Valley News Network

21/07/2025

SCERT J&K Hosts High-Impact Webinar to Accelerate FLN Mission Rollout
Srinagar, July 21, 2025 — The State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT), Jammu and Kashmir, through its Divisional Office Kashmir, today organized a strategic webinar on “FLN Mission – Roll Out Initiatives”, bringing together over 360 system-level education functionaries to accelerate foundational literacy and numeracy (FLN) efforts across the Kashmir Division.
Under the dynamic leadership of Syed Shabir Ahmad (JKAS), Joint Director SCERT Kashmir, the webinar featured insightful deliberations with the participation of Chief Education Officers, DIET Principals, ZEOs, Complex Heads, and Nodal Officers, who play pivotal roles in shaping early-grade education.
Key highlights included:
- A compelling keynote by Prof. (Dr.) Padma Yadav, national FLN expert from NCERT, who emphasized early learning strategies such as Vidya Pravesh and Jaadui Pitara, along with system-level leadership in mentoring and monitoring.
- An engaging welcome address by Ms. Anjali Om and seamless moderation by Mr. Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Senior Academic Officer, SCERT J&K.
- Programme coordination by Mr. Sheikh Gulzar, Divisional Nodal Officer for NIPUN Bharat Mission, underscoring J&K’s commitment to inclusive and data-driven foundational education reforms.
The webinar concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks from Ms. Babra Shabir, recognizing the collaborative efforts and reaffirming SCERT J&K’s dedication to strengthening FLN outcomes through localized strategies and academic dialogue.
📘 The session marked a significant milestone in realizing the vision of equitable foundational education, aligned with NEP 2020, and reaffirmed the collective resolve to ensure age-appropriate learning for every child by Grade 3.

21/07/2025

Conference Report: First Aid and Emergency Response in Schools

Srinagar 21July 2025 : keeping in view the growing need for health and safety preparedness in educational institutions, SCERT Divisional Office Kashmir organised a one-day Conference on First Aid and Emergency Response in Schools today within the campus.The programme reflects SCERT’s commitment to practical, school-based training initiatives and continues to receive strong encouragement from worthy Joint Director JKSCERT -KD Mr. Syed Shabir Ahmad.

The conference brought together over 100 participants from various districts of the Kashmir Division to strengthen first aid and emergency preparedness in schools and promote a responsive health and safety culture.

The programme began with registration at 10:00 AM, followed by a welcome address from Ms. Samya Gilani, Head of the HPE&G&C Wing, who emphasised institutional preparedness. The inaugural address by Mr. Sultan Khan highlighted the need for structured response mechanisms in critical health situations.

The first technical session (11:00 AM–1:00 PM) was conducted by Dr. Mohammad Yousuf Nath, Consultant Physician, Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir. He demonstrated first aid techniques—CPR, safe positioning of unconscious students, managing asthma attacks, early infection signs, and effective use of school first aid kits.

The second session (1:50 PM–3:50 PM) was led by Mr. Ajaz Ahmad, Instructor, Civil Defence, J&K Police. He covered disaster preparedness, trauma response, fire safety, emergency evacuation methods, fire extinguisher use, human chains, crowd control, earthquake response, and mass emergency handling.

The conference concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Mr. Syed Haamid Bukhari—also Stage Incharge—whose poised conduct added coherence to the proceedings. Associate coordination was handled by Ms. Nusrat Geelani, Mr. Rouf Sahab, Mr. Mubashir Sahab, and Mr. Syed Haamid Bukhari. Special appreciation is due to Ms. Shaista Maqbool, whose planning and oversight ensured the programme’s success. A special credit also goes to ECT wing for their much needed support.Senior Heads of Department Mr. Shakeel Ahmad Bhat and Mr. Irshad Sahab also enriched the event with their insights.

Media Desk JKSCERT -KD

21/07/2025

J&K ACB Traps and Arrests Patwari in Kulgam for Accepting Bribe

The Jammu and Kashmir Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) on Monday trapped and arrested Mushtaq Ahmad Khatana, Patwari of Patwar Halqa Banimulla, Kulgam, for demanding and accepting a bribe of ₹23,000.

The action was taken following a written complaint from a local resident who had applied at Tehsil Office Pahloo for permission to cut walnut trees on his land. The application was forwarded to the concerned Patwari for a report, during which Khatana allegedly demanded ₹23,000 in exchange for a favourable report.

Instead of paying the bribe, the complainant approached the ACB, which conducted a discreet verification, confirmed the allegations, and registered FIR No. 02/2025 under Section 7 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

A trap was laid, and the accused Patwari was caught red-handed while accepting the bribe amount. The money was recovered on the spot in the presence of independent witnesses. A subsequent search was conducted at his residence in the presence of Executive Magistrates and witnesses.

Further investigation in the case is ongoing.

21/07/2025

//Book Fair programme organised by victory international at Eternal public school Anantnag.

20/07/2025

SCERT Kashmir Conducts Mathematics Olympiad Orientation Webinar Aligned with NEP 2020 and NCF 2023
18–19 July 2025 | SCERT Divisional Office, Kashmir

With a vision to enhance mathematical competency and promote excellence in scholastic pursuits, the SCERT Divisional Office, Kashmir, organised a two-day Orientation-cum-Awareness Webinar on the Mathematics Olympiad, aligning its objectives with the curricular goals outlined in the NEP 2020 and NCF 2023.

Held virtually on 18th and 19th July 2025, the webinar engaged over 300 mathematics educators from across the Kashmir Division. The aim of the initiative was to build professional capacity among teachers to guide students through the Indian Mathematical Olympiad process, thereby strengthening core learning outcomes across cognitive domains.

Joint Director Syed Shabir Ahmad inaugurated the programme, stating that the Olympiad initiative is not merely a competition but a strategic platform to realise NEP’s focus on critical thinking, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving competencies. He urged educators to serve as facilitators of deep learning and academic exploration.

In the first session, Mr. Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Senior Academic Officer, SCERT, elaborated on the Olympiad structure—IOQM, RMO, INMO, IMO—while integrating themes of assessment for learning, process-based understanding, and teacher mediation to nurture gifted learners.

Prof. Amitabh Tripathi (IIT Delhi) provided guidance on the selection of authentic resources and adaptive strategies for preparing students, echoing the NCF's emphasis on resource-rich, experiential learning.

Day two featured Prof. (Dr.) Mukhtar Ahmad Khandey (University of Kashmir), who encouraged creating academically vibrant ecosystems that align with the foundational and preparatory stages outlined in the NCF-FS. Prof. Bashir Ahmad Zargar, Regional Coordinator, focused on mentoring roles and the structured pathway to Olympiad success.

In her concluding remarks, Smt. Anjali Om acknowledged the expert contributions and called upon schools to embed Olympiad mentoring within their institutional academic plans to elevate student agency and achievement in mathematics.

20/07/2025

Senior NC Leader Imran Amin Shah Criticizes Previous Dispensation for Neglecting Anantnag's Key Areas.

Welcoming senior worker's of PDP and Apni Party into the NC fold

Anantnag, July 20::: Blaming the previous administration for the complete neglect of Anantnag town—particularly the Sarnal and Teilwani areas of the Central Anantnag segment—senior National Conference (NC) leader and Vice District President Imran Amin Shah stated that these historically and strategically important areas have been treated with indifference.

Imran Shah emphasized that Sarnal, a locality of historical significance, should have been prioritized on the developmental front. “Instead, the former regime used it merely as a political tool, leaving its residents at the mercy of fate,” Shah said.

Imran Shah further noted that Teelwani, which occupies a central position in the Shangus Block and comprises nearly 25 villages, suffered the same fate due to the negligence of traditional political families. “These areas have been denied basic developmental benefits for far too long,” he added.

Shah reaffirmed that the National Conference is resolute in its mission to uplift neglected regions under the visionary leadership of Jenab Omar Abdullah Sahib. “NC is committed to addressing the challenges faced by these areas and will play a pivotal role in their development,” he asserted.

Welcoming senior Apni Party leader along with worker's from Teelwani Anantnag, Muzaffar Ah Ganai, and PDP senior worker Subzar Ah wagay from issos Anantnag into the NC fold, Shah highlighted the growing public trust in the NC. “The increasing support from leaders and workers of other parties—especially from the PDP—is a testament to NC’s rising popularity and its commitment to people's welfare,” he said.

Expressing confidence in an overwhelming majority for NC in the upcoming local bodies / Panchayat elections, Shah underscored the party’s dedication to better representing public aspirations. He assured that the party leadership is actively working to redress local grievances and announced that development projects—such as drainage systems, road lanes, and other infrastructure schemes—would soon be initiated in the Teelwani area.

20/07/2025

Kupwara MLA Accuses CM’s Advisor of “Ultra-Constitutional Interference”
Writes to Chief Secretary; Holds Workers’ Meeting Ahead of Party Foundation Day on July 28

Kupwara, July 20:
In a sharp escalation of political tensions in north Kashmir, Kupwara MLA Mir Mohammad Fayaz has accused an Advisor to the Chief Minister of Jammu & Kashmir of “ultra-constitutional interference” in the affairs of his constituency. The MLA has formally raised the matter with the Chief Secretary, calling the Advisor’s actions a direct violation of democratic norms and an attempt to undermine the authority of an elected representative.

The Advisor, a former political rival who lost the recent Assembly election to Fayaz, has allegedly been summoning government officials, attending administrative meetings, and influencing constituency-level decisions despite holding no constitutional or electoral mandate.

> “The institution of an MLA is a cornerstone of representative democracy. The Advisor has no legal authority to override the will of the people of Kupwara,” Fayaz wrote in his letter.

Fayaz further alleged that the Advisor is being strategically used by the ruling party to reverse the electoral outcome through administrative channels.

> “He is routinely present in official meetings meant for elected lawmakers. His inputs are welcomed, while mine are disregarded. This amounts to a majoritarian assault on democracy,” the letter stated.

Calling for an immediate clarification of the Advisor’s role, Fayaz formally objected to the latter’s involvement in any official matters related to Kupwara until his constitutional position is clearly defined.

the coming days, particularly as questions are being raised over the role of unelected advisors and their participation in legislative and administrative functions

20/07/2025

Weather Update
VNN/TVR news
21 July:
Jammu: Monsoon showers are expected in plain areas (some heavy), especially in the early morning hours.

Kashmir: Monsoon showers are expected in some areas, particularly towards late afternoon/evening/night.

*22 July:*
Monsoon showers are likely across most parts of Jammu and Kashmir, with Jammu plains expected to receive rain mainly during the first half of the day, while Kashmir and other higher reaches may particularly witness rainfall during later part of the day.
No rains are expected throughout the day.

*23 July:*
Monsoon showers are expected in many parts of J&K.

*24 July:*
Monsoon showers may lash some parts. Though conditions are expected to get better. No significant activity is expected.

*25 July onwards:*
Generally dry. A few parts in between may receive a shower. But nothing significant overall.

*Note:*
1. A few spots may record heavy showers which may trigger flash floods for a brief period of time.
2. Possibility of landslides/shooting stones along Jammu-Srinagar National Highway.

Forecast Insights: Kashmir Weather

19/07/2025

19/07/2025

SCERT Kashmir Conducts Mathematics Olympiad Orientation Webinar Aligned with NEP 2020 and NCF 2023
18–19 August 2025 | SCERT Divisional Office, Kashmir

With a vision to enhance mathematical competency and promote excellence in scholastic pursuits, the SCERT Divisional Office, Kashmir, organised a two-day Orientation-cum-Awareness Webinar on the Mathematics Olympiad, aligning its objectives with the curricular goals outlined in the NEP 2020 and NCF 2023.

Held virtually on 18th and 19th August 2025, the webinar engaged over 300 mathematics educators from across the Kashmir Division. The aim of the initiative was to build professional capacity among teachers to guide students through the Indian Mathematical Olympiad process, thereby strengthening core learning outcomes across cognitive domains.

Joint Director Syed Shabir Ahmad inaugurated the programme, stating that the Olympiad initiative is not merely a competition but a strategic platform to realise NEP’s focus on critical thinking, conceptual understanding, and problem-solving competencies. He urged educators to serve as facilitators of deep learning and academic exploration.

In the first session, Mr. Gulzar Ahmad Dar, Senior Academic Officer, SCERT, elaborated on the Olympiad structure—IOQM, RMO, INMO, IMO—while integrating themes of assessment for learning, process-based understanding, and teacher mediation to nurture gifted learners.

Prof. Amitabh Tripathi (IIT Delhi) provided guidance on the selection of authentic resources and adaptive strategies for preparing students, echoing the NCF's emphasis on resource-rich, experiential learning.

Day two featured Prof. (Dr.) Mukhtar Ahmad Khandey (University of Kashmir), who encouraged creating academically vibrant ecosystems that align with the foundational and preparatory stages outlined in the NCF-FS. Prof. Bashir Ahmad Zargar, Regional Coordinator, focused on mentoring roles and the structured pathway to Olympiad success.

In her concluding remarks, Smt. Anjali Om acknowledged the expert contributions and called upon schools to embed Olympiad mentoring within their institutional academic plans to elevate student agency and achievement in mathematics.

19/07/2025

ARTO Kulgam's Sweeping Crackdown Nets Over 175 Challans, ₹1.70Lakh in Fines, and Dozens of Seizures including blacklisting of vehicles and suspension of licenses.

Massive Enforcement Drive Targets Traffic Violations in Kulgam
VNN/TVR news

KULGAM: 19 July 2025
In one of the biggest traffic enforcement initiatives this year, the Assistant Regional Transport Office Kulgam carried out a district-wide crackdown against vehicle law violators on the instructions of the Secretary to the Government Transport Department, Sh. Naveen SL (IAS), Transport Commissioner J&K, Sh. Vishesh Mahajan, and RTO Kashmir, Sh. Irfan Qazi. Supervised by ARTO Kulgam Dr. Showkat Ahmad Bhat (JKAS), and executed with the support of Motor Vehicle Inspectors Shahid Cherag and Mushtaq Ganai, and Motor Vehicle Traffic Assistants Rakesh Raina, Suhail Wani, and Shabir Dar, the operation saw rigorous checks on more than 300 vehicles in strategic locations across the district.Authorities reported a sweeping set of actions including 175 challans issued for various compliance infractions, resulting in anticipated fines amounting to approximately ₹1.70lakh, 30 vehicles seized and impounded for lacking valid documents, 14 drivers served with suspension notices for their driving licences following repeated or major violations, 43 vehicles blacklisted due to expired or fraudulent documentation and 12 vehicles given notices for route permit suspension.

Speaking on the drive, Dr. Showkat Ahmad Bhat emphasized that such actions are essential not just for penalizing offenses, but also for reinforcing a culture of responsibility and safety on the roads. Officials noted that in addition to the financial penalties and seizures, the enforcement aims to send an unequivocal message to habitual violators and those flouting the law.The ARTO Kulgam enforcement squad reaffirmed its commitment to continued vigilance and strict enforcement in the coming months and appealed to the public to keep their vehicle documents updated and strictly adhere to all traffic rules. The sustained efforts, authorities say, are geared towards ensuring safer travel and greater compliance for the benefit of all road users.

19/07/2025

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VC SKUAST K Nazir Ahmad Ganie Chairs 12th Scientific Committee (SAC) Meeting of KVK Anantnag.
Head KVK Anantnag Dr. Ishtiyaq Ahmad Khan welcomed the guests and discussed the achievements of KVK during the last 3 years. He also presented the success stories through a power point presentation during the SAC and apprised the Chair. He also detailed about the Natural Farming and efforts by the KVK regarding the popularising the natural farming. He also discussed the future roadmap of the KVK Anantnag
The meeting was attended by Director Extension SKUAST Kashmir, Dr.Raihana Habib Kanth, Associate Director of Research at the MRCFC (Multi-Disciplinary Research Cum-Facilitation Centre) SKUAST K Dr. Najeeb ul Rehman, Heads of KVKs Kulgam, Pulwama and other scientists from Agriculture & allied sectors besides, innovators and progressive farmers
VC SKUAST Kashmir while addressing the Meeting, said that KVK Anantnag has emerged as one of the best performing KVKs of Kashmir andSKUAST9T Kashmir is there for providing all sorts of facilities to the KVKs so that agri innovators and farmers would produce better crops in future. He added that technological intervention is a must for better crop production, besides awareness among masses regarding crop diseases and their cure must be known to all the farmers. He also said need of the hour is to breed the KVKs through Champion farmers, adding that the Champion Farmers would become the ambassadors of KVK so that most of the farmers would be benefits through KVKs with the help of Champion Farmers. He said that prompt and accurate information to the farmers during the time of need needs to be disseminated in real time so that desired results are achieved. He added that sense of innovation needs to be inculcated among the students so that we have better agri entrepreneurs and educated farmers in future. He added that SKUAST aspired that it’s extension wing should become number one in the country in the nearest future. He also said that exact data availability is a must for every system and KVK Anantnag has successfully gathered the data regarding various fields of Agriculture and allied sectors. He also said that all KVKs must design their own websites for disseminating the real-time information.
He directed all the KVKs to compile all the success stories in a booklet like KVK Anantnag had done so that a future roadmap is framed.
He assured that possible handholding will be done to the innovators and other young entrepreneurs for their upholding
Speaking on the occasion, Director Extension SKUAST Kashmir, said that exact data regarding farmers including women needs to be gathered so that SKUAST K could reach every farmer in the field. She expressed gratitude to the line departments for their role in Viksit Krishi Sankalp Yatra in bringing the programmed of the government through KVKs to the farmers. She also said that KVKs are meant to transfer Technology in the fields and get the feed back, besides exact field of research need to be identified.
On the occasion the Champion Farmers and Innovators shared their views with the VC
Earlier, the VC and team interacted with the young innovators from Anantnag and was apprised abut their innovations. He also visited the crop fields of KVK including the HD Fruit Orchard and watermelon fields.
The VC also launched the book of success stories of KVK Anantnag
In the end appreciation certificates were distributed among the entrepreneurs, champion farmers and other progressive farmers.