviceman was killed, his wife and niece injured in a terror attack in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district on Monday.
Sources said that J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Chief Secretary Atal Duloo, Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat, top officers of Army, paramilitary forces and intelligence agencies had arrived in New Delhi for the meeting which remained inconclusive and would be held tomorrow.
The officers, according to the sources, were to brief the Union Home Minister about the prevailing situation in J&K and ongoing operations against the terrorists.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has been reiterating that terrorists and their supporters have to be dealt with an iron fist to make J&K terror free.
The MHA has maintained that the policy of zero-tolerance towards terrorism needs to be implemented firmly to make Jammu and Kashmir a terror free region.
The meeting on Wednesday, according to the sources, will also discuss the implementation of the Area Domination Plan and Zero Terror Plan.
It may be recalled that during the last security review meeting held in December last year, the Union Home Minister had directed all security agencies to continue working in a coordinated manner to eliminate terrorism in Jammu and Kashmir.
According to the official data accessed, Jammu and Kashmir in January 2025 recorded the lowest number of killings over the past two decades, with just 3 fatalities—1 security force personnel and 2 terrorists.
The authorities have been maintaining that there has been a significant decline in terrorist incidents, infiltration and recruitment of youth in terrorist organisations.
The heightened security vigilance in the Union Territory has contributed to maintaining law and order stability. “The Union Home Ministry has passed clear instructions to prevent any civilian or security forces personnel killings and has ordered large-scale operations against terrorists.” (KNO)
Draft Business Rules: Speaker-led panel meets in Jammu, next on Feb 11
By: Ishtiyaq Kar
Jammu: The Rules Committee, led by Speaker Abdul Rahim Rather and constituted to draft rules of procedure for conducting business in the Legislative Assembly, held its meeting on Tuesday in Jammu.
Officials said the meeting, convened at the Legislative Assembly complex Jammu, focused on refining rules governing legislative procedures.
The nine-member committee, constituted on December 24, 2024, under Rule 363 of the Rules of Procedure and Conduct of Business, aims to finalize amendments before the upcoming Budget Session in March.
BJP MLA R.S. Pathania, who attended the meeting, told news agency KINS that the panel discussed the business rules.
“There is a need for minor modifications, and the committee is actively working on refining procedural aspects. Further discussions will continue in the next meeting, scheduled for February 11,” he said.
Sources revealed that the primary objective of the meeting was to review and approve proposed changes.
A committee member, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the proposed modifications aim to enhance the efficiency of Assembly proceedings.
This was the third meeting of the committee, following previous sessions on January 1 and January 7, 2025. Earlier discussions focused on updating outdated references in the existing procedural framework. While the committee can suggest changes, the power to formulate new rules rests with Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, who must consult the Speaker before making final decisions.
The Rules Committee comprises legislators from various political parties include Mubarak Gul (NC) – Former Speaker, Mohammad Yousuf Tarigami (CPI-M), Saifullah Mir (NC), Nizam-ud-Din Bhat (Congress) Pawan Kumar Gupta (BJP), Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi (NC) R.S. Pathania (BJP) Muzaffar Iqbal Khan (Independent).
The Speaker serves as the ex-officio chairman of the committee.
The committee is expected to finalize the revised Rules of Procedure before the Budget Session, beginning March 3, 2025. The session, anticipated to last until March 21, will include two days dedicated to private members’ bills and resolutions, pending confirmation by the Business
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha has formally summoned the J&K Legislative Assembly for its Budget Session, marking the first full-fledged budget under Omar Abdullah’s government following the return of an elected administration after seven years of direct central rule.
“I, Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, in the exercise of the powers conferred upon me under Section 18(1) of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019, do hereby summon the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly to meet at Jammu on Monday, the 3rd day of March 2025, at 10:00 AM.”
The LG is expected to address the Assembly on the first day, outlining the government’s legislative priorities for the coming year.
If a majority of committee members approve the draft rules, they will be forwarded to LG Manoj Sinha for final approval. Once ratified, these changes will take effect in the upcoming Budget Session, shaping the future of legislative proceedings in Jammu and Kashmir. (KINS)
J&K Budget: CM to consult MLAs on priority-sector projects
By: Mubashir Aalam Wani
Srinagar: In a significant move, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the Minister in-charge of the Finance Department, is holding pre-budget consultations with members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and District Development Council (DDC) chairpersons from Wednesday.
Sources said that ahead of the Union Territory’s budget, Omar Abdullah has decided to hold consultations with all MLAs, DDC chairpersons, and deputy commissioners.
To begin with, the CM will hold consultations with MLAs of four districts each on Wednesday and Thursday. “He will hold consultations with MLAs and DDC chairpersons of Anantnag, Budgam, Kathua, and Samba districts tomorrow and will hold similar meetings with legislators of Baramulla, Kulgam, Ramban, and Udhampur on Thursday,” a minister, wishing to remain anonymous, said.
He said these meetings are aimed at making the budget more inclusive and participatory. “These meetings are held to get inputs from MLAs about priority-sector works and ensure that the needs and aspirations of the people are reflected in the budget,” he said.
He added that these meetings are being held after MLAs identified priority—sector works to the tune of Rs 40 crore in their respective constituencies. “The list of these priority-sector works has been submitted by DCs to the government,” he said.
It is worthwhile to mention that Jammu & Kashmir’s budget will be presented in the Assembly next month. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who is also the Minister in-charge of the Finance Department, will present the budget (KNO)
