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 KATHUA, APRIL 7: As part of the ongoing “Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir” campaign, a series of impactful awareness and outreach activities were organized across various locations in Kathua district to educate communities, especially the youth, about the dangers of drug abuse and promote a drug-free society.

An Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign was conducted in Panchayat Gurah Kalyal where a community awareness session was held. Local residents, including youth and elders, actively participated in the session aimed at sensitizing people to the growing threat of substance abuse. Resource persons from health, social welfare and other departments highlighted the social, psychological, and physical impacts of drug addiction and emphasized the need for community vigilance and support systems.

In another significant outreach initiative, an awareness program was organized at Government School Gurha Mundian. The session, conducted under the aegis of Nasha Mukt campaign, featured informative talks by educators and counselors, who discussed the importance of making informed life choices and resisting peer pressure. Students were encouraged to become ambassadors of change in their communities by spreading awareness among their peers and families.

Recognizing the power of sports in channelizing youth energy positively, various sports were organised at Panchayat Bhaddu Lower. The event drew enthusiastic participation from local youth and featured friendly competitions in volleyball, kabaddi, and athletics. The event served as a reminder of the importance of a healthy lifestyle and the role of physical activity in building resilience against substance abuse.

An IEC campaign was also held at Government School Jandore, Block Keerian Gandyal. The initiative included poster displays, awareness talks, and interactive sessions with students and faculty. The campaign reinforced the message that preventive education is key in curbing drug abuse and fostering a safe, healthy environment for future generations.

These activities are part of the larger goal of the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir campaign, which aims to create drug-free communities through education, engagement, and empowerment. The District Administration Kathua, in collaboration with local institutions, continues its commitment to the cause with active participation from civil society.

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JAMMU, MARCH 31: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha visited the families of J&K Police Martyrs - SgCT Balvinder Singh Chib, SgCT Jaswant Singh, HC Jagbir Singh, and SgCT Tariq Ahmed, at their native villages in Kana Chak, Londi, Mattu Khour and Chamba Katra.

The Lieutenant Governor offered his condolences to the bereaved family members and paid homage to the valiant martyrs who made supreme sacrifice for the nation while fighting the terrorists in Kathua.

He assured all assistance and support to the families of the martyrs.

The Lieutenant Governor has posted on X:

“Visited the families of our Brave Sons of Maa Bharti, who attained Martyrdom while fighting the terrorists in Kathua. The supreme sacrifice of SgCT Balvinder Singh Chib, SgCT Jaswant Singh, HC Jagbir Singh, and SgCT Tariq Ahmed, will never be forgotten”.

This grateful nation salutes their unwavering courage & valour. We stand firmly with the bereaved family members in this hour of grief. I assure that the government will extend all assistance and support to the families of our martyrs”.

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KATHUA, MARCH 12: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Dr. Rakesh Minhas today convened a meeting with officers from different departments and representatives of religious organizations to review the arrangements for the ongoing Ramzan and upcoming Holi and Navratri festivals.

The meeting focused on ensuring smooth celebrations of these festivals, with discussions on various aspects such as security measures, provision of safe drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, medical aid services, sanitation, and availability of fire safety measures, street lighting, cleanliness and smooth transport management across the district.

To ensure the success of the festivals, the Deputy Commissioner issued directives to the heads of different departments, emphasizing meticulous planning and execution in their respective areas of responsibility. Particular attention was given to security to mitigate any potential untoward incidents during the festive period.

The Jal Shakti department was entrusted with ensuring a consistent supply of potable water, while the Power Development Department (PDD) was directed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply throughout the festival duration.

Civil society's cooperation was encouraged to uphold cleanliness standards in the town.

To prevent profiteering and black marketing, the Food Safety department was directed to conduct market checks across all markets of the district to ensure essential commodities are sold at government-approved rates and meet quality standards.

The Tehsildars were directed to deploy an adequate number of personnel in areas prone to traffic congestion, ensuring smooth traffic flow during the festivities.

During the meeting, representatives of religious institutions apprised Deputy Commissioner about various issues, in response to which the DC assured their resolution on priority basis.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the importance of maintaining peace, harmony and brotherhood during the festivals and appealed to the people to cooperate with the administration in ensuring smooth celebrations.

The meeting was attended by SSP Kathua Shobhit Saxena, ADC Kathua Ranjit Singh, RTO Kathua, ACD Kathua, CEO Kathua, Executive Engineers and other concerned stakeholders. 

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KATHUA, MARCH 04: The National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), in collaboration with the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Fire Services Department and other stakeholders, conducted a mock exercise on flood water rescue in the district, here today.

The exercise aimed to check the preparedness and coordination of the stakeholder agencies involved in disaster management.

Led by Assistant Commandant, 13 BN NDRF Praveen Singh, the Special Rescue and Response teams of NDRF and SDRF demonstrated various techniques and skills of flood water rescue at a pond in Pathwal, Dayala Chak. The exercise was witnessed by around 200 people, including students, BMO Hiranagar, Tehsildar Hiranagar and other officials.

The mock exercise showcased the NDRF team's expertise in boat operation, life jacket use, rope rescue, casualty evacuation, first aid, and other critical skills required during flood rescue operations. The exercise also created awareness among the public about the dos and don'ts during floods, and the NDRF team interacted with the students and the public, answering their queries regarding disaster management.

The successful conduct of the mock exercise enhances the capacity and response of the district administration and other agencies in case of any flood situation. The NDRF's efforts to promote disaster preparedness and awareness among the public are commendable, and this exercise is a significant step towards building a resilient community.

The Mock exercise was witnessed by School, college students besides a large number of people of peripheral villages.

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 KATHUA, MARCH 1: In a significant initiative to raise awareness about the menace of drug abuse, particularly in border areas, Deputy Commissioner Dr. Rakesh Minhas today flagged off a biker rally from Government Degree College Kathua.

The rally is organized under the banner of ‘Nasha Mukt Seemayein’, a campaign dedicated to drug-free border regions of Jammu division.

A team of 25 bikers, including 15 female and 10 male riders from the Shakti Udgosh Foundation, will traverse the Kathua-Jammu-Akhnoor-Rajouri-Poonch circuit in next five days. Their mission is to educate people, especially the youth, about the devastating consequences of drug addiction and inspire them to embrace a healthy, addiction-free lifestyle.

Addressing the bikers, Dr. Rakesh Minhas commended their commitment, particularly the female riders, for taking on this crucial task. He highlighted the growing concern of drug trafficking in border areas and stressed the importance of collective efforts in shielding the younger generation from falling prey to substance abuse.

"The fight against drug abuse requires unwavering dedication from all sections of society. This rally is a strong message that we are committed to protecting our youth from this menace. Criminal networks have long targeted border regions, but with awareness and community support, we can put an end to their influence," the DC stated.

He further urged all stakeholders, including local communities, law enforcement agencies, and educational institutions, to actively contribute towards realizing the vision of a Nasha Mukt Bharat (Drug-Free India) as envisioned by the Prime Minister. He also emphasized that such efforts are integral to building a Viksit Bharat, where the youth are empowered and free from the shackles of addiction.

The rally will engage with residents of various border towns, conducting awareness programs, interactive sessions, and motivational campaigns to encourage a drug-free lifestyle.

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1156 aspirants get placement letters

KATHUA, FEBRUARY 21: The Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir witnessed one of its mega Job Fairs today at the Sports Stadium Kathua, offering a wide-range of employment opportunities to thousands of job seekers.

Organized with the aim of bridging the gap between job aspirants and industries, the event attracted an overwhelming response, bringing together leading businesses and a diverse pool of talent.

With a record-breaking offering of over 1000 job vacancies, the Job Fair provided employment opportunities across multiple sectors. Esteemed organizations such as Godrej, Pidilite, Varun Beverages, Atomic North, Rexa, LIC, and many others actively participated, seeking to hire skilled, semi-skilled, and fresh candidates.

 The roles available spanned industries such as manufacturing, sales, marketing, finance, and technical services, catering to a wide range of professional interests and skill sets.

This mega employment drive was made possible through the dedicated efforts of the District Administration Kathua in collaboration with the Local Industrial Association.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Rakesh Minhas personally oversaw the proceedings, ensuring a seamless and efficient execution of the day-long event.

The event was graced by presence of MLA Kathua ; MLA Hiranagar and MLA Basoli who interacted with job seekers.

Job aspirants from every corner of the district flocked to the venue, eager to explore potential career opportunities. To maximize participation and outreach, the District Administration launched an extensive awareness campaign through advertisements, social media promotions, and direct appeals by elected representatives and former PRI members. The proactive approach contributed significantly to the fair's resounding success. To maximize participation and outreach, the District Administration launched an extensive awareness campaign through advertisements, social media promotions, and direct appeals by elected representatives and former PRI members. The proactive approach contributed significantly to the fair's resounding success which resulted in placement of 1156 job aspirants in varied roles.

Adding to the vibrancy of the event, an Art Exhibition was held on the sidelines of the Mega Job Fair, where local artists exhibited their art work, drawing massive attention from visitors. The exhibition mesmerized attendees with the incredible level of artistic talent on display, leading many visitors to purchase artwork.

The artists expressed their gratitude to the administration for providing such a valuable platform, which registered a footfall of over a thousand art enthusiasts and job aspirants alike.

The Job Fair marked a major milestone in Kathua’s employment landscape, fostering industrial expansion while addressing the aspirations of the local workforce.

The enthusiastic participation of both job seekers and industry leaders underscored the significance of this initiative in enhancing economic growth and workforce empowerment.

Given the tremendous response, the District Administration plans to host similar employment initiatives in the future, further strengthening the region’s employment ecosystem.

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 Reiterates Govt.’s commitment towards resolving people's issues

KATHUA, FEBRUARY 12: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today conducted an exhaustive public outreach camp at Barnoti in Kathua, to assess local issues besides taking stock of development scenario of the area.

The Minister had exclusive interactive sessions with the local populace which apprised him of their grievances and demands seeking speedy redress of the same.

Several delegations comprising industrialists, farmers, youth and community representatives called on the Minister and projected their issues and concerns. They highlighted various issues which inter alia included water supply, forest rights, tribal welfare, enhanced road connectivity, environment preservation and other vital matters concerning welfare of their respective areas.



The Minister was accompanied by Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Superintendent of Police and other senior officers from the district administration.

During the tour, the Minister also met people in Samba and Vijaypur and listened to their grievances and development issues.

The Minister instructed the concerned departments to address the grievances raised by the locals of Samba and Vijaypur on priority basis.

He assured the delegations of government’s commitment towards resolving their concerns in a time bound manner while emphasising inclusive and sustainable development.

"Our government under the leadership of Omar Abdullah is duty bound to resolve all the issues faced by the people. We are taking administration to people’s doorsteps to ensure rapid development of every nook and corner of the region," Rana said in his address to the people of Kathua.

Rana said that with the recently inaugurated 7 water supply schemes in Kathua, many issues related to water scarcity have been resolved.

"I assure the people that all other issues related to Jal Shakti or any other department will be resolved on priority. We will take every step to enhance the living standards of the locals," maintained the Minister.

He appreciated the district administration for its relentless efforts towards improving the living condition of the people. He said that all the departments should work in unison for further improvement of service delivery in the district.

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Chairs stakeholders’ meeting, assures augmentation of essential facilities

KATHUA, FEBRUARY 01: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today visited the Industrial Estates Kathua, including Ghatti and Bhagthali.

He was accompanied by a team of senior officials including Commissioner Secretary, Industries and Commerce, Vikramjeet Singh; MD, JPDCL, Mohd. Yasin Choudhary; Director, Industries and Commerce, Jammu, Arun Manhas; Managing Director, SIDCO/SICOP Inderjeet; Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rakesh Minhas; SSP Kathua, Shobhit Saxena; ADC Kathua, Ranjit Singh and GM DIC among others.



During the visit, the Chief Secretary inspected various industrial units, including Devyani Food Industries Pvt. Ltd., an ice-cream manufacturing plant and Varun Bevergies Ltd. at Ghatti. He interacted with the officials of the industries and enquired about the facilities they are being extended in the units besides assessing the challenges faced by them.

Atal Dulloo also visited the Kandhari Global Beverages Pvt. Ltd. at Bhagthali, where he was briefed by the officials about the plant and its functioning.

While briefing the media, the Chief Secretary highlighted the key features of Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Policy, which aims to provide a conducive environment for industrial growth in J&K. He emphasized that the policy is part of Rs. 28,400 crore package from Government of India to attract Industries in JK UT besides generating employment opportunities and boost the local economy.

The Chief Secretary stressed that the government is committed towards providing all necessary support to the industries including incentives, infrastructure and single-window clearances.

Atal Dulloo also emphasised the importance of environmental sustainability in industrial development. He directed the industries to adhere to environmental laws and norms and adopt eco-friendly practices in their operations. The government, he assured, will provide all necessary support to the industries to ensure that they comply with environmental regulations.

Later, the Chief Secretary chaired the meeting with Industrialists Ghatti, Kathua and Bhagthali Industrial Estates at DC Office complex.

The meeting held detailed deliberations on the present status of infrastructure and facilities in these estates besides underlining the issues to be taken up on priority to facilitate Industries in the region.

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 Assures fair Industrial expansion, environmental protection

KATHUA, FEBRUARY 01: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today conducted a whirlwind tour of Kathua, engaging with local residents, stakeholders and officials to assess concerns related to land acquisition for industrial expansion under SIDCO in Barwal.

The Deputy Chief Minister reiterated government’s commitment towards a balanced and sustainable development, ensuring that the interests of the local population, environment, and industrial growth are harmonised.



Speaking to the affected residents and industry representatives, the Deputy Chief Minister assured that the government is taking a cautious and inclusive approach in developing industrial zones, ensuring that the benefits of such projects extend to all stakeholders, particularly the local communities. He emphasized that while industrialization is crucial for economic growth and employment generation, it must be pursued responsibly, keeping in mind the environmental sustainability and public welfare.



“The government is fully aware of the concerns of the people regarding land acquisition and its impact on their livelihoods. We are committed towards ensuring that no one is unfairly affected by these development projects. Industrial expansion must go hand in hand with environmental conservation and social responsibility. We will ensure that those impacted by land acquisition receive adequate compensation and rehabilitation measures” maintained the Deputy Chief Minister.

During his visit, the Deputy Chief Minister also addressed the recent large-scale felling of over 250 trees in the Barwal area, which occurred as part of the land acquisition process for SIDCO. Acknowledging public outcry over the incident, he assured that a detailed investigation would be carried out to determine who granted the necessary clearances for tree cutting and whether the due process was followed.

“The ecological balance of Jammu & Kashmir is of utmost importance. We cannot afford to compromise on environmental concerns in the name of industrialization. I have directed the officials to launch a comprehensive inquiry into the tree-felling incident in Barwal, and strict action will be taken against any violations of environmental norms,” he said.

He further added that the government is exploring alternative measures such as afforestation programs and green industrial practices to ensure that environmental damage is minimised.

In addition to industrial development concerns, the Deputy Chief Minister also addressed the growing challenges posed by drug trafficking, illegal mining and industrial mafias in the region. He stated that these issues are undermining the socio-economic fabric of the region and warned that the government will take strict and decisive action against any individuals or groups involved in such activities. He also appealed the public to cooperate with law enforcement authorities by reporting any suspicious activities related to illegal trade and organised crime.

Highlighting the broader economic vision for Jammu & Kashmir, the Deputy Chief Minister emphasised that while industrial growth is essential, the region’s traditional strength in agriculture and tourism must not be neglected. He acknowledged that a major section of the population depends on agriculture and tourism for their livelihood, and the government is committed towards strengthening these sectors through policy reforms, infrastructure development, and financial support.

“Jammu & Kashmir is blessed with fertile land, rich natural resources and immense tourism potential. Our focus remains on safeguarding and developing these sectors, ensuring that farmers and tourism stakeholders receive the support, subsidies and infrastructure they need to flourish.

The Deputy Chief Minister assured the public that the government is working on a comprehensive roadmap to ensure sustainable industrial growth without compromising local aspirations and environmental concerns. He stressed that every development project will be thoroughly scrutinized to prevent any adverse impact on the region’s natural resources, heritage, and socio-economic structure.

“We believe in a holistic development model that fosters economic progress, environmental protection and social well-being. Every policy decision is being taken with a long-term vision to create a prosperous and inclusive Jammu & Kashmir,” he said.

MLA Jasrota, Rajiv Jasrotia, Former MP Lal Singh, DDC members and large number of locals were also present on the occasion.

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 KATHUA, JANUARY 16: The Red Ribbon Club of Government Girdhari Lal Dogra Memorial (GLDM) Government Degree College Hiranagar on Thursday hosted an enlightening lecture on "Health and Hygiene for a Disease-Free India," to educate students and faculty about maintaining optimal health and hygiene.

Convenor Red Ribbon Club Prof. Roopali Jamwal, in her welcome address, applauded the pivotal role of the RRC in Colleges. She emphasized that the club is instrumental in promoting health awareness, fostering personal responsibility, and encouraging social engagement among students. She highlighted that these initiatives are particularly focused on shaping a healthy and informed youth population, empowering them to contribute actively to building a disease-free society.

The event featured Physical Director Government Degree College, Paloura  Vikram Jamwal as the distinguished guest speaker. He raised awareness about personal hygiene, nutrition, and environmental health while equipping attendees with practical knowledge to promote well-being. He delivered an engaging talk, offering actionable insights on topics such as personal hygiene, balanced nutrition, environmental cleanliness, and preventive health measures. He emphasized the connection between personal hygiene, self-confidence, and mental health, encouraging students to adopt healthy practices as part of their daily routine.

The College Principal Dr. Pragya Khanna underscored the importance of creating a hygienic society for a quality life. She urged students to act as ambassadors of change, sensitizing their communities about hygiene practices to reduce the prevalence of diseases.

The lecture also included an interactive session where the resource person of the event addressed various questions from students with enthusiasm and expertise, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject.

The event witnessed active participation from RRC committee members Dr. Bhavana Jamwal, Dr. Ganga Sharma, Dr. Bharat Bhushan, including Dr. Rajesh Sharma, Prof. Amit Sharma and Prof. Tamanna, as well as a large number of students who contributed to the program's success through their involvement and curiosity. 

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 KATHUA, JANUARY 16: The youth of Kathua have brought immense pride to the district by winning five prestigious prizes at the National Youth Exchange Programme held in Amritsar, Punjab, from December 24 to December 29, 2024.

Competing against 17 teams from across the country, the young achievers showcased exceptional talent and dedication, making the district and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir proud.

Deputy Commissioner Dr. Rakesh Minhas met the team members today to personally congratulate them on their remarkable achievements. He was joined by Additional Deputy Commissioner Ranjeet Singh; Chief Education Officer Mangat Ram Sharma; Secretary, Indian Red Cross Society Kathua Branch Om Parkash Sharma; DICC Monika Khosla; and Red Cross counsellors Sunita Devi and Sunil Singh Jasrotia, who had played key role in guiding and supporting the team.

The young achievers excelled in various events at the national platform. Rinku Kumar secured the First Prize in Solo Folk Song, while Suvanshika won the Second Prize in Poetry Recitation. Anshika Jasrotia claimed the Second Prize in Poster Making, and Chitvan Mahajan bagged the Second Prize in Quiz competition. Additionally, a group song performed by Harish Singh, Rinku, Pankaj, Suhani, Nidhi, Mansi, and Kartik earned the Third Prize.

The team further shone in a special quiz competition on Veer Bal Diwas, where Suvanshika won the First Prize, and Chitvan Mahajan, along with Pushap Lal, secured the Second Prize.

Interacting with the achievers, Dr. Minhas lauded their dedication and hard work, emphasizing that such opportunities contribute significantly to their holistic development. He stated, "The youth of Kathua have once again proved their potential on a national platform. Their success is not only a matter of pride for the district but also a source of inspiration for others to aim for excellence."

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Published from Blogger Prime Android AppEmphasises promotion of Solar Energy, Smart Metering

KATHUA, JANUARY 4: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Dr. Rakesh Minhas, today conducted a comprehensive review of the district's power scenario, focusing on enhancing energy efficiency and promoting renewable energy adoption under government schemes.

Assessing the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar- Muft Bijli Yojna (PMSGMBY) in the district, Dr. Minhas underscored the need to prioritize middle-class households with power consumption of up to 3 KW. He highlighted the scheme’s attractive 60% subsidy on solar power units, which significantly reduces dependency on conventional energy sources for a large segment of consumers.

The Deputy Commissioner instructed officials from the Power Development Department (PDD) and J&K Bank to work in tandem to raise awareness about the scheme and simplify access to easy loans for the subscriber's contribution. He emphasized that widespread adoption of solar power systems would provide a substantial boost to the district’s power infrastructure.

Dr. Minhas directed PDD officials and Block Development Officers (BDOs) to organize awareness camps in their respective areas to educate the public about the benefits of solar energy under PMSGMBY, which is offered at highly subsidized rates. He set an ambitious target of 550 new solar unit installations per month and encouraged government employees to lead by example by registering for the scheme and adopting solar power solutions.

While reviewing the progress of Smart Metering, the Deputy Commissioner urged field functionaries to inform and educate consumers about the advantages of smart meters. He stated that the initiative aims to streamline power distribution, improve billing accuracy, and curb power theft, ultimately ensuring better energy management across the district.

In light of the winter season, Dr. Minhas reviewed the preparedness for maintaining power supply in snowbound areas. He directed the Superintending Engineer, PDD to ensure that adequate logistics and buffer stock of materials are available in areas vulnerable to disruptions caused by inclement weather, particularly snowfall.

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 KATHUA, DECEMBER 19: Transport Commissioner J&K, Vishesh Paul Mahajan, RTO Jammu, Pankaj Bagotra today paid a surprise visit to MVD Tax collection post at Lakhanpur to review its functioning.

The Transport Commissioner directed enforcement officials not to allow unfit vehicles or any vehicle without proper documents to enter J&K. Incharge MVD Tax collection post Lakhapur and ARTO Kathua were directed to ensure that no manual transaction of cash is entertained.  He exhorted on all the officers/officials posted at the check post to keep a constant vigil on all the incoming vehicles.

An enforcement naka was laid at Basolimorh by Transport Commissioner J&K along with RTO Jammu and staff of MVD Kathua. The main focus of checking was on offences like rash driving, overloading, use of mobile phone while driving and vehicles without valid documents. 25 vehicles were challaned for different traffic violations.

Later, the Transport Commissioner visited RTO Office Kathua and also supervised the ongoing trial for driving licences at trail ground. He interacted with the applicants and took a detailed review of the working of the MVD Kathua. He directed the staff to ensure timely delivery of the services to the general public. ARTO Kathua was directed to increase the enforcement activities in the district to curb traffic violations for minimizing road accidents and saving precious human lives.

Later, the Transport Commissioner along with RTO Jammu met Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rakesh Minhas and discussed Transport related issues and implementation of directions issued by Supreme Court Committee on Road Safety and State Road Safety Committee for minimizing the road accidents in the district.

At a media interaction, the Transport Commissioner said that  regular checking will be conducted in the UT to curb  traffic violations. “Strict action amounting to suspension of Driving Licences, Route Permits and Registration Certificates of repeated traffic violators will be initiated to minimize road accidents and save precious human lives” he added.

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KATHUA, OCTOBER 20: As part of the ongoing anti Drug campaign launched by the District Administration, the Kathua unit of Department of Information & Public Relations (DIPR) organized a Nukkad Natak at Mukherjee Chowk here today.

This impactful street play marked the culmination of a Cycle Rally organized by the Bicycle for Change Club, Kathua, in collaboration with the District Administration.

The event witnessed enthusiastic participation from over 400 students representing various government and private schools from across the district.

MLA designate from Kathua Dr. Bharat Bhushan graced the event as the chief guest.

In addition to the Nukkad Natak, a captivating performance of the traditional Gadyali Dance was presented, leaving the audience spellbound. Artists also performed songs themed around drug addiction, delivering a strong message to the crowd.

Addressing the gathering, Dr. Bharat Bhushan urged students and youth to stay away from drugs, emphasizing the detrimental effects on both physical and mental health. He encouraged the young participants to spread the message of a drug-free life among their friends and communities, highlighting the role of youth in building a healthy and drug-free society. He appreciated the Bicycle for Change Club and Information Department for taking up the initiative to involve youth in curbing the menace of Drug Abuse, further called for taking continue efforts to sensitize all stakeholders as the menace can only be contained by collective efforts of the society.

This event is one of many initiatives being undertaken by the District Administration Kathua to raise awareness about the dangers of drug abuse and inspire collective action towards a healthier future.
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KATHUA, OCTOBER 12: The 3 days Basohli Utsav, which was a celebration of culture, tradition, and community, concluded with great success, leaving visitors captivated by a diverse array of events.

Organized under the supervision of Divisional Administration, the festival took place in the scenic town of Basohli, also known as Vishwasthali, highlighting the region’s rich cultural heritage.

On the concluding day of Basohli Utsav, Principal Secretary Culture and School Education, Suresh Kumar Gupta appealed youth to be passionate about the glorious heritage and play ambassador role in highlighting the cultural legacy of the area. He said efforts will be made to make Basohli Utsav a grand event in coming times.

Encouraging the local community to take pride in their heritage, he urged the residents of Basohli to become ambassadors of Basohli art by incorporating traditional Basohli art forms at the front of their homes, thus preserving and promoting the region’s cultural legacy.

Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, in his address emphasized that the festival was organized to restore the town's historical significance as Vishwasthali, a title that reflects Basohli’s past as a flourishing hub of trade, renowned for its Pashmina, Basohli paintings, and its strategic location.

He highlighted that the mention of Basohli Utsav by Prime Minister Narendra Modi during Mann Ki Baat last year serves as an inspiration to intensify efforts to preserve and promote the region's rich cultural heritage. He added that Basohli holds immense potential to feature prominently on India's cultural and tourism map due to its unique heritage assets.

The Divisional Commissioner expressed confidence that with the continued support of the Department of Culture, Archaeology, the Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA), and the District Administration, the Utsav will gain further momentum and expand in scope with each passing year.

 He also directed the Deputy Commissioner, Kathua, to prepare a year-round activity calendar showcasing live demonstrations of Basohli paintings and Pashmina weaving to attract tourists.

Director ACB, Shakti Pathak in his welcome address, highlighted the rich legacy of Vishwasthali, once a thriving center of culture, tradition, art, and craft. He noted that Basohli was not only renowned for its artistic and cultural heritage but also served as a hub for financial trade and commercial activities due to its strategic importance. He emphasized the significance of reviving this legacy through events like Basohli Utsav and reinforcing the town's historical stature.

The festival featuring world famous Basohli Ramlila in the evening times besides multi-discipline sporting events, which saw enthusiastic participation from local schools.

Later, the prizes were distributed among the top three winners of Paintings, Story Telling, Shaloka Vyakhya and Sports disciplines viz Kabaddi, Santolia, Tug of war etc.

 DC Kathua Dr Rakesh Minhas, Secretary Academy of Art & Culture Harvinder Kour, Director Handicraft and Handloom Suraj Rakwal, Regional Director IGNCA Shruti Awasthi, ADC Basohli Anil Kumar Thakur, CEO BBDA Ajeet Singh were also present on the occasion.

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