Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir government on Sunday transferred 66 KAS officers with immediate effect in the interest of administration.

According to an order issued here, Munir-ul-Islam, KAS, Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K, has been transferred and posted as Chief Executive Officer/Secretary, J&K Building and Other Construction Workers Welfare Board, vice  Muzafer Ahmad Pir, KAS, who has been report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

“Rahul Pandey, IAS, Additional Secretary in the Lieutenant Governor’s Secretariat, holding additional charge of Director, Information, J&K, shall also hold the charge of Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums, J&K and Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, in addition to his own duties, till further orders,” the order states.

Showkat Aijaz Bhat, KAS, awaiting orders of adjustment in the General Administration Department, has been posted as Commissioner, State Taxes, J&K relieving  Prediman Krishen Bhat, KAS, Additional Commissioner, State Taxes (Tax Planning, Policy & Advance Ruling) of the additional charge of the post.

Jatinder Singh, KAS, Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Director, Floriculture, Jammu.

Nitu Gupta, KAS, Mission Director, ICDS, J&K, has been transferred and posted as Additional Commissioner, State Taxes (Administration and Enforcement), Jammu.

Prediman Krishen Bhat, KAS, Additional Commissioner, State Taxes (Tax Planning, Policy & Advance Ruling), holding additional charge of Commissioner, State Taxes, J&K, has been transferred and posted as Director, Development Expenditure, Division-I, Finance Department, against an available vacancy.

Tariq Ahmad Zargar, KAS, Special Secretary to the Government, Industries and Commerce Department, has been transferred and posted as Director, Rural Development, Kashmir.

Bhawani Rakwal, KAS, Managing Director, J&K Agro Industries Development Corporation, has been transferred and posted as Regional Director, Survey and Land Records (exofficio Settlement Officer), Jammu, vice Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Bashir Ahmad Khan, KAS, Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Kashmir, has been transferred and posted as Director, Sheep Husbandry, Kashmir.

Mathora Masoom, KAS, Additional Director, SKIMS, Srinagar, has been transferred and posted as Director, Urban Local Bodies, Kashmir.

Dr. Abdul Salam Mir, KAS, Director, Sheep Husbandry, Kashmir, holding additional charge of Executive Officer, J&K Haj Committee, has been transferred and posted as Director, Food, Civil Supplies and Consumer Affairs, Kashmir. He shall continue to hold the additional charge of Executive Officer, J&K Haj Committee, till further orders.

Musheer Ahmed, KAS, Controller of Examinations in the J&K Services Selection Board, has been transferred and posted as Director, Tribal Affairs, J&K.

Mohammad Hanief Malik, KAS, Additional District Development Commissioner, Kishtwar, has been transferred and posted as Additional District Development Commissioner, Doda, vice Surat Singh, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Ashok Kumar, KAS, Additional District Development Commissioner, Udhampur, has been transferred and posted as Controller of Examinations in the J&K Services Selection Board.

Arun Kumar Manhas, KAS, Project Director, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan, has been transferred and posted as Managing Director, J&K Agro Industries Development Corporation.

Ashok Kumar Pandita, KAS, Additional Secretary to the Government, Information Department, has been transferred and posted as Additional District Development Commissioner, Ramban, against an available vacancy.

Riyaz Ahmad Wani, KAS, Director, Urban Local Bodies, Kashmir, has been transferred and posted as Additional Director, SKIMS, Srinagar.

Kishore Singh Chib, KAS, Director, Floriculture, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Director, Rural Development, Jammu, vice Sudershan Kumar, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Mohammad Yousuf Mir, KAS, Additional Registrar, Cooperatives, Kashmir, has been transferred and posted as Additional District Development Commissioner, Shopian, against an available vacancy.

Mohammad Younis Malik, KAS, Director, School Education, Kashmir, has been transferred and posted as Joint Financial Commissioner, Agrarian Reforms in the office of Financial Commissioner Revenue, vice Farooq Ahmad Shah, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Qazi Sarwar, KAS, Director, Rural Development, Kashmir, has been transferred and posted as Additional Commissioner in the office of Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir. “He shall also hold the additional charge of Director, Command Area Development, Kashmir, till further orders,” the order said.

Mohammad Ashraf Bhat, KAS, Additional District Development Commissioner, Kupwara, has been transferred and posted as Special Secretary to the Government, Youth Services and Sports Department. 22. Bashir Ahmad Wani, KAS, Administrator, Associated Hospitals, Srinagar, is transferred and posted as Additional District Development Commissioner, Anantnag, against an available vacancy. Riyaz Ahmad Wani, KAS, Additional Director, SKIMS, Srinagar, shall hold the additional charge of Administrator, Associated Hospitals, Srinagar, till further orders.

Nazir Ahmad Lone, KAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, has been transferred and posted as Additional District Development Commissioner, Kupwara. He shall also hold the additional charge of Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kupwara, till further orders.

Rifat Kohli, KAS, Additional Commissioner, State Taxes (Administration and Enforcement), Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Registrar, J&K Special Tribunal, vice Dr. Narupa Rai, KAS, who has been asked to report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Mohammad Saleem, KAS, Director, Tribal Affairs, J&K, has been transferred and posted as Managing Director, J&K SC, ST and OBC Development Corporation, relieving Ramesh Chander, KAS, ADDC, Jammu of the additional charge of the post.

Pankaj Raj Katoch, KAS, Mission Director, Mission Dairy Development (ex-officio Additional Secretary to the Government, Animal and Sheep Husbandry Department), has been transferred and posted as Additional Commissioner in the office of Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, against an available vacancy. Tassaduq Hussain Mir, KAS, Additional Commissioner in the office of Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, holding additional charge of Director, Command Area Development, Kashmir, is transferred and posted as Director, School Education, Kashmir.

Vishesh Paul Mahajan, KAS, Deputy Commissioner, State Taxes, Enforcement (Central), Jammu headquartered at Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Director, Horticulture, Planning and Marketing, J&K, relieving Ram Savak, KAS, Director, Horticulture, Jammu of the additional charge of the post.

Puneet Sharma, KAS, Director, Land Management, Jammu Development Authority, has been transferred and posted as Additional District Development Commissioner, Kathua, against an available vacancy. He shall also hold the additional charge of General Manager, DIC, Kathua, vice Babu Ram, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Haris Ahmad Handoo, KAS, Joint Director, Information, Kashmir, has been transferred and posted as Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Pahalgam, vice Mushtaq Ahmad, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Dr. Raj Kumar Thapa, KAS, Regional Transport Officer, Kathua (Lakhanpur), has been transferred and posted as Additional Secretary to the Government, Labour and Employment Department.

Kishori Lal, KAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Doda, has been transferred and posted as Additional Deputy Commissioner, Kishtwar, vice Pawan Kumar, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Pankaj Gupta, KAS, Deputy Commissioner, State Taxes (Appeal-II), Jammu headquartered at Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Joint Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation, against an available vacancy.

Anju Gupta, KAS, Joint Director, Handicrafts, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Principal, Revenue Training Institute, Jammu.

Sher Singh, KAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Rajouri, has been transferred and posted as Chief Executive Officer, Tourism Development Authority, Patnitop, vice Sachin Dev Singh Jamwal, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Deep Raj, KAS, Additional Secretary to the Government, Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment, has been transferred and posted as Project Director, Samagra Shiksha Abhiyan.

Kusum Sharma, KAS, Principal, Revenue Training Institute, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Excise Commissioner (Executive), Jammu, vice Amarjeet Singh, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Natasha Kalsotra, KAS, Programme Officer, ICDS Project, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Joint Director, Tourism, Jammu, vice Ms. Neelam Khajuria, KAS, who has been asked to report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Vishal Sharma, KAS, Additional Secretary to the Government, Finance Department, has been transferred and posted as Joint Director, Geology and Mining, Jammu, vice Ashwani Khajuria, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Gul Hassan Kraipak, KAS, Deputy District Election Officer, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Director, Information, Jammu, vice Ms. Minakshi Vaid, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Akhter Hussain Qazi, KAS, Collector, Land Acquisition, Defence, Udhampur, has been transferred and posted as Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Kishtwar.

Zubair Hussain Shah, KAS, Project Officer, Wage Employment (ACD), Shopian, has been transferred and posted as Joint Director, Education, Poonch, against an available vacancy.

Riyaz Ahmad Shah, KAS, Chief Executive Officer, Urban Development Agency, Kashmir, holding additional charge of Joint Director, Hospitality and Protocol, Kashmir, has been transferred and posted as Joint Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation. He shall also hold the additional charge of Additional Chief Executive Officer, Smart City, Srinagar, till further orders.

Dr. Zakir Hussain, KAS, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Thanamandi, has been transferred and posted as General Manager, DIC, Poonch, against an available vacancy.

Devinder Paul, KAS, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Kathua, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, State Taxes (Stamps), Jammu, vice Rakesh Kumar, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Romin Ahmad, KAS, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Pulwama, has been transferred and posted as Programme Officer, ICDS Project, Budgam, against an available vacancy.

Hitesh Gupta, KAS, Additional Director, National Health Mission, J&K, has been transferred and posted as Joint Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation. He shall also hold the additional charge of Additional Chief Executive Officer, Smart City, Jammu, relieving Satish Kumar, KAS, Additional Deputy Commissioner, Jammu of the additional charge of the post.

Sukh Paul Singh, KAS, Additional Secretary to the Government, Jal Shakti Department, has been transferred and posted as Secretary, J&K Water Resources Regulatory Authority.

Amit Vermani, KAS, Project Officer, Wage Employment (ACD), Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Joint Director, Industries and Commerce, Jammu, vice Ms. Trishala Kumari, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Reyaz Ahmad Malik, KAS, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Uri, holding additional charge of Custodian Trade Facilitation Centre, Uri and Sub-Registrar, Uri, has been transferred and posted as Joint Director, Hospitality and Protocol, Kashmir.

Anil Kumar Chandail, KAS, Deputy Director, Tourism, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Commissioner, State Taxes, Jammu (North), hqr at Udhampur, vice Ms. Sunaina Sharma, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Saleem Ahmad, KAS, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Surankote, Poonch, has been transferred and posted as Collector, Land Acquisition, Defence, Rajouri, against an available vacancy.

Atul Kumar, KAS, Deputy Director, ICDS, Jammu, has been transferred and posted as Secretary, Jammu Municipal Corporation.

Tahir Mustafa Malik, KAS, Deputy Secretary, J&K Public Service Commission, has been transferred and posted as Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Rajouri, vice Mohammad Ashraf, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Gopal Singh, KAS, Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Akhnoor, has been transferred and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Ramnagar, vice Naresh Kumar, KAS, who has been asked to report to the General Administration Department, for further posting. He shall also hold the additional charge of Sub-Registrar, Ramnagar, till further orders.

Mohammad Rouf Rehman, KAS, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Srinagar, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Director, District Employment and Counselling Centre, Srinagar, against an available vacancy.

Shashi Bala, KAS, Deputy Director, District Employment and Counselling Centre, Poonch, has been transferred and posted as Deputy District Election Officer, Poonch, vice Ms. Naeem Ul Nisa, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting.

Samir Ahmad Jan, KAS, Deputy District Election Officer, Baramulla, has been transferred and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Gulmarg, vice Shabir-ul-Hassan, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting. He shall also hold the additional charge of Sub-Registrar, Gulmarg, till further orders. Rafiq Ahmad Lone, KAS Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Baramulla, shall hold the additional charge of Deputy District Election Officer, Baramulla, till further orders.

Mir Nasrool Hilal Jeri, KAS, Project Officer, Wage Employment (ACD), Pulwama, has been transferred and posted as Project Officer, Wage Employment (ACD), Shopian.

Sansar Chand, KAS, General Manager, DIC, Samba, has been transferred and posted as Assistant Commissioner in the State Taxes Department, Jammu.

Dr. Amir Hussain, KAS, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Kishtwar, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Secretary in the J&K Public Service Commission.

Raeis Ahmad Bhat, KAS, Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Budgam, has been transferred and posted as Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Srinagar.

Ms. Tinna Mahajan, KAS, Secretary, Jammu Municipal Corporation, has been transferred and posted as Deputy Director, ICDS, Jammu.

Mohammad Idress, Deputy District Election Officer, Doda, has been transferred and posted as Project Officer, Wage Employment (ACD), Doda, vice Prem Singh, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting. He shall also hold the additional charge of Deputy District Election Officer, Doda, till further orders.

Parvaiz Rahim, General Manager, DIC, Bandipore, has been transferred and posted as Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Bandipora, vice Reyaz Ahmad Beigh, KAS, who shall report to the General Administration Department, for further posting. He shall also hold the additional charge of General Manager, DIC, Bandipore, till further orders.

Gulzar Ahmad Rather, Deputy District Election Officer, Pulwama, has been transferred and posted as Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Karnah-Tangdhar, against an available vacancy. “He shall also hold the additional charge of Sub-Registrar, Karnah-Tangdhar, till further orders.”

MeT forecasts brief improvement

Srinagar:  Rains continued in Jammu and Kashmir even as weatherman forecast more after improvement for a day on Monday.

A Meteorological Department official told GNS that Srinagar received 3.8mm of rainfall in the last 24 hours till 8:30 a.m. The minimum temperature remained below normal as Srinagar recorded a low of 7.8°C against 7.2°C on the previous night. The temperature was below 0.1°C normal in the summer capital of J&K for this time of the year, he said.

Qazigund, the gateway town of Kashmir, received 17.6mm of rain during the time and recorded a low of 6.6°C against previous night’s 6.2°C, the official said.

Pahalgam received 14.6mm during the time while the famous resort in south Kashmir recorded low of 3.4°C against 5.3°C on the previous night, he said.

Kokernag, also in south Kashmir, received 17.8mm of rain and recorded a low of 5.1°C against previous night’s 4.8°C, the official said.

Kupwara received 13.8mm of rain during the 24 hours while the north Kashmir district recorded a low of 5.7°C against 6.0°C on the previous night, the official said.

Gulmarg, the world famous skiing resort in north Kashmir, received 18.8mm of rain during the time and recorded a low of 0.4°C against 0.5°C on the previous night which was below 1.9°C than the normal for the area, the official said.  There are reports about light fresh snowfall in some higher reaches of Valley including Gulmarg.

Jammu district received 6.3mm of rain, Banihal 25.2mm, Batote 18.6mm, Katra 7.0mm, Bhaderwah 18.2mm and Kathua 1.0mm, the official added.

The official said the erratic weather will continue for now even as dry weather was expected on April 19 when “there will be mainly clear sky becoming partly cloudy towards evening or night”.

“Fairly widespread rain” has been again forecast on April 20 and “widespread rain” on April 22.

By: M S Nazki

Jammu: An army soldier allegedly shot himself dead with his service rifle at around midnight in Ramban district, police said on Sunday.

The deceased Sepoy identified as Hanuman Choudhary shot himself dead with his AK 47 rifle inside the 12 RR camp at Ukhral area in the district at around 0030 hours last night, police said.

SHO Ramsoo Rahouaf Khan told GNS that Police has started inquest proceedings U/S 174 CrPC. He said a police party visited the spot for further investigation. (GNS)

LG connects with people; shares valuable insights, suggestions received from citizens

JAMMU: The roots of “Jan Bhagidari” in the governance process in J&K have now further deepened with the launch of “Awaam ki Awaaz” programme, which went On-Air today on all channels of All India Radio (AIR) J&K. The telecast of the programme was also broadcast on DD Kashmir.

Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, during the radio programme, voiced valuable insights from general public for crafting and formulating a strategy to draft development policies that are reflective of people’s aspirations, and making the governance more inclusive and sensitive to the needs of the people.

The programme is a novel initiative aimed at seeking the feedback from the public and giving them a platform to share their suggestions and views, thus making the process of governance more participatory.

The first episode of “Awaam ki Awaaz” programme received huge response from across the UT with people in big numbers tuned to their radio and television sets to witness the paradigm shift in overall governance process of which “Jan Bhagidari” is the central theme.

Since the launch of the web portal, suggestions have kept pouring in from the people from all walks of life. Out of these, some of the suggestions received special mention by the Lt Governor during the “Awaam ki Awaaz” programme broadcast today.

The Lt Governor expressed his gratitude to all the citizens for making valuable contributions in making the developmental process more people-centric.

Speaking on the suggestions sent by Ms. Nasira Akhtar from Khanmoh about development of small companies, promotion of women entrepreneurs and loan assistance to the entrepreneurs of J&K from Small Industrial Development Bank of India (SIDBI) , the Lt Governor said that the four types of incentives extended to both small and big companies in the new Industrial Development Scheme of Rs. 28,400 crore for Jammu and Kashmir by the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will benefit both new and extant industries and businesses.

We are determined to create an ecosystem for budding and existing women entrepreneurs across the Union Territory by providing financial assistance and training. A new scheme ‘Tejaswini’ was announced on International Women’s Day, under which interest free financial assistance will be provided to women between the age group of 18 to 35 years, the Lt Governor responded during the programme.

He further informed that SIDBI is in the top priority list of the administration with its two offices to be fully functional in the UT very soon.

The Lt Governor mentioned Ms. Nazneen of Srinagar, a skilled artist associated with the craft Pashmina and Kani, who made valuable suggestions for promotion of local craft. Her suggestions included ensuring special loan assistance and supply of raw material to skilled artisans associated with Kani shawls.

The Lt Governor assured all those associated with handicrafts that the administration is committed to the development and promotion of these world-class products of Jammu and Kashmir.

MoU’s have been signed with FlipKart and Amazon, besides GI tagging of various products is also being done to provide a global market to the local handicraft products. The country’s well-known design houses would also be roped in so that they can buy the products directly from the weavers”, he added.

Referring to a suggestion sent by Dr. Jasleen from Jammu for prioritizing reimbursement to cancer patients and retired government employees over the routine reimbursement; and providing incentives to the Frontline Warriors, who are serving the society selflessly in this era of Corona epidemic, the Lt Governor acknowledged the huge contribution of frontline health warriors in the fight against Covid pandemic.

The Lt Governor asked the top officers of Health Department to take Dr. Jasleen’s suggestions on priority.

On healthcare facilities, the Lt Governor observed that the Ayushman Bharat –SEHAT has been launched with a noble objective of providing universal health coverage in J&K with free treatment up to Rs 5 lakh without discrimination. He also urged everyone to get themselves registered in the health scheme at the earliest.

The Lt Governor observed that Azaadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav is also being celebrated to commemorate the 75th Independence Day of the country. The national festival holds the spirit of freedom movement and expresses gratitude to the great personalities of J&K, who have made invaluable contribution in the freedom struggle, art, literature, social service and economic development.  The younger generation is also being made aware of their sacrifices and contributions.

The Lt Governor made a mention of Sh. Waqar Geelani of Baramulla who hails from the city of India’s brave-heart Maqbool Sherwani. Waqar is deeply influenced by the Azaadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav program and intends to spread the stories of Maqbool Sherwani in folk songs to the masses. I wish him all the best for this noble initiative, added the Lt Governor.

Sh. Nipun from Jammu, a civil services aspirant, vows to reaching out to 75 next generation children of the region, and shall share 75 heroic tales of freedom struggle with them. Sh. Varun from Rajouri promised to gift 75 books on freedom struggle to the under privileged children.

Jammu and Kashmir has always been a sacred land on which Shaiva darshan, Buddhist, and Sufi philosophy flourished. We should diligently carry out our duties with utmost dedication and take pledge for the welfare of the society, the good of the country and the bright future of Jammu and Kashmir in this Azaadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav, urged the Lt Governor.

The Lt Governor conveyed his best wishes to Ms. Uma Sharma from Basohli for composing 75 poems on the Azaadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav in the next 75 weeks.

He also urged her to create a wide marketing network by connecting the people associated with Basohli paintings with the Self Help Groups during Azaadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav, and also assured full cooperation of the administration.

I am very happy to read these suggestions. Awareness among the youth of Jammu and Kashmir about cultural consciousness along with economic development shows that along with material progress, we are also aware of our traditions and spiritual values, said the Lt Governor.

While mentioning about the suggestions received from Ms. Masrat Kausar, a Baramulla resident, in the field of agriculture pertaining to starting a high-tech greenhouse, a subsidy for an anti-hail net, a model nursery in every district and at least five cold storages in every district, the Lt Governor said that some of her suggestions can be included in the policies currently underway and her other suggestions would also be looked into on priority.

Agriculture and Horticulture sector has immense growth potential and the UT administration is making all efforts to provide best facilities to our farmers, the Lt Governor remarked.

Ms. Soliha Yusuf, coach and captain of the Jammu and Kashmir Women’s Rugby team, has suggested speeding up the work on Srinagar rugby turf, basic facilities for women players, and appointing women coaches and trainings of the players abroad for International Exposure. The Lt Governor maintained that Rugby Turf and Synthetic Hockey Turf Project which were unveiled at Polo Ground last year are expected to be completed during the current financial year.

Addressing Sh. Ramdev Sharma, a senior citizen from Jammu who suggested the administration should further expand the work being done on village-centric policies, besides providing the employment to youth of the village to stop their migration to the cities, the Lt Governor maintained that the J&K Government has devised a plan for sustainable and stable development of villages.

Now, the development of the villages will be decided by the villagers themselves. This year, the funds allocation to panchayats has also been doubled. I hope all the people will come together to formulate a people-centric development plan and work with full enthusiasm for the betterment of fellow citizens, said the Lt Governor.

In the coming years, the new Industrial Development Scheme will take industries up to the block level and will go a long way in providing employment opportunities to the youth in their own areas and making villages self-sufficient, he added.

Welcoming the suggestions given by Ms. Ritu Sharma from Kishtwar for providing laptops to teachers to make online teaching a success, the Lt Governor observed that the COVID pandemic has affected the field of education and now, the offline class room has been replaced by the online class room.

Jammu and Kashmir administration is making efforts at various fronts to promote different models of online education and is taking appropriate steps in this process, maintained the Lt Governor.

COVID cases are witnessing an upsurge. Steps are being initiated to curb the spread of the virus. I urge the people to follow Covid SOPs and extend their cooperation with the Corona Warriors in this fight against the deadly virus, said the Lt Governor.

Vaccination drive is going on from the administration, but any kind of laxity can prove fatal for the whole society. We should follow the mantra given by the Hon’ble Prime Minister to fight corona – Dawai Bhi , Kadai Bhi, the Lt Governor maintained.

In this difficult period of Covid pandemic, our rural areas have emerged as role models for the whole country. Many examples have come to the fore, which make us realize that the ultimate duty of life and the greatest prayer is human service, observed the Lt Governor.

Sarpanch Balbir Kaur has built a 30-bed Quarantine Center in her Panchayat Treva in Jammu Division. Similarly, Ms. Jaituna Begum, Sarpanch of a panchayat in Ganderbal distributed free masks, ration, crop seeds and apple saplings to her panchayat, so that people would not face inconvenience in farming.

81-year-old Sh. Shankar Singh, a resident of Painthal block in Reasi district is running a small water mill, and offering a wonderful example of service by grinding grains pro bono for the needy.

The Lt Governor also mentioned Padwoman Irfana Zargar of Srinagar who selflessly started distributing free sanitary pads to women in these difficult times of Corona.

The Lt Governor extended his deepest gratitude to the doctors, medical experts, scientists, police forces and other frontline warriors engaged in the fight against Corona.

The Lt Governor also quoted a slogan given by Ms. Ritu from Kishtwar:- “Corona ko Harana hai toh Saathi samaj se kaam Lo, Haath Dhona, Mask Pehanna hai Zaroori Jaan Lo”.

During the programme, the Lt Governor also extended his heartiest greetings to the people on the occasion of Navratri and the holy month of Ramazan.

The Lt Governor further called upon the people of all sections of the society to participate in the mega celebrations of the Prakash Utsav of Shri Guru Tegh Bahadur Ji for the next one year, for which preparations are being made across Jammu and Kashmir. He also urged the people to follow the path shown by Bharat Ratna Baba Saheb Ambedkar for creating equal and just society.

“I express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone listening to this program”, concluded the Lt Governor.

Pertinently, a host of public friendly administrative initiatives have been undertaken by the Lt Governor recently, including “LG Mulaqaat” programme and “Block Diwas” which has increased the sense of administrative responsibility in the government machinery.

New Delhi: The Joint Entrance Examination (Main) 2021 for the April session has been postponed due to the Covid situation, National Testing Agency (NTA), the nodal body that conducts the entrance exam for the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), announced on Sunday.

“Looking at the present situation of the COVID-19 pandemic and also taking into account the safety and well-being of the candidates and examination functionaries, it has been decided to postpone the JEE (Main)- 2021 April session,” the NTA said.

“The revised dated for the JEE (Main) – 2021 April session will be announced later on and at least 15 days before the examination,” it added.

The entrance examination was scheduled to be conducted on April 27, 28 and 30.

The NTA had already conducted the JEE (Main) 2021 examination for the first two sessions in the month of February and March.

According to the NTA, 6,20,978 candidates appeared in the February session examination while 5,56,248 sat in March.

As per sources, Union Education Minister Ramesh Pokhriyal has advised the NTA to postpone the exams. Last year, owing to the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and lockdowns, the JEE Mains examination was conducted in the month of September while the results were announced on October 5.