By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: For the third day in running, Jammu & Kashmir reported 808 new Covid-19 cases while four more people died due to the pestilence during the last 24 hours, officials said on Friday.

Among the fresh cases, 283 were reported from Jammu Division and 525 from Kashmir Valley, taking the total count to 136470.

Providing district wise details, the officials told GNS that Srinagar reported 299 cases, Baramulla 104, Budgam 36, Pulwama 5, Kupwara 22, Anantnag 23, Bandipora 11, Ganderbal 7, Kulgam 10, Shopian 8, Jammu 164, Udhampur 28, Rajouri 9, Doda 9, Kathua 11, Samba 9, Kishtwar 17, Poonch 3, Ramban 0 and Reasi 33.

A number of these cases were confirmed at diagnostic laboratories of SKIMS Soura, CD hospital and GMC Anantnag.

The SKIMS confirmed cases include six males (15, 18, 18, 15, 15, 15) from Hope Classes Srinagar, two females (41, 30) from Batmaloo, two females (35, 04) from Magarmal Bagh, female (50) from Chanapora, male (30) and two females (55, 86) from New Sectt Srg, male (39) and female (16) from Bemina, male (35) from Safakadal, male (13) from Barbarshah, male (66) and female (52) from Batmaloo, male (50) from Gungbug, female (55) and male (60) from Natipora, male (31) from Rawalpora, male (30) from Nawakadal, male (49) from NA Srg, two males (25, 40) and two females (47, 70) from Pandrethan, female (65) and male (70) from Botshah Mohalla, male (50) from Hafeez Bagh, female (25) from Naseembagh, male (26) from Nowshera, male (38) from Soura, two males (45, 44) from Umar Colony Srg, male (70) from Nowshera, female (22) from Lal Bazar, male (42) from Tengpora, male (52) from Pulwama, male (55) from Tangmarg, two males (75, 48) from Zadibal, female (60) and male (33) from Alamgiri Bazar, two males (18, 37) from Buchpora, male (31) from Elahibagh, male (65) from Nigeen, male (35) and female (20) from Illahibagh, male (51) from Rajbagh, male (58) from Hyderpora, male (56) from Kathidarwaza, two females (45, 17) from Karan Nagar, two females (40, 15) from Indranagar, female (62) from Kara Nagar, male (50) from Budshah Nagar, male (36) from Alochibagh, female (78) from Soura, two females (33, 30) from Parimpora, male (58) from Humhama, male (50) from Islamia College Srg, male (65) from Nowshera, female (32) from Nowhatta, female (33) from Hasan Abad Srg, female (11) from Gojwara, two females (10, 61) from Soura, male (30) from Hawal, male (58) from Pandan, male (44) from Hawal, male (38) from Nowhatta, male (35) from Lalbazar, female (30) from Nowshera, female (53) from Lalbazar, male (56) from Elahibagh, male (35) and female (43) from Nowshera, two females (55, 55) from Lal Bazar, male (47) from Nowshera, male (55) from Botakadal, three females (05, 65, 43) from Lal Bazar, male (NA) from Nowshera, male (27) from Elahibagh, two males (NA, 47) from Lal Bazar, male (32) from Umer Colony, male (64) from Illahibagh, male (35) from Bul Bul Lankar, two males (32, 45) from Bemina, female (40) from Batmaloo, male (57) from Alochibagh, male (50) from Noorbagh, male (50) from Alochibagh, male (25) from Rajbagh, male (26) from Batmaloo, female (24) from Rambagh, male (32) from Fatehkadal, female (55) from Alochibagh, three females (50, 33, 06) from Hyderpora, female (37) from Zaldagar, female (37) from Nowgam, female (35) from Bemina, two males (50, 17) from Batmaloo, male (17) from Lal Chowk Srg, male (55) from Zakura, male (70) and female (65) from Tangpora, two females (19, 19) from T K College Para Medical Lawaypora Srg, male (61) and female (23) from HMT, female (38) from Noorbagh, male (25) and female (52) from Eidgah Srg, sixty two males (27, 26, 24, 25, 24, 27, 23, 22, 24, 24, 23, 22, 21, 24, 23, 23, 26, 23, 23, 24, 24, 25, 26, 22, 24, 23, 28, 23, 25, 24, 27, 25, 24, 22, 21, 25, 25, 26, 23, 26, 29, 21, 22, 21, 21, 22, 24, 24, 22, 28, 21, 24, 22, 22, 25, 21, 22, 26, 25, 24, 26, 25) from Stf Bsf Snr Srg, male (27) from 144 Bn Crpf Darbar Hotel Srg, twenty four males (23, 21, 24, 25, 24, 24, 25, 22, 22, 23, 23, 23, 25, 24, 23, 24, 25, 25, 24, 21, 21, 25, 25, 27) from Stc Bsf Kashmir Srg, male (36) from Dangiwacha Baramulla, female (23) from Ibrahim Colony Srg, female (07) from Soura, male (70) from Zakura, male (54) from Magarmal, male (40) and female (35) from Soura, male (40) and female (25) from Rangpora, female (37) from Hyderpora, male (12) from Soura, male (30) from Zoonimar, male (20) from Narbal Budgam, female (28) from Pampore, two females (39, 09) from Wahipora Baramulla, female (45) from Bemina, male (57) from Lane no. 10 Srg, female (32) from Saidpora srg, male (34) from NA Srg, male (30) from Nowshera, female (30) from Qamarwari, male (25) from Pattan Baramulla, male (29) from Baghat, female (12) from Batmaloo, female (58) and male (32) from Safakadal, male (43) from Alochibagh, two females (34, 02) from Rawalpora, female (45) from Rajbagh, female (55) from Gulab Bagh, female (72) from Hawal, female (48) from Kral Sangri Srg, female (52) from Habakadal, male (77) and female (70) from Chattabal, male (74) from Qamarwari, female (70) from Hawal, female (07) from Umer Colony B srg, two males (27, 24) from Illahibagh Srinagar.

The CD cases include male (75) (NA)  from Pinglina, female (68) (NA) from Pinglina , female (35) (NA) from Pinglina, male (40) (NA) from Pinglina, male (16) from Konibal pulwama, male (33) from Putrigam pulwama, female (34) from Drangbal Pampore, female (30) from Tahab pulwama, male (64) from Panthachowk, female (23) from Khrew, male (36) from Ladhoo pulwama, male (12) from Ladhoo pulwama, female (60) from Batagund, female (35) from Batagund , male (26) from Chattapora Pulwama, male (10) from Chattapora Pulwama, female (02) from Chattapora Pulwama, female (60) from Kakapora, male (32) from Kadlabal Pampore, male (17) from Ratnipora, male (35) from Matrigam, female (90) (NA) from Budgam, male (77) (NA) from Sgr, female (27) (NA) from Mumbai, female (65) (NA) from Bemina, female (37) (NA) from Zaldagar, male (70) (NA) from Tangmarg, female (70) (NA) from Baramulla, female (35) (NA) from Nishat, male (36) (NA) from Nishat, female (59) (NA) from Tral, male (63) (NA) from Nishat, female (12) (NA) from Zevan, female (35) (NA) from Nishat, male (07) (NA) from Nishat, male (65) (NA) from Chanpora, male (55) (NA) from Bemina, male (42) (NA) from Padshahi Bagh.

The GMC Anantnag cases include male (50) from Poshkreeri, female (32) from Dogripora, male (34) and female (45) from Brienty, male (50) from Kokergund, female (42) from Narwani, male (35) from DK Marg, male (29) from Housing Colony Bijbehara, male (38) from KP Road, male (45) from Sallar, male (19) from Seer Hamdan, three females (65, 85, 40) and male (40) Ganiepora Mattan, male (22) from Shangus.

On Thursday, J&K reported 835 cases while 812 infections were recorded on previous day.

Moreover, they said, 312 more COVID-19 patients have recovered—60 from Jammu and 252 from Kashmir. Regarding four COVID-19 deaths , two each were reported from Jammu Division and Kashmir, taking the total toll to 2023—747 in Jammu and 1276 in Kashmir.  There are 6115 actives cases—1909 in Jammu and 4206 in the Valley. (GNS)

New Delhi: India on Thursday recorded 1,31,968 Covid-19 fresh infections, the highest single-day hike for the first time since the outbreak of the pandemic, pushing the tally to 1,30,60,542, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said on Friday.

With 780 people succumbing to the disease during the same period, the fatalities have increased to 1,67,642.

Of the 1,31,968 infections, Maharashtra accounted for 56,286 cases, Chhattisgarh– 10,662 cases, Uttar Pradesh– 8,490, Delhi– 7,437 while 6,570 cases were detected in Karnataka.

According to the Ministry’s data updated at 0800 hrs this morning, the number of active COVID-19 infections hiked to 9,79,608, which is 7.5 per cent of the total cases, while the recovery rate has further declined to 91.22 per cent.

While the number of recoveries from the disease has increased to 1,19,13,292, there has been a decline in the fatality rate which has descended to 1.28 per cent, the data showed.

Meanwhile, as many as 13,64,205 samples were tested on Thursday taking the total so far to 25,40,41,584, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research data.

The government today said that India surpassed the US to become the fastest vaccinating country in the world.

By: Nadeem Nadu

Srinagar: In a worrying development amid resurge in coronavirus cases, the bed occupancy of all dedicated hospitals has increased many folds.

Official sources told GNS that there are more than 90 patients admitted in the CD hospital including 14 travelers and nine tourists. All the 17 ICU beds in the hospital, one among the exclusive facilities for the management of the COVID-19 patients, are already occupied, they said.

Chest Diseases Hospital Srinagar, as per officials has 104 covid-19 dedicated beds while among the 87 total isolation beds, 54 are occupied by the patients, 48 of whom are on oxygen support.

When contacted HOD CD Hospital Dr Naveed Nazir Shah said that there has been in last few weeks a surge in the number of cases and admissions.

Our admissions have increased more than four to five times and our hospital is almost running full to capacity. Even in the ICU all the beds are occupied, Dr Naveed added.

In JLNM Hospital Srinagar, also among the exclusive facilities for COVID-19 management, 24 beds are occupied while at SKIMS Soura, the tertiary care hospital, 83 out of 253 covid-19 dedicated beds are occupied while among 252 isolation beds, 81 are occupied with 70 patients on oxygen support.

Washington: The global death toll due to COVID-19 has topped 2.893 million, while the cumulative case tally has almost touched 133.5 million cases, said the US-based Johns Hopkins University in it’s latest pandemic update.
Johns Hopkins University is the foremost and most credible global institution that tracks and compiles data regarding the pandemic.
As of 20:30 GMT Thursday (0200 hrs IST Friday), the number of cases globally stood at 133,499,369, including 2,893,583 fatalities.
The United States still has the highest case count in the world, with 30,983,624, including 559,849 fatalities.

Srinagar: In view of surge in Covid-19 cases, the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Mohammed Aijaz Asad today chaired a meeting of concerned officers to review the progress of Covid vaccination process in the district.

The meeting discussed the status of Covid-19 vaccination besides impact of the precautions that need to be taken in the district to control spread of the Covid-19.

At the outset, the concerned officer apprised the DC that about 10409 health workers and 56343 frontline workers have been so far administered Covid vaccine in the district besides 18 thousand people above age of 45 years were also covered under vaccination drive in Srinagar.

The DC directed the officers to work with added zeal and continue to maintain the highest level of alertness to ensure implementation of SOPs to counter the spread of virus.

The DC reiterated that apart from executing proactive measures, mobilization of all resources and manpower shall be put on ready gear to enable the Administration to tackle any emergencies arising from Covid-19 pandemic.

He also directed officers to intensify vaccination process in order to achieve cent percent immunization in the district with special focus on hotels, Coaching Centers, Banks, Business establishments and areas where public footfall is high.

The DC called for raising awareness among the masses to persuade the people especially above 45 Years to go for vaccination. He called for roping in NGOs, Religious Heads, PRIs, Asha Workers and other influencers to motivate the eligible persons for vaccination.

Additional Deputy Commissioners Srinagar, Dr Syed Hanief Balkhi and Khurshid Ahmad, SDM East, SDM West,  Deputy CMO, BMOs, ZMOs, Nodal Officer, GMC, Tehsildars and other concerned of the department were present in the meeting.

By: Jahangir Sofi

Srinagar: In view of the holy month of Ramadan Commencing April 13 (subject to appearance of crescent) amid prevailing Covid-19 pandemic for the second consecutive year, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Pandurang K Pole Friday said that the level of alertness that was in place last Ramadan will be repeated this year too. He, however, said rising number of positive cases was a matter of concern.

Talking to KNO he said, “I greet the people of Kashmir on the arrival of holy month of Ramdan, the holy month which is of divine worship and people keep fast for the day and ask for forgiveness from the Almighty Allah. The Covid-19 pandemic has not subsided yet and we have to be extra careful while going out in public places and follow the Covid-19 Sops by using the face mask which is mandatory and maintain a physical distance. We will repeat the same mechanism including preventive measures that were in place last Ramadan.”
He said, “Every individual has to take responsibility and show appropriate behavior towards Covid-19 SoPs, and if one is taking due care of self, the person is indirectly taking care of entire society.”
On the skyrocketing prices of essentials in the Valley he said, teams have been constituted to check black marketing and illegal profiteering rates, and if anywhere the violation is found, not only the fine, the FIR will be also lodged.

While talking about the continuous opening of coaching centres in the Valley, he said: “We are monitoring the situation, online options likewise schools are doing for coaching centres is also available and appropriate call will be taken according to the situation.”

About the increasing Covid-19 positive cases in the valley, he said the situation is evolving and is being monitored keenly by the administration and as per the situation, the response will follow accordingly.

He also appealed the people of the valley of age above 45 years of age to get their Covid-19 vaccination jab at their nearest authorised health centre, sooner the better.

New Delhi: At least 20 doctors and six MBBS students on Friday tested positive for coronavirus at the All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS) here, sources told IANS.

“Of the total 26 healthcare staff, 20 are doctors and six MBBS students of AIIMS, who were found to be Covid-19 positive in the last 10 days.”

Of these 26, only two had taken both the doses of Covid vaccine, sources said.

 This comes a day after it was reported that 37 doctors tested positive for coronavirus infection at Delhi’s Sir Ganga Ram Hospital.

The 20 doctors testing positive at AIIMS include two faculty members, while the rest are resident doctors. Majority of them have mild Covid symptoms.

The contacts of most of them have been traced and the process is still on for some, the source said. There are more than 3,000 doctors, including resident doctors and faculty members working at AIIMS.

The news of Covid-19 positive from Delhi’s these two big hospitals have come in the backdrop of surging cases in the city for the past few weeks.

New Delhi: Top Indian and Chinese military officials met at Chushul on Friday to discuss the next phase of disengagement on the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh, and the dialogue that started at 10:30 am is still on.

The 11th round of Corps Commander talks at Chushul is happening after a nearly two month gap. The Indian military delegation was led by Leh-based 14 Corps Commander, Lt Gen P.G.K. Menon.

The focus of the talks is disengagement on other friction points. After the Pangong disengagement, both countries planned to carry out disengagement on other friction points like Gogra, Hot Springs and Depsang.

“The military dialogue is still on and it is important that before the onset of summer, de-escalation takes place at the Line of Actual Control. Both sides need to retreat to original positions for things to ease,” said a senior Indian Army officer.

On February 20, Indian and Chinese military held the 10th round of military dialogue to de-escalate tension at the LAC and for disengagement at friction areas like Hot Springs, Gogra and 900 square km Depsang plains.

The build-up in Depsang was not being considered part the current standoff that started in May last year as escalations here took place in 2013. However, India has insisted during the recent military commander meetings to resolve all issues across the LAC.

“The initial attempt will be to resolve Gogra and Hot Springs. Finding a solution to Depsang might be tricky and take longer,” said the officer.

So far, disengagement process at both banks of the Pangong Lake has taken place. It was on February 10 that China made an announcement that New Delhi and Beijing had agreed to disengage at Pangong Lake.

An Indian Army team, along with the Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) team, physically verified and re-verified disengagement at Pangong Lake.

As per the agreement, Chinese troops moved back to Finger 8 and Indian troops pulled back to the Dhan Singh Thapa post between Finger 2 and 3 of the lake’s north bank.

The mountain spur jutting into the lake is referred to as ‘Finger’ in military parlance. The north bank of the lake is divided into 8 fingers, and India has claimed its territory till Finger 8 but China disputes it, claiming it stretches only till Finger 4.

A temporary moratorium on military activities, including patrolling in traditional areas, has come into place.

India and China are engaged in a year-long standoff at the LAC. The confrontations began on the north bank of Pangong Lake, both in the waters and the bank as Chinese incursions increased in early May last year.      

Union Textiles Minister presides over first convocation of NIFT Srinagar

Jammu, Apr 9: Weavers, artisans, and craftsmen working in the handloom and handicraft sector of J&K are unique examples of creation and development of designs. They are an inspiration for budding fashion designers in designing and fashion communication.

Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha made these remarks while addressing the first convocation of the National Institute of Fashion Technology, Srinagar through virtual mode.

Smriti Zubin Irani, Union Minister for Textiles and Women & Child Development was the Chief Guest and Kiren Rijiju, Union Minister of State (I/C) for Youth Affairs and Sports was Guest of Honour during the convocation ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, Irani said that the first batch of NIFT Srinagar has added a golden page in the history of the institution. She inspired the students to be prepared for whatever life has to offer and expressed faith that with the training imparted to them at NIFT, they would be equipped to deal with any tests and hardships that may come their way. The Minister said that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has recently announced a package of Rs. 28,400 crore as part of the J&K Industrial Development Scheme and urged upon the students to put in their best efforts to reap benefit from it.

Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha, during his address, observed that with the revival of art and craft centres, the J&K UT is emerging as a global fashion hub.

J&K contributes to 80% of the country’s total exports of woolen shawls. Special attention has been paid to the handicraft and handloom sector in the new Industrial Development Scheme approved by the central government recently. Handholding to local weavers and artisans is being provided for their livelihood generation as well as promotion of old crafts, said the Lt Governor.

Observing that J&K is witnessing the revival of its traditional handicrafts, the Lt Governor said that the artisans are again giving expression to their creativity through their talented eyes and hardworking hands. He called upon the students and faculty of NIFT to connect themselves with maximum craftsmen and artisans, be their voice and enrich their art with the research and expertise of the institute.

Underscoring the UT Government’s measures to promote the local products, the Lt Governor observed that UT Government is working on GI tagging of Kashmiri carpet, wood carving, Namda craft, Phool Kari, Basohli painting,  Tweed fabric, Chikri craft, etc so that these products can be made available in the International Markets.

Speaking on the latest e-commerce initiatives, the Lt Governor said that the Handloom and Handicraft products of J&K have been provided global platforms like Amazon and Flipkart. With sustained efforts, the Handloom and Handicraft Industry of J&K would again reach its pinnacle.

E-commerce marketplaces will provide an appropriate opportunity for the momentous growth and development of the respective sectors. In the coming year, transportation issues would also be addressed as the railway network will connect Kashmir to Kanyakumari, he added.

Addressing the young designers of NIFT, Srinagar, the Lt Governor said that Designing and Fashion communication course of NIFT has huge potential in creating and developing new designs. It also has the power to revive the old crafts of the handloom sector, and can bring about a revolution in the handloom industry of the region.

He mentioned that for the first time in history NIFT Delhi has been included among the 10 reputed Fashion Institutes of the world.

The Lt Governor highlighted the significant role of NIFT, Srinagar in creation of Human Capital for the Fashion and Design Industry, besides incorporating the local crafts into the dynamics of fashion market.

The profession of fashion designing is a profession of expression. A fashion designer expresses his creativity through designing a piece of cloth and turning it into a masterpiece, he added.

Calling J&K a repository of talents, the Lt Governor said that the students who have graduated today are fortunate that they got to learn about the wonderful traditional techniques of weaving along with local art and craft.

Expressing satisfaction over the development of 100 new products, designed and developed as per the market needs by the students of the NIFT, the Lt Governor asserted that this would lead to revival of old crafts and take the products of local artisans to the global markets. He also noted that NIFT is playing a vital role in setting up Design Resource Centres in the Weaver’s Service Centres.

The Lt Governor congratulated all the students who received their graduating degrees from National Institute of Fashion Technology and wished for their happy and successful future.

While congratulating the graduates and their parents, Kiren Rijiju, Union MoS urged the students to make best use of the opportunities available to them as the apparel and fashion industry has a lot of potential. He said that the youth of India has an important role to play in defining and portraying soft image and soft power of the country and that the alumni of NIFT Srinagar will play a pioneering role in this direction.

J&K has become the Educational Hub of North India: Dr Jitendra Singh

Jammu: Vice-President M Venkaiah Naidu today addressed the 3rd & 4th Convocation of Indian Institute of Management, Jammu here at Convention Centre.

Lieutenant Governor of J&K, Manoj Sinha and Union MoS PMO, Dr. Jitendra Singh were the Guests of Honour on the occasion.

Speaking at the Convocation ceremony, the Vice President called upon national institutes like IIMs to offer innovative courses and diplomas based on new market realities and demands of the fourth industrial revolution.

The Vice-President stressed on the need for re-orienting higher education in tune with the realities of the world. He also underlined the importance of developing a mindset that encourages innovation and institutional reform that fosters creativity and promotes excellence.

“Your ability to take decisions in an uncertain world and your agility to adapt to new contexts will become very crucial”, the Vice-President told students.

He advised the institutions of higher education to “Adapt, Evolve and Respond” to situations that have never before been faced by mankind.

The Vice-President stressed the need for strengthening industry-institute linkages. He urged the graduating management students to work with farmers in improving the marketing of farm produce.

The Vice-President also recalled the great contribution of Jammu and Kashmir as an important centre of education since ancient times. Highlighting the works of Patanjali, Anandavardhana, Lalleswari and Habba Khatoon from the region, he called for continuity in enriching the rich culture of learning and innovation.

Speaking on the occasion, Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha congratulated the graduating students for embarking on the new journey in Business Management and wished them a bright future.

With an objective to provide sustained handholding to the students, the Lt Governor announced annual “LG Scholarship” for 10 students each from IIM Jammu, IIT Jammu and NIT Srinagar.

Addressing the students, the Lt Governor called upon them to understand the true virtues of life and make valuable contributions towards Nation Building and AtmaNirbhar Bharat. Learning is a lifelong experience. Tackle any challenges with adaptability and keep the thirst of knowledge with you throughout your life, added the Lt Governor.

Speaking on the fast changing market trends and increased business management challenges, the Lt Governor emphasized on the need to put more focus on up-scaling of emerging skill sets so that Human Capital can be prepared and developed to fill the Skill Gap as per the demand.

“We need to produce Future Business Managers as per the Market demand. Overhauling the entire business management ecosystem and orientation of youth is the need of the hour to complement the dynamics of market trends”, said the Lt Governor.

 The Lt Governor noted that many experts from the management field have identified Management Strategy and innovation; Management tools & Technology, and Interpersonal Skills as the crucial growth drivers in the post-Covid scenario.

Prime Minister has laid a solid foundation for tackling unpredictability in market trends. J&K Government is also giving focused attention on identifying and exploiting all major growth potential sectors to provide every child with an opportunity for imbibing the pre-requisite qualities to overcome the market challenges, said the Lt Governor.

Referring to Chanakya, the Lt Governor remarked that we inherit the wisdom of management from our ancient Management Guru, which somehow we have lost mid way. Our Arthaśāstra has described the theory, business relation, knowledge and research as the core strengths of Business education, he added.

Indian economy is coming back on track and is growing gradually. In this world of Digital and Artificial Intelligence, by evolving students, teachers and all the stakeholders of Business Management, we can move towards prosperity and progress together, the Lt Governor maintained.

Citing a recent report, the Lt Governor said J&K has less unemployment rate than States / UTs like Delhi, Goa, Bihar, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand and Rajasthan, which itself speaks about the strong resolve of the UT Government towards addressing the serious issue of unemployment.

The Lt Governor congratulated IIM Jammu for making a distinguished place for itself in management studies. He also expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Vice President for attending the convocation and boosting the morale of the students. He congratulated the parents and family members of the students as well.

Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region, MoS, PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, in his address, said that the Union Territory of J&K has become the Educational Hub of North India.

Today, the young generation is much more aspirational and the Government, keeping their aspirations in consideration, is facilitating the youth with a level playing field so that they can become the architects of New India, he added.

The Union MoS also counted the reformative measures taken by the Government for the growth and development of J&K.

The Vice President awarded medals to the students of 2018-20 and 2019-21 batches who achieved academic excellence. During the convocation, a total of 148 students were conferred with a Master in Business Administration degree.

Dr. Milind Kamble, Chairman, Board of Governors, IIM Jammu delivered the welcome address. Meanwhile, Prof. BS Sahay, Director, IIM Jammu, presented a report, highlighting past achievements and future action plans of the University.

Sh. Kewal Kumar Sharma, State Election Commissioner; Sh. Rajeev Rai Bhatnagar, Advisor to the Lt Governor; Sh. BVR Subrahmanyam, Chief Secretary; Vice Chancellors of various Universities; Administrative Secretaries; members of BoG IIM; distinguished senior officers, besides faculty and family members of the students attended the convocation ceremony.