Valley Observer, Jammu and Kashmir (2025)

25/07/2025

Kashmir craft dealers given 7-day deadline to remove machine-made items or face blacklisting, deregistration

All unregistered craft dealers advised to approach Quality Control wing for registration of their establishments Tourist Trade Act, 1978

VONS

SRINAGAR, JULY 25 – In an unprecedented move, the Department of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir today issued a Notice giving Kashmir handicraft dealers a seven-day ultimatum to remove all machine-made products, largely imports from Turkey & Iran, from their Showrooms, failing which, the department warned, they will be blacklisted & deregistered for unfair trade practice under the relevant sections of law.

Addressing the dealers, the Notice, issued vide No. H&HD/DDQC/TTA/95/2025, dated 25.07.2025, reads that, “you have been granted registration under the provisions of the Jammu & Kashmir Tourist Trade Act, 1978, for the sale of Kashmir handicraft products at your respective showrooms/outlets.” As part of the registration process, the Notice reads that craft dealers have submitted a duly-sworn affidavit, wherein they undertook to exclusively display and sell genuine Kashmir handicraft products at your business establishment.

The Notice further states that under ‘Violation of Rules’ section that during recent inspections conducted by this office, it was found that several dealers have breached the extant rules by displaying and selling machine-made products, misrepresented as genuine Kashmir handicrafts. Such malpractices undermine the authenticity and reputation of Kashmir handicrafts, the Notice reads.

An official spokesman of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, in a press release, stated that in response to these violations, this office has imposed penalties on defaulting dealers in accordance with the provisions of the J&K Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1978. “Director Handicrafts and Handloom, Director IICT and the Inspection Squad of Quality Control Division, visited various showrooms in City Centres in areas like Nishat, Nehru Park and Munawarabad, warning the Showrooms to immediately remove the machine-made products, failing which such showrooms shall be blacklisted and de-registered,” he added.

Further, under G.I. labelling and misbranding concerns section, Notice reads that many Kashmir handicrafts are registered under the Geographical Indication of Goods Act (G.I.), Registry of India, Chennai, to protect their authenticity. To curb misbranding and promote genuine products, the department has introduced G.I-based QR labelling for various crafts at PTQCC, IICT & Quality Control labs. “However, it has come to our notice that a dealer recently affixed a fake QR label on a machine-made carpet, misrepresenting it as a genuine handmade product. Consequently, the said dealer has been blacklisted and deregistered,” the Notice further reads.

As per the notice, all registered dealers have been directed to ensure within 7 days from the issuance of this Notice, that their showrooms exclusively display and sell genuine Kashmir handicraft products and that no machine-made products are displayed or sold.

The spokesman further stated that the Notice directs concerned Kashmir Handicraft dealers to ensure all relevant documents, including G.I. labelling certifications, are prominently displayed at Craft Showrooms for inspection and sale purposes.

Quoting from the Notice, the spokesman said that the machine-made products are banned from being sold or displayed in Kashmir handicraft showrooms registered under handicraft or handloom categories, & any violation & misbranding including by way of pasting fake QR codes and pulling out the machine-made labels shall attract relevant clauses/provisions of the Quality Control Act, J&K Registration of Tourist Trade Act, GI Act as well as the Bhartiya Nyaya Sanhita.

He further said that the Notice warned of consequences of non-compliance. It reads that failure to comply with this directive within the stipulated period shall result in appropriate action under the provisions of the J&K Tourist Trade Act, 1978, including penalties, deregistration, blacklisting or other legal measures as deemed necessary.

Furthermore, it advised all unregistered dealers/ hawkers dealing in the business of Kashmir Handicrafts to immediately approach the Quality Control Division of the Handicrafts and Handloom Department for registration of their establishments under the J&K Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1978.

25/07/2025

Press Communique

VONS

SRINAGAR, JULY 25: Lieutenant General Rajiv Ghai, Deputy Chief of Army Staff (Strategy) and Director General Military Operations (DGMO) called on Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, today and discussed the prevailing security scenario in the UT of Jammu Kashmir.

25/07/2025

Awareness, Counseling & Felicitation programme held at GDC Boys Pulwama

VONS

PULWAMA, JULY 25: A comprehensive awareness, counseling cm felicitation programme under flagship initiative 'The Right Path' was today held at Degree College Boys Pulwama.

The event, organised by Musuada Foundation in collaboration with MF Productions witnessed enthusiastic participation from students, social leaders, civil society members and local stakeholders.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Pulwama, Dr. Sheikh Mohammad Ashraf, attended the function as the chief guest.

Over 300 students and participants attended the programme, which aimed to raise awareness around critical social issues such as drug abuse, radicalisation and youth mental health, while also promoting a positive and responsible community mindset.

Addressing the gathering, ADC Pulwama emphasized the crucial role of parents in safeguarding the future of the youth, especially in tackling the growing threat of drug addiction. He urged families to remain vigilant and involved in their children’s lives to ensure they remain on the right path.

A number of reputed social and psychological experts addressed the gathering, delivering impactful sessions focused on mental well-being, role of youth in nation-building, and the importance of community vigilance.

The event also included a felicitation ceremony, where 20 young achievers from Pulwama district were honoured for their positive contributions to society and their inspiring journeys.

25/07/2025

Distt admin Kupwara bids farewell to outgoing DFO Anurag Arya

VONS

KUPWARA, JULY 25: District Administration Kupwara today organized a warm farewell function in honor of Anurag Arya, Indian Forest Service (IFS) officer, on his transfer from the post of Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Kamraj.

The event was held at the DC Office Complex Kupwara and was attended by senior officers and officials of the administration.

Deputy Commissioner Kupwara, Ayushi Sudan, praised Arya for his dedicated service especially his efforts in resolving various administrative issues for completion of different developmental projects in the Kamraj division of the district.

Various officers from administration spoke and appreciated the efforts and cooperation of the out-going DFO.

ADDC Kupwara, ADC Kupwara, ADC Handwara, GM-DIC, ACD, ACR, CEO, CMO, CPO, besides, senior district officers attended the farewell function.

25/07/2025

MY Bharat Youth Volunteers to Organise Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra on 26th July, Commemorating 26 Years of India’s Triumph in Kargil

Union Ministers Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya and Shri Sanjay Seth to Lead the Tribute Walk in Drass

New Delhi, JULY 25 (VONS) :MY Bharat (Mera Yuva Bharat), under the aegis of Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, will organise ‘Kargil Vijay Diwas Padyatra’ on 26th July 2025 in Drass, Kargil to mark the 26th anniversary of India’s victory in the 1999 Kargil War.
Led by Union Minister of Youth Affairs & Sports and Labour & Employment, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya, the padyatra will also witness the participation of Union Minister of State for Defence, Shri Sanjay Seth, alongside over 1,000 youth, veterans, armed forces personnel, families of martyrs, and civil society members.
The Padyatra, covering a distance of 1.5 kilometers, will commence at 7:00 a.m. from the grounds of Himabass Public High School, Drass, and will conclude at the grounds of Government Higher Secondary School, Bhimbet.
Subsequent to the Padyatra, Union Ministers, accompanied by 100 youth volunteers, will proceed to the Kargil War Memorial to lay wreaths and offer homage to the soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice during the 1999 Kargil conflict.
On this occasion, the Hon’ble Minister will also felicitate 26 women bikers of the Shakti Udgosh Foundation, who will arrive at the War Memorial after completing a long-distance motorbike rally undertaken as a tribute to the martyrs.
The padyatra will also feature a plantation drive under the “Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam” campaign, underscoring the alignment of patriotic duty with environmental consciousness and a commitment towards sustainable development in a Viksit Bharat @2047.
In the days leading up to the padyatra, MY Bharat has been actively engaging youth and local communities in the region through activities including essay writing, painting, elocution competitions, and Yuva Samvads (youth dialogues). These pre-event activities aim to cultivate civic awareness, celebrate stories of valour, and strengthen emotional connect with the armed forces. Through these platforms, the Amrit Peedhi and nation-builders of tomorrow are being sensitised to the ideals of service, sacrifice and patriotism.
This padyatra is part of the wider Viksit Bharat Padyatras initiative, which aims to foster national pride, deepen civic engagement, and strengthen the spirit of unity among the youth through commemorative and participatory programmes across the country. In line with the Hon’ble Prime Minister’s vision of Jan Bhagidari in Rashtranirman, this initiative brings together every stakeholder from youth to veterans in a shared act of national remembrance, reinforcing the role of citizens, especially the Amrit Peedhi, in nation-building.

25/07/2025

CM Omar Abdullah chairs 22nd Board Meeting of Building & Construction Workers Welfare Board

CM calls for increasing coverage & socio-economic well-being of workers

VONS

SRINAGAR, JULY 25: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired the 22nd meeting of the Jammu & Kashmir Building & Other Construction Workers Welfare Board (JKBOCWWB) here at the Civil Secretariat.

The aim of the meeting was to comprehensively review the implementation of various welfare measures and approve key initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life for construction workers and their families across Jammu and Kashmir.

Appreciating the strides made by the Board, the Chief Minister lauded its efforts in expanding welfare coverage to over 2.85 lakh active construction workers.

He underscored the importance of transparent, timely and targeted delivery of benefits and directed officials to widen the outreach mechanisms, streamline application procedures, and ensure that no eligible worker is excluded from availing the Board’s benefits.

The Chief Minister also called for a broader and more inclusive definition of ‘construction worker’ to bring within the fold all vulnerable and unorganized sector labourers.

He urged the Board to explore policy mechanisms that would maximize coverage and enhance financial security for workers, in alignment with national best practices and labour welfare standards.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Additional Chief Secretary Jal Shakti Shaleen Kabra, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Finance, Principal Secretary PWD (R&B), Principal Secretary PDD, Commissioner Secretaries of Housing & Urban Development, Social Welfare, and Cooperatives, Secretary Labour & Employment, Secretary Law, Director General Budget, and representatives of Bhartiya Mazdoor Sangh and Bhartiya Dastkar Union.

Senior officers from the Planning Department and other concerned departments also participated in the meeting.

Secretary Labour & Employment Kumar Rajiv Ranjan gave a detailed presentation highlighting the Board’s key achievements, policy reforms and financial progress.

He informed the members that the Board continues to operate in accordance with the legislative mandate of the BOCW (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 1996. Under this mandate, the Board has been providing a wide range of benefits including ex-gratia relief in cases of accidental deaths, financial support for both permanent and temporary disabilities, and educational assistance for the wards of registered workers. It also offers one-time meritorious scholarships of ₹50,000 to students securing 90% and above in Class 10 and 12, in addition to marriage and maternity assistance, aid for chronic illnesses, and funeral expense coverage.

To ensure transparency and efficiency, the Board has implemented significant digital reforms. These include 100% Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) for all financial assistance, Aadhaar integration to eliminate bogus registrations, an online portal for registration and renewals, and OTP-based authentication along with SMS alerts to keep workers informed about key deadlines and updates.

The Board generates income through cess collections and accrued interest. At present, ₹1082.58 crore is currently held as corpus in fixed deposits and savings accounts across various banks.

The Board discussed and approved a comprehensive set of agenda items during the meeting. These included the approval of scheme-wise budget proposals for the financial years 2024–25 and 2025–26, and the transfer of ₹17.24 crore to the Union Territory of Ladakh, in accordance with SO 339 dated October 30, 2020. The audited accounts for FY 2022–23 and 2023–24 were approved and will be forwarded to the Accountant General for certification.

The meeting also approved the integration of the Board’s initiatives with broader social security and financial inclusion schemes to maximize the impact of benefits.

In a significant move towards digital governance, the issuance of smart cards to all registered workers was approved, with a proposed budget of ₹10 crore.

To improve workplace safety, the Board sanctioned ₹60 crore for the provision of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) kits and tools to construction workers, especially in rural areas. Recognizing the need for skill development, the Board approved short-term training programs for 10,000 workers under NSDC norms, with a budget of ₹10 crore.

Given the overwhelming response to the meritorious scholarship scheme, it was resolved to revise the framework with slabs for top-performing students across all districts based on merit, while maintaining a minimum 90% cutoff. The Board also discussed the long-pending issue of staff regularization and directed the concerned committee to finalize recruitment rules in consultation with relevant departments within six months.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in his concluding remarks, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that welfare benefits trickle down to every deserving worker.

He called for forward-looking reforms, robust monitoring and inclusive policymaking tailored to the needs of construction workers, particularly those in remote and underserved areas of Jammu and Kashmir.

25/07/2025

DC Srinagar Akshay Labroo Hands over Sanction Letters to Mission YUVA Beneficiaries for Setting Up Self-Employment Units, 200 sanction letters issued

VONS

SRINAGAR JULY 25:- In a significant move towards youth empowerment and promoting self-reliance, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo, today handed over Sanction Letters to the beneficiaries of Mission YUVA initiative aimed to support entrepreneurs in establishing self-employment generating units in the district.

In this regard, an event was organized at the Meeting Hall of the DC Office Complex which was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Srinagar, Rifat Aftab Qureshi, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Divisional Head J&K Bank, Shabir Ahmad Bhat, Zonal Head J&K Bank, Raja Zaffar Khan, Deputy Director Employment, Dr Sheeba Inayat, DSWO, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, LDM(Banks), Nilofer Jan,Heads of various J&K Bank Business Units and other concerned, alongside a large number of Mission YUVA beneficiaries from different parts of the Srinagar District.

On the occasion, the Deputy Commissioner handed over the 201 sanction letters to aspiring entrepreneurs under Mission YUVA initiative whose proposals had been approved after thorough evaluation by the District Level Implementation Committee(DLIC) marking a significant moment in the district administration’s efforts to empower youth through sustainable self-employment ventures and foster economic growth by enabling youth to earn their livelihood in a dignified manner.

Speaking on the occasion, DC underlined that the Administration is working hard to create a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem in Srinagar District. He urged upon expeditious disposal of all Mission YUVA cases so that maximum benefits reach the aspiring entrepreneurs swiftly.

He emphasized that the scheme is designed in a clear cut manner for easy access, enabling beneficiaries to receive benefits in a hassle free mode directly without unnecessary visits to different Government Offices.

The DC also commended the inter-departmental cooperation involving DIC, Employment, JKEDI, NRLM, and Banks to facilitate quick processing of cases & sanctioning and credit disbursement. He stated that the progress achieved in Srinagar is a promising sign for promoting self-employment and boosting the local economy by generating jobs.

The senior Officers of Jammu & Kashmir Bank while speaking on the occasion, described the “Mission YUVA a unique flagship programme launched by the Government that has witnessed support of entire government machinery right from the conception to implementation to ensure that youth can avail maximum benefits without hassles. They assured that the Bank will make every possible effort to make the Mission YUVA a success initiative to empower youth through sustainable livelihood opportunities.

8Pertinent to mention that, the Jammu & Kashmir Bank today organized multiple Login Day events titled as ‘Roz-e-YUVA’ in Kashmir and ‘Udyami YUVA Day’ across Jammu & Kashmir. These events were aimed at handing over loan sanction letters to Mission YUVA beneficiaries to help them establish their own ventures. Such Login Day events will be conducted on a weekly basis throughout the Mission YUVA period.

Earlier, Deputy Director Employment noted the enthusiastic response from the district’s youth to Mission YUVA, which aims to empower them through self-employment opportunities.

25/07/2025

CS reviews BISAG-N powered IT initiatives in J&K

Calls for developing data-rich dashboards, AI-based citizen services to enhance ease of living

VONS

SRINAGAR, JULY 25: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress on ongoing Information Technology (IT) initiatives undertaken across J&K to enhance the governance and citizen-centric services.

The meeting besides Special DG, BISAG-N, Vinay Thakur was attended by Secretary, IT Department and concerned Administrative Secretaries; DG, Planning; SIO, NIC and other senior officers.

The Chief Secretary took detailed appraisal of the digital interventions being implemented to promote ease of living for the people.

Emphasizing the need to make IT platforms more impactful, he called for significant improvements in the design and functionality of dashboards related to various government schemes. He suggested that they be made more vibrant, informative and outcome-driven through integration with other relevant platforms.

Regarding the Kisan Khidmat Ghar Dashboard, the Chief Secretary directed that it should reflect real-time data on the functioning of Krishi Udhyamis and describe the support mechanisms to be made available to them for improved efficiency and productivity.

He also reviewed the upgradation roadmap of the YUVA App, calling for deeper insights into application usage patterns, application submission tracking, DPR generation and integration with the MSME Health Clinic and ONDC platforms for enhanced user experience and benefit.

Importantly, he stressed the linking the app with the UDISE and APAAR databases of the School Education Department to monitor student skill development and career outcomes, thus enabling a seamless track of their educational and vocational journeys.

In healthcare, Dulloo suggested comprehensive integration of the JK Sehat App with the ABDM and HMIS frameworks. He emphasized making the platform more user-friendly while enabling support for registered home-care providers to access diagnostic tools and improve treatment delivery.

The Chief Secretary also proposed creation of a unified search engine dedicated to indexing websites hosted by the J&K and Central Government, to help the citizens and employees easily access official data and resources.

Looking ahead, he advised the IT Department to explore the development of an AI-based Legal Counselling App to assist individuals in navigating legal issues with informed and automated guidance.

The meeting also discussed initiatives such as development of AI-based learning tools, introduction of educational TV channels and exposure of students to AI modules like AI-101 and AI-201 from an early stage to foster technological competence.

Further updates were taken on the status of the Centre of Excellence in Emerging Technologies, the 360° Tourism App, Land Records Digitization, HADP 360, JKCIP, Agri Output Tracking Apps, Village Planning App and IT-based platforms under PDD and Jal Shakti Department.

Special DG, BISAG-N, Vinay Thakur, shared the progress on ongoing projects being developed in collaboration with the UT Government. He assured continued support from BISAG-N in building robust, scalable and citizen-centric IT solutions. He also provided technical insights and affirmed BISAG-N’s commitment to timely ex*****on of tasks in consultation with the respective departments.

Earlier, Secretary IT, Dr. Piyush Singla, gave a comprehensive overview on key milestones achieved, current developments and future plans under the Digital J&K framework. He elaborated on the transformative potential of several digital initiatives underway and their anticipated impact on service delivery and governance across the length and breadth of the UT.

25/07/2025

ROZ-E-YUVA organized under Mission YUVA at Budgam

VONS

BUDGAM, JULY 25: ROZ-E-YUVA under Mission YUVA was today organized by J&K Bank at the New Conference Hall, DC Office Complex Budgam under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-du-din, to facilitate distribution of sanction letters to Mission Yuva Aspirants.

The ceremony witnessed the presence of ADC Budgam, Mehraj-ud-Din Shah; CPO, Javaid Ahmad; Zonal Head J&K Bank (Budgam Zone), Fayaz Ahmad Bhat; Cluster Head J&K Bank, Assistant Director Employment, Lead District Manager Budgam, and various Branch Heads of J&K Bank operating in district.

Speaking on the occasion, DC, said, “Mission YUVA is a path-breaking initiative enabling our youth to transform from job seekers to job creators. He urged all beneficiaries to work diligently and take along others in their entrepreneurial journey, thereby uplifting society as a whole.”

Zonal Head J&K Bank, while addressing the participants, remarked, “J&K Bank is committed to empowering youth through financial support and guidance. This initiative will not only provide livelihood to individuals but also generate employment opportunities for others.”

After the ceremonial distribution, senior bank officials held an interactive session with the beneficiaries, addressing their queries and clarifying procedural aspects.

25/07/2025

Lieutenant Governor pays homage to Soldiers on Kargil Vijay Diwas

VONS

SRINAGAR, JULY 25: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha paid homage to the fallen heroes on the eve of “Kargil Vijay Diwas”.

In his message, the Lieutenant Governor recalled the magnificent heroism and the spirit of sacrifice of valiant jawans and officers of Armed Forces during India’s victory in ‘Operation Vijay’ in 1999, also known as Kargil War.

"On Kargil Vijay Diwas, I bow to our martyrs and salute their bravery, courage and sacrifice. Our heroes fought in the most inhospitable terrain in the world and conquered the enemy. The gallantry, valour and supreme sacrifice of our soldiers will inspire the generations to come," the Lieutenant Governor said.

25/07/2025

Press Communique

VONS

SRINAGAR, JULY 25: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today interacted with the 50-member delegation of Save Youth Save Future Foundation, at Raj Bhawan.

The Lieutenant Governor commended the efforts of the foundation for youth-engagement, reaching out to families of terror victims, de-radicalization and drug de-addiction.

Shri Wajahat Farooq Bhat, Chairman, Save Youth Save Future Foundation; Ms. Anika Nazir, Women's Wing Head; Shri Mudasir Ahmed Dar, South Kashmir Zonal President and core team members of the Save Youth Save Future Foundation were present.

25/07/2025

DC Bandipora distributes sanction letters of Rs.5.5 lakh relief to Road Accident victims

BANDIPORA, JULY 25: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Manzoor Ahmad Qadri, on Friday handed over sanction letters amounting to Rs 5.5 lakh to the next of kin (NoKs) of recent road accident victims during a brief ceremony held at the Mini Secretariat Bandipora.

The financial assistance had been sanctioned during a Road Safety Committee meeting held earlier this week, during which six cases were approved for compensation. On the occasion, DC urged citizens to strictly follow traffic rules to prevent road mishaps.

Assistant Regional Transport Officer (ARTO) Bandipora, Mudasir Ahmad Wani, briefed the attendees besides the general public about the provisions of the J&K Road Accident Victim Fund, under which the financial assistance was provided.

He informed that under the scheme, Rs 1 lakh is provided in case of death to the dependents, legal heirs, or close family members of the deceased; Rs 75,000 is given in case of permanent disability; Rs 50,000 for grievous injuries; and Rs 10,000 for minor injuries.

The ARTO also clarified that all victims of road accidents involving private vehicles, passenger-cum-goods vehicles, and even vehicles owned by government departments, corporations, and public sector undertakings are eligible under the scheme.

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