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 Indigenous Tulip Cultivation gains momentum, aim is to reduce Import Dependency

PULWAMA, APRIL 02: In a significant step towards revitalizing the floriculture sector in the district, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research – Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine (CSIR-IIIM), Field Station Bonera, Pulwama organized a grand Tulip Show today.

CSIR-IIIM has initiated a strategic programme for indigenous tulip bulb production under the overall supervision and mentorship of Dr. Jitendra Singh, Union Minister for Science and Technology and Minister of Earth Sciences.

As part of this strategic intervention, over one lakh tulip bulbs have been successfully cultivated on 12 kanals of land at the Field Station. The programme is aimed at reducing import dependency, promoting domestic tulip cultivation and fostering an agritech ecosystem.

The Field Station was opened to the public today, allowing visitors to witness the breathtaking bloom of tulips. The event witnessed an overwhelming response, with a large number of people, including children and students, attending the festival.

The event showcased breathtaking displays of tulips in full bloom, offering a glimpse into the region’s floricultural potential and the success of indigenous innovation.

This step aligns with the national mission of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’, reducing reliance on imported bulbs while creating economic opportunities for local farmers," said a scientist from CSIR-IIIM.

CSIR-IIIM officials emphasized the importance of scientific intervention and innovation in agriculture, stating that this initiative will pave the way for self-sufficiency in tulip production, benefiting both local farmers and the economy at large.

The initiative is expected to strengthen the floriculture industry, providing new opportunities for research, commercial cultivation and employment generation in the sector.

 


JAMMU, APRIL 02: A delegation of Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) employees from SKUAST Jammu today met with Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary, apprising him of their issues and concerns.

They highlighted several challenges being faced by them which inter alia included significant cuts to essential allowances such as medical, transport and employer’s contribution to the National Pension Scheme (NPS).

The delegation explained that these reductions have caused financial strain for KVK staff, who work tirelessly in rural areas to promote agricultural innovation and support farmer welfare schemes. They urged the university to address these disparities by ensuring timely promotions and releasing the pending allowances, including the NPS contributions.

The Deputy Chief Minister assured the delegation that he would raise the matter with the Agriculture Minister to seek a resolution.


 JAMMU, APRIL 02: District Magistrate Sachin Kumar Vaishya today chaired a meeting of the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) and issued a string of directives aimed at improving traffic management and road safety in the district.

Emphasising the need for strict enforcement of traffic rules in rural areas, the DM instructed concerned departments to conduct rigorous drives to curb violations. He further directed the School Education Department and Traffic Police to intensify awareness campaigns on road safety, particularly targeting students and young drivers.

In a move to ensure adherence to safety regulations, the DM instructed the Regional Transport Officer to convene a meeting with petrol pump owners. He mandated that fuel should not be dispensed to riders and drivers who fail to comply with basic traffic rules, such as wearing helmets and seat belts.

Addressing the issue of road maintenance, the DM ordered the prioritisation of pothole repairs on national highways. He stressed that the roads requiring urgent attention should be identified and incorporated into budget allocations for timely repair. He also emphasised the swift execution of road construction and maintenance projects to alleviate traffic congestion.

In an effort to enhance safety in school transportation, the concerned officers were directed to ensure the installation of CCTV cameras in all school buses. Additionally, the DM underscored the importance of innovative public awareness campaigns on traffic rules, through innovative media to educate youngsters effectively.

The meeting was attended by SSP Jammu Joginder Singh, SSP Traffic Faisal Qureshi, ADC Ansuya Jamwal, ADC Rakesh Kumar, CMO Dr. Harbaksh Singh, as well as Executive Engineers from the Public Works Department, officers from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and other concerned officials.

 

Address civic issues, hand over street lights

JAMMU, APRIL 02: Member Legislative Assembly Dr. Narender Singh and Commissioner Jammu Municipal Corporation Dr Devansh Yadav today visited Sainik Colony and held a significant meeting with the Sainik Colony Management Committee to discuss key civic issues affecting the area.

During the meeting, local residents submitted a memorandum to the Commissioner, outlining pressing concerns such as drinking water supply, street lighting, drainage systems, and the development of local parks. Acknowledging the grievances of the community, Dr. Yadav assured the Sainik Colony Management Committee that necessary actions would be taken at the earliest to address these concerns.

MLA Dr. Narender Singh emphasized the importance of public cooperation in ensuring the effective implementation of civic projects. He urged the local community to work in tandem with the authorities to facilitate smooth and efficient development initiatives.

Furthermore, Dr. Singh stressed the need for elected representatives to collaborate closely with government departments, ensuring that developmental projects in their respective areas should be taken up expeditiously and efficiently. He reiterated his commitment to delivering quality infrastructure and services, ensuring that the citizens do not face any inconveniences.


The meeting marked a constructive step towards resolving civic issues in Sainik Colony, reinforcing the dedication of the local administration and public representatives toward the welfare of the community.

Later, the Commissioner handed over 50 street lights to the Sainik Colony Management Committee in presence of MLA.

The initiative aims to enhance street lighting in the area, ensuring better visibility and security for residents.

 Speaking at the occasion, the MLA commended the efforts of JMC in addressing civic needs and reaffirmed the commitment to further infrastructural development in the region.

The Commissioner highlighted the importance of well-lit streets in fostering a safer environment and improving the overall quality of life. "This initiative is part of our broader effort to enhance civic amenities across Jammu. We remain dedicated to implementing projects that directly benefit the residents," the Commissioner stated.

Among others, Deputy Commissioner (South) Lal Chand, Joint Commissioner (W) Firdous Ahmad Qazi, Executive Engineers, (E), works, other senior officers of JMC, besides former Corporator and locals were present on the occasion.

 


POONCH, APRIL 02: District Administration Poonch organized an impressive function today in the conference hall of the DC office to bid farewell to the outgoing Assistant Commissioner Revenue Qadeer Ul Rehman.

Deputy Commissioner Vikas Kundal extended best wishes to the officer for his future endeavors. 

Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik, specifically recognized the hard work and dedication of ACR Rehman, emphasizing the positive impact he made while serving the community.

Other officers also appreciated his commendable efforts as Returning Officer in the recent elections, underscoring his dedication and commitment towards his job.

The outgoing ACR expressed his gratitude for the support and collaboration he received from the district administration, officers and staff members during his tenure. 

 


JAMMU, APRIL 02: Additional District Magistrate Ansuya Jamwal today chaired a training session for resource persons under the Nasha Mukt J&K Abhiyan, aimed at intensifying anti-drug awareness efforts in urban local bodies across the district.

The initiative is part of the administration’s broader strategy to combat drug abuse through education, counselling and community-driven interventions.

During the session, the ADM highlighted the critical role of trained personnel in educating communities about substance abuse and promoting a drug-free society. She urged resource persons to actively engage with local stakeholders to ensure effective outreach.

The session was attended by SDMs, Tehsildars and officers from the Police and Social Welfare Department, along with other concerned officials.


 RAJOURI, APRIL 02: On the directions of the Transport Commissioner Visheshpaul Mahajan, and Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma, a comprehensive road checking drive was conducted today by the ARTO Rajouri Rajesh Gupta, at Thanamandi-Berote road. 

The road checking aimed to reinforce compliance with traffic regulations and ensure road safety.

A total of 170 vehicles were checked during the drive, and 27 were issued E-challans for violation of the Motor Vehicles Act and the Rules framed thereunder. The amount expected to be collected from these E-challaned vehicles is Rs. 67,000 (Sixty-Seven Thousand Rupees).

Additionally, 8 vehicles were seized for serious violations, as per the relevant provisions of the law.

This initiative is part of the ongoing efforts by the district administration to improve road safety, enforce traffic discipline and ensure smooth movement of traffic in the region.

 


SRINAGAR, APRIL 02: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today chaired a meeting to review the performance and functioning of Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE).

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary Education and Chairman JKBOSE, Shantamanu; Director School Education Jammu /Kashmir, Special Secretary School Education department, Secretary JKBOSE and other concerned officers.

The Minister evaluated key operational aspects of JKBOSE like examination processes, curriculum implementation and other IT interventions. She emphasized on strengthening board’s infrastructure and streamlining administrative mechanisms to ensure smooth academic operations and other related activities of the board. She urged the JKBOSE to incorporate advanced technological solutions for better accessibility and efficiency in the working of Board. She also underlined the necessity of timely syllabus updates, improved teacher training programs and student-centric policies to meet the evolving educational needs.

She directed the officers to declare the results of 10th, 11th and 12th classes by the end of this month so that they can join next classes without loss of any academic activities.

She called upon both the Directors to collaborate with JKBOSE for holistic development of education sector across J&K.

Highlighting the need for robust and student-friendly educational framework across Jammu and Kashmir, Sakeena Itoo emphasized on continuous stakeholder engagement and proactive measures to uplift academic standards across the region.

While reviewing other measures of JKBOSE, including Equitable and Inclusive Education facility for Divyang and Children With Special Needs (CWSN), the Minister called upon both the Directors and JKBOSE authorities to create maximum awareness among these specially abled students about benefits being provided to them.

These included flexibility in academics and assessment, exemption in exam fee for CWSN with 40% or more disability of permanent nature, relaxation of 5% in pass percentage in 10th to 12th class Board examination and others. She asked them to organise regular awareness camps, involving PRIs and other tools like mass media for maximising awareness among the target group.

During the meeting, Secretary JKBOSE gave a detailed presentation on functioning of the board. She also informed the Minister about various IT interventions launched by the board for facilitation of students.


 Community involvement crucial to protect, expand forests: Javed Rana

JAMMU, APRIL 01: With an aim to increase the green cover in Jammu and Kashmir, the Forest department distributed around 2 lakh saplings  of various trees, free of cost, among the public on Eid-ul-Fitr.

The saplings were distributed by the forest department near the Eid Gahs and Mosques following the Eid Namaz, ensuring maximum participation from the community.


Forest Minister, Javed Ahmed Rana, commended the efforts of Forest Officers in distributing the saplings. He said that by encouraging plantation on this holy occasion, “we aim to raise awareness about the environmental sustainability and importance of afforestation.”

The initiative aimed to inspire the people to plant trees as a part of their Eid celebrations, contributing to a greener and healthier environment.

“It is a significant step towards greener Jammu and Kashmir and community involvement is crucial to protect and expand our forests,” he said.


Rana said that the initiative is part of our commitment to enhancing green cover across the region.

The J&K Forest Department has urged the people to take care of the distributed saplings and actively participate in future greening projects.

The locals were sensitised about the importance of tree plantation in combating climate change and enhancing urban greenery. This initiative aligns with vision of Forest Department of promoting afforestation and ecological balance.