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This recognition will provide legal protection against counterfeit products, lead to artisans’ welfare

SRINAGAR, APRIL 03: In a landmark achievement securing the unique craftsmanship of artisans, 8 more traditional products of Kashmir have been granted the prestigious Geographical Indication (GI) certificates by GI Registry, Chennai, based on their sources of origin.

GI registration provides legal protection against counterfeit products, prevents unauthorized use, boosts exports, and promotes economic prosperity for producers of goods associated with a specific geographical territory. 

Giving details, a spokesman from the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, today stated that Kashmir Namda, Kashmir Gabba, Kashmir Willow Bat, Kashmir Tweed, Crewel, Kashmir Chain Stitch, Shikara and Wagguv have secured GI registration. With this, he said, the total number of GI registered crafts has reached 15, with 07 crafts having already been granted GI registration.


Highlighting the benefits of the registration, the spokesman exuded confidence that these 8 new products will provide much needed boost to exports and gain greater access in international markets, leading to increased demand. “The registration, followed by GI labelling, will also help prevent unauthorised use, ensuring consumers get access to genuine products,” he added.

Referring to the stiff challenges faced by the department over a period of three years, the spokesman highlighted various steps taken for earning GI registration. “After filing of applications online, the department had to go through the onerous task of preliminary scrutiny and examination of the applications filed, followed by issuance of show-cause notices and publication in GI Journal. Only after no objections were received, the GI registration was granted by Geographical Indication (GI) Registry Chennai, in favour of the 8 new products,” he explained.

The spokesman further stated that the department shall now shift focus to 6 more crafts for GI registration, which shall go a long way in revival of certain lost crafts and also boost their saleability in niche global markets. These include Copperware (Kandkari), Silverware, Houseboat, Tapestry, Kashmir Tilla and Aari Stapple Embroidery. 

Identifying testing and QR labelling as a corollary to the GI registration of unique Kashmir products, the spokesman said the department has already submitted proposals for upgradation of its testing labs in IICT, CDI and Quality Control Division.

“In view of the increased demand for GI testing and labelling, the department shall upgrade its testing labs by acquiring state-of-the-art equipment like OFDA (Optical Fibre Diameter Analyzer), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) and high-resolution Digital Microscopes, which shall ensure genuineness of the products tested and weeding out sale of machine-made counterfeit products, which are sold in the garb of hand-made products,” he added.

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 SRINAGAR, APRIL 03: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired a meeting with the senior officials of Shri Amarnath ji Shrine Board (SASB) and executing agencies and reviewed the progress for development of Disaster Management and Yatri Niwas Complexes.

The Lieutenant Governor took appraisal of the works under execution at Baltal, Nunwan, Sidhra and Bijbehara.

He directed the officials and executing agencies to expedite the ongoing works being carried out at different locations to further improve the facilities for the devotees. He also directed for completing the vital infrastructure projects at Baltal and Nunwan base camps before the commencement of Yatra.

The meeting was attended by the Chief Executive Officer, SASB, senior officials of SASB and executive agencies.

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JAMMU, APRIL 03: Jammu and Kashmir has successfully met its ambitious goal of planting 150 lakh seedlings under ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.

Lauding the achievement of Forest, Ecology and Environment, Javed Ahmed Rana credited it to the collective efforts of government agencies, village-level institutions, local people and other stakeholders.

 “The aim of the campaign is to contain land degradation and promote restoration of degraded land for a sustainable future,” he said adding that the campaign aligns with the quest for sustainable development.  He commended the efforts of Forest department in leading the campaign saying that tree plantation raises awareness about environmental sustainability and the importance of afforestation.

“Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” was launched across the country to encourage the people to plant a tree as a mark of love, respect and honour for their mothers and pledge to protect trees and earth.

The Forest Department led the campaign for planting 1,50,18,803 saplings in J&K, involving the students, NGOs, security forces, government departments, citizens and nature lovers.

Under the initiative, the Forest department and its wings planted 91 lakh plants on forest and non-forest lands. Besides, it distributed 59 lakh plants among various stakeholders for planting at various locations throughout the Union Territory.

More than one lakh plants were planted by Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and about two lakh plants were distributed on the day of Eid-ul-Fitr.

Javed Rana complimented various sections of the society for their contribution in achieving the target. He said that each stakeholder has made substantial contributions to this initiative, demonstrating a collective commitment towards sustainability, green cover enhancement and fostering public engagement.

“It was heartening to see how enthusiastically people embraced the campaign, reinforcing the importance of environmental stewardship for the well-being of future generations. We would not have been able to achieve the target  without the active participation of the local people” he said.

During the campaign, the forest department sensitised the locals about the importance of tree plantation in combating the climate change and enhancing greenery.

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LG highlights the importance of ethics, values and national identity in education and points out that ethics and values, guides us for the welfare of society and nation-building

In the educational journey, students develop consciousness and their moral values become sharper: LG Sinha

In the educational journey, students adopt life values like compassion, peace, truth, love, virtuous life, harmony and benevolence and collect all the experiences. All these physical, intellectual and emotional experiences together develop student's knowledge: LG

Aim of NEP 2020 is that students should become a living source of knowledge rather than a storehouse of memories obtained from books: Lieutenant Governor

NEP promotes creative imagination, ethical values and a sense of determination to contribute towards building an equitable, inclusive and pluralistic society: LG

I want our institutions to create personalities that are a perfect blend of compassion and innovation. Three ‘H’- Head, Heart and Heritage- will help in this mission and they will also restore the broken moral link in the education system: LG

Our students should be a selfless individual as well as a skilled researcher, writer or artist, deeply connected to their roots. This perfect balance in personality could be transformative for students, educational institutions and the society: LG

Without unprecedented inventions, moral values alone will have no value. But it is also true that without ethics and values, cutting-edge education and skills would be aimless: LG

We need students who are proficient in algorithms, talented in their chosen field, sensitive towards social issues and also realise their duty towards nation building: LG

There should be conversations and not monologues in the classroom: LG Sinha

Teachers need to integrate moral values with skills needed in modern world so that qualities like strong character and intellectual curiosity can be nurtured: Lieutenant Governor

There is a need to link innovation and growth with the ethical values of the society and integrate them with the course curriculum: LG

JAMMU, APRIL 03: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today addressed ‘Bharat Shiksha Summit’ organised by Balaji Foundation at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. Shri Brajesh Pathak, Deputy Chief Minister, Uttar Pradesh also graced the occasion.

In his keynote address, the Lieutenant Governor highlighted the importance of Ethics, Values and National Identity in education and pointed out that Ethics and Values, guides us for the welfare of society and nation-building.

He said the deliberations and exchange of ideas during the Summit on overarching issues in education will explore challenges and opportunities and prepare a future roadmap for educational institutions.

“In the educational journey, students develop consciousness and their moral values become sharper. During this journey, students adopt life values like compassion, peace, truth, love, virtuous life, harmony and benevolence and collect all the experiences. All these physical, intellectual and emotional experiences together develop student's knowledge” the Lieutenant Governor said.


He said the aim of National Education Policy 2020 is that students should become a living source of knowledge rather than a storehouse of memories obtained from books.      

“National Education Policy promotes creative imagination, ethical values and a sense of determination to contribute towards building an equitable, inclusive and pluralistic society,” he further added.

The Lieutenant Governor asked the educational institutions to focus on developing personalities that are perfect blend of compassion and innovation.

“Three ‘H’- Head, Heart and Heritage- will help in this mission and they will also restore the broken moral link in the education system.

We need students who are proficient in algorithms, talented in their chosen field, sensitive towards social issues and also realise their duty towards nation building.


Our students should be a selfless individual as well as a skilled researcher, writer or artist, deeply connected to their roots. This perfect balance in personality could be transformative for students, educational institutions and the society,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the teachers need to integrate moral values with skills needed in the modern world so that qualities like strong character and intellectual curiosity can be nurtured.

“Without unprecedented inventions, moral values alone will have no value. But it is also true that without ethics and values, cutting-edge education and skills would be aimless.

There should be conversations and not monologues in the classroom. There is a need to link innovation and growth with the ethical values of the society and integrate them with the course curriculum,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor further called for encouraging hands-on, experiential and project-based learning. The young minds should be exposed to challenges of the real world. Now the time has come to take education out of the lab and into the real world, he said.

During an interactive session, the Lieutenant Governor also spoke on the educational reforms taking place in J&K, under the guidance of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, in the past few years. He said the innovative programmes launched in the UT have ensured inclusive and quality education for all.

“The talent pool within Jammu Kashmir is being provided with better opportunities. Dedicated efforts have been made to promote multidisciplinary learning, and skill development of youth. We have also actively initiated campaigns to bring dropout students back to school. Through Mission Yuva, we have prepared a blueprint to foster entrepreneurship culture at college and university level.

Schools, colleges and universities are functioning without any disturbances. Earlier practice of hartals, strikes, stone pelting and bandhs are things of the past now.  Today, J&K, with its full potential, is moving ahead towards a prosperous and brighter future,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

On the occasion, the prominent personalities and institutions are also conferred with the Bharat Shiksha Samman for their valuable contribution in the field of education.

Shri Naveen Jindal, Member of Parliament; Dr Pankaj Mittal, Secretary General, Association of Indian Universities; Ms Rajshri Rai, Chairperson, Balaji Foundation; educationists, experts, heads of various institutions, teachers and youth in large number were present.

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 ‘Our government stands committed to uplifting every household in need’: CM

SRINAGAR, APRIL 3: The Jammu and Kashmir Government has enhanced the Financial Assistance under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme (SMAS) for poor girls, increasing the amount from ₹50,000 to ₹75,000 for families holding Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) ration cards.

 An order issued by the Department of Social Welfare stated that in partial modification of Government Order No.49-JK(SWD) of 2022 dated March 22, 2022, the financial assistance has been increased to ₹75,000 (one time) for eligible AAY category girls of marriageable age under the scheme.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that it is “a step towards dignity and empowerment.

 "Our government stands committed to uplifting every household in need. This support will be directly credited before marriage via DBT,” he remarked.

The decision follows Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s Budget Speech on March 7, in which he announced a series of pro-poor initiatives, including the enhancement of marriage assistance for AAY-category girls.

The revised scheme will take effect from April 1, 2025.

To ensure transparency and efficiency, the financial aid will be directly transferred to the beneficiary’s bank account through the Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) system before the marriage.

 In another major welfare initiative, the J&K government has approved the distribution of additional food grains free of cost to AAY households with four or more members under the Public Distribution System (PDS).

This move aims to strengthen food security for the region’s most vulnerable families and fulfills a key commitment made in Budget 2025-26.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah hailed the initiative as a significant pro-people decision, emphasizing that the government is delivering on its promises. “We are committed to ensuring food security for our most vulnerable families. Under this initiative, all AAY households will receive additional food grains free of cost. Each beneficiary in a family with 4 or more members will get up to 10 kg of food grains, reinforcing our commitment to social welfare,” he stated.

 Furthering his Government’s commitment to women’s empowerment, the Chief Minister had also flagged off the Zero-Ticket Travel Initiative—a free Government bus service for women—on April 1 from the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Center (SKICC).

Speaking at the launch event, CM Omar Abdullah said, “This initiative will create an environment where women feel empowered to travel freely, without financial constraints. It marks another step towards ensuring gender equality and mobility for women across Jammu and Kashmir.” The Omar Abdullah-led Government has fulfilled yet another promise by implementing Zero Stamp Duty on property transfers through Gift Deeds within blood relations. In this regard, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has issued S.O. 75, dated 27th March 2025, under Section 9(a) of the Stamp Act, 1977, to remit Stamp Duty on such transfers.

The term “Blood Relations” includes parents, siblings, children, and grandparents. This notification has come into force w.e.f. 1st April 2025.

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 Takes review of FCS&CA Dept, FCI

JAMMU, APRIL 03: Union Secretary, Department of Food & Public Distribution, Sanjeev Chopra today visited Jammu and reviewed the functioning of Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and FCI here.

He also assessed the status of implementation of schemes and other reforms across Jammu and Kashmir.

Interacting with the officers of the FCS&CA Department, J&K and FCI, J&K, here, the Union Secretary hailed the efforts made by the department in making the Public Distribution System clean and efficient. He asked the officers to continue these efforts and take follow up actions on suspect beneficiaries, whose details are being shared by the Department of Food and Public Distribution, Government of India, with States/UTs.

The Union Secretary while advising the Department to share details of savings made, subsequent to implementation of Optimized Route Plan, also instructed the FCI to make available food grains in different districts as per Route Optimization Plan.

The Union Secretary also reviewed the operations of FCI, J&K region.


 While reviewing the wheat procurement in the J&K region, he emphasised that FCI and FCS&CA J&K should make all out efforts to ensure procurement of wheat and try achieve the target fixed by GOI in RMS 2025-26.

Earlier, in his presentation, Commissioner Secretary FCS&CA, Zubair Ahmad presented an overview of the functioning of the department with stress on new initiatives and issues flagged by Central Government.

He informed the Union Secretary that the Department is presently providing free and subsidised food grains to 24.76 lac households, comprising 98.81 lac beneficiaries in J&K. While 67 lac beneficiaries are provided free foodgrains every month under PMGKAY, another 31.75 lac beneficiaries are provided food grains at highly subsidised rate in NPHH group.

He also said that the distribution network across J&K is built around 6622 sale outlets and 6390 such outlets are presently working in an online mode. He added that Aadhaar authentication rate of 95% has been achieved in distribution process by now.

He also informed that after achieving 100% Aadhaar seeding, the Department has completed e-KYC of 87% beneficiaries under NFSA and 75% of beneficiaries in Non Priority Households group. He also apprised the Union Secretary that the department has started implementation of Route Optimization Plan in eight districts of J&K on trial basis and complete implementation across all the districts would commence in the month of June,2025.

The Union Secretary was also apprised about the status of implementation of SMART PDS in J&K.

Regarding One Nation-One Ration Card (ONORC), the Union Secretary was informed that till now 1.66 lakh interstate and 29.33 lakh intrastate transactions were made under NFSA alone, taking J&K to 9th position in the country.

Later, Sanjeev Chopra also visited Fair Price Shop at Jhajjar Kotli and interacted with the dealer and the beneficiaries. He advised the officers to undertake updation of mobile numbers of beneficiaries and also emphasized on enhancing the viability of FPSs.

The Union Secretary was accompanied by Commissioner Secretary FCS&CA, Director, FCS & CA Jammu, Rifat Kohli; General Manager, FCI , L.Chatru Naik and other officials of the Department.

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 JAMMU, APRIL 03: A Nukkad Natak cum Cultural Awareness Programme on “Nasha Mukt Bharat” (Say No to Drugs) campaign was organised by the Cultural Unit, Department of Information & Public Relations here at Government Degree College Sidhra. The initiative aimed to spread awareness about the detrimental effects of drug abuse and encourage a drug-free society.

 Artists of the Cultural Unit presented theme-based songs and Nukkad Natak depicting real-life consequences of substance abuse and the importance of rehabilitation and awareness. The performers skillfully highlighted how drug addiction impacts individuals, families and society at large.

 Speaking on the occasion, the College Principal Dr G.S. Rakwal shared his views and also made the students and the audience aware of the topic. He appreciated the Department of Information and Public Relations for organising such a meaningful event to raise awareness among the future of the nation.

Among others, officials of different departments, staff members and students witnessed the programme.

The programme was conducted under the directions of Joint Director Information Jammu Atul Gupta and supervision of Cultural Office Mukesh Kumar Sharma.

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 KISHTWAR, APRIL 03: In a significant move to bolster welfare services for the elderly, Deputy Commissioner (DC)   Rajesh Kumar Shavan today inaugurated the Senior Citizens Club/Old Age Care Home here in the heart of Kishtwar town.

The inauguration ceremony witnessed a large gathering of Prominent and Senior citizens of the District, who expressed their heartfelt appreciation for this thoughtful initiative. The event was marked by warmth, gratitude, and a strong sense of community.

The DC highlighted the importance of such facilities in ensuring the well-being and dignity of the elderly. He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of senior citizens to society and emphasized the administration’s commitment to their welfare.

The gathering lauded this initiative, describing it as a “gift to the senior citizens” by the DC, designed to provide them with a comfortable and supportive environment.

The newly inaugurated facility is equipped with modern amenities, including sports facilities, medical care services, and homestay accommodations, all aimed at promoting a healthy, active, and fulfilling lifestyle for senior citizens.

The DC urged the community to actively participate in making this initiative a success, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and support for the elderly.

The event was attended by DSWO Zubair Ahmed; CMO Dr Rajinder Kumar; MS DH Kishtwar Dr. Yudhvir Singh Kotwal; TSWO Rajesh Kumar, Senior Citizens, Prominent Citizens, besides staff from Social Welfare Department and other concerned.

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 SRINAGAR, APRIL 03:  Speaker Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, Abdul Rahim Rather, inaugurated the Royal Health and Wellness Centre at Poloview here today.

Speaking after the inauguration ceremony, the Speaker emphasized on the importance of accessible and innovative healthcare solutions. He lauded the initiative for bringing advanced wellness practices to the region. He expressed hope that the Centre would serve as a significant step towards holistic health improvement for the community.

On the occasion, Owner of the Royal Health and Wellness Centre, Srinagar, Dr. Hamid Sofi, briefed the Speaker about the facilities being provided at the Centre.

Pertinently, the newly launched facility aims to provide advanced healthcare and wellness services to the patients, enhancing holistic well-being in the region.

The Centre has been equipped to offer modern medical services, diagnostics and specialized wellness programs, integrating traditional therapeutic techniques with contemporary healthcare solutions to cater to the diverse health needs of the community. One of the key highlights of the Centre is its range of therapeutic services, including cupping therapy and aromatherapy.

The launch of the Royal Health and Wellness Centre marks a milestone in strengthening healthcare infrastructure in Srinagar, offering the residents a dedicated space for preventive and therapeutic wellness services.

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