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The Kashmir Throne, Srinagar (2026)

10/04/2026

Census 2027 a ‘National Digital Transformation Mission’ setting foundation for Viksit Bharat: Chief Secretary

Terms data as key driver, the new fuel powering nation's economic growth

JAMMU, APRIL 10: Highlighting that India is at a crucial “data inflection point,” Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo today stated that the upcoming Census 2027 is not merely an enumeration exercise but a National Digital Transformation Mission that will set the bedrock for a ‘Viksit Bharat’ and evidence-based policy planning.
The Chief Secretary made these remarks while speaking at the Census 2027 Summit held today at Abhinav Theatre, Jammu.

The summit was participated by the senior administrators, development partners and policy experts to deliberate upon the roadmap, preparedness and significance of Census of India 2027, the country’s first-ever fully digital and paperless census exercise.

The Summit was also attended by Amit Sharma, Chief Principal Census Officer and Director Census Operations, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh; Andrea M. Wojnar, Resident Representative, UNFPA India; Praful Kumar Sigtia, Deputy Director General (Information Security), UIDAI and Rohit Kumar, Co-Chair (Policy Making) G20, as special dignitaries.
Delivering keynote address as the chief guest, the Chief Secretary observed that India is entering a new era of governance driven by technology and real-time insights. Contrasting the upcoming exercise with the manual, time-consuming 2011 census, he emphasised the paradigm shift towards a technology-first, citizen-centric framework utilising mobile-based enumeration, artificial intelligence and cloud technology to ensure accuracy, transparency and speed.

Speaking on the rapid global advancements in technology, the Chief Secretary stressed that data is going to be the key driver, oil and fuel of any nation’s economy in the AI-driven future. He noted that India’s vast demographic diversity provides a far richer dataset compared to Western nations, giving the country a strategic advantage in training AI systems and stepping up as a globally benchmarked data-driven nation.

Atal Dulloo also highlighted how the integration of trusted national datasets with the JAM Trinity (Jan Dhan, Aadhaar, Mobile) has enabled the Government to target the beneficiaries directly, reducing leakages from astronomical to negligible levels. He observed that moving away from older “one-size-fits-all” centralised planning, this dynamic data ecosystem will allow for micro-level scientific urban and rural planning, supporting health, education and employment infrastructures tailored to the unique strengths of individual villages and districts.

Underlining the immediate administrative tasks at hand, the Chief Secretary directed the Deputy Commissioners and district administrations to ensure seamless grassroots ex*****on. He issued clear directives for immediate completion of training for all the Census officers and Enumerators, ensuring full readiness for the self-enumeration process beginning from May 17 and the subsequent house to house field work starting June 1, 2026. He further highlighted that census data plays a pivotal role in determining the financial share of States and Union Territories and guiding development initiatives for the next decade.

Earlier, delivering the welcome address, Chief Principal Census Officer Amit Sharma shed light on the two-phased structure of Census 2027. The first phase will cover House Listing and Housing Census (HLO), consisting of Self Enumeration Period from May 17 to May 31 and House to House Field Work from June 1 to June 30, 2026. The second phase shall focus on Population Enumeration (PE), which will commence in September 2026 for snow-bound areas and in February 2027 for the non-snowbound regions.

He emphasised that Census 2027 will be a fully paperless, technology-driven initiative. Enumerators will collect and submit data directly via a dedicated mobile app. However, self-enumeration will be the preferred method. A secure web portal, available in 16 languages, will allow citizens to submit their details online before the door-to-door surveys begin.

Additionally, a new Census Management and Monitoring System (CMMS) will enable near real-time tracking of all field operations.
To ensure smooth ex*****on, Amit Sharma noted that a structured training hierarchy is already in place, with comprehensive training for Enumerators and Supervisors currently underway across the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Andrea M. Wojnar, Resident Representative of UNFPA India, said that similar census practices anchored in digital technology and self-enumeration are being adopted across the world. She expressed confidence that Census 2027 will be a robust and comprehensive exercise in India as well.

Wojnar underscored the fundamental purpose of any census, emphasising that it is designed to ensure that no segment of society is left unaccounted for in welfare programmes and policy decisions. Accurate and inclusive enumeration, she stated, is foundational to evidence-based governance and equitable development.

Praful Kumar Sigtia, Deputy Director General (Information Security), UIDAI, drew parallels between Census 2027 and the colossal exercise of Aadhaar enrolment, highlighting the scale, complexity and technological sophistication common to both national exercises. He laid emphasis on the meaningful processing of data for practical purposes, acknowledging the critical importance of translating vast volumes of collected information into actionable insights.

Sigtia also touched upon the efficacy and security of data, stressing that robust compliance frameworks are in place to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of citizen data – frameworks that impart confidence to the data owners, namely the citizens of India.

Rohit Kumar, Co-Chair (Policy Making) G20, shed light on the monumental scale of the census exercise and its technical aspects. He elaborated on the global implications of the exercise for informed policy-making at both national and international level, underlining the significance of Census 2027 in the context of India’s evolving data governance landscape.

09/04/2026

Youth Delegation from Jammu & Kashmir Calls on Vice President

‘Watan Ko Jano’ Initiative Strengthening National Integration: Vice President

Women Leading Education and Social Change Reflect Transformation in Jammu & Kashmir: Vice President

New Delhi: A 250-member youth delegation from Jammu and Kashmir, participating in the ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme organised by the Ministry of Home Affairs, called on the Vice President of India, C. P. Radhakrishnan, at Uprashtrapati Bhavan in New Delhi today.

The 'Watan Ko Jano' programme is an initiative by the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir, aimed at fostering national integration by providing the youth of Jammu and Kashmir an opportunity to explore different parts of India.

Addressing the delegation, the Vice President said he was pleased to interact with such vibrant, talented, and determined young minds from Jammu & Kashmir. Recalling his visit to Srinagar last month for the Convocation Ceremony of the University of Kashmir, he spoke about witnessing significant progress in women’s development and empowerment in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Vice President also highlighted the Jammu and Kashmir cricket team winning the Ranji Trophy for the first time. He said that the leadership of women in education and such sporting achievements by young cricketers together reflect the progressive direction in which the youth of Jammu and Kashmir are shaping the future.

Commending the Ministry of Home Affairs for the ‘Watan Ko Jano’ programme, he said such initiatives not only help young people connect with the idea of a shared national identity but also build confidence, awareness, and aspiration, while fostering the spirit of “Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.”

Highlighting Jammu and Kashmir as a land of extraordinary scenic beauty, and rich culture, he said Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to become a major global tourist destination. He added that as opportunities expand in education, technology, tourism, and entrepreneurship, each young person has the potential to become a builder of a peaceful, prosperous, and inclusive future. He urged them to believe in their abilities, remain connected to their roots, and work collectively towards making Jammu and Kashmir a symbol of harmony, growth, and inspiration for the nation.

The Vice President expressed his happiness that students from Jammu and Kashmir are excelling in Civil Services, IIT, and IIM entrance examinations.

He also urged the students to stay away from drugs and encourage their peers to do the same, emphasising that a healthy youth is the foundation of a strong and progressive nation.

Conveying his best wishes, he called upon the young participants to stand tall, believe in themselves, and take pride in contributing towards building a Viksit and Aatmanirbhar Bharat. He said that a Viksit Bharat can be achieved only when every state becomes developed.

Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh was also present during the Call On. Addressing the delegation, he recalled the developmental transformation of J&K over the past decade under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He further observed that the aspirations of youth of Jammu and Kashmir have risen, with many excelling across diverse fields.

09/04/2026

CS reviews position of Fuel, LPG stocks across districts

Orders strict monitoring and action against violators

JAMMU, APRIL 09: JAMMU, April 9, 2026: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today chaired a high-level meeting with the concerned Administrative Secretaries, Divisional Commissioners and District Administrations to review the availability and distribution of essential commodities across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir in light of the evolving geopolitical situation in West Asia, with the aim of ensuring adequate buffering against any potential supply chain disruptions.

Comprehensive data presented during the meeting indicated that the UT currently maintains stable stocks of Motor Spirit (Petrol), High-Speed Diesel (HSD) and LPG, supplemented by significant stock in transit to further strengthen reserves.

The Chief Secretary also reviewed public grievances registered through helplines and their disposal by Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) and district administrations, while emphasizing the need for intensified IEC campaigns and strict inspections across districts to prevent hoarding, overpricing and black marketing of essential commodities, including fertilizers and food grains. He underscored the importance of ensuring 70 percent supply to commercial and industrial sectors in both divisions and called for expediting e-KYC of all active consumers.

Commissioner Secretary, Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Saurabh Bhagat, informed that adequate measures have been put in place to ensure smooth supply across the UT, including availability of 5 kg LPG cylinders for migrant populations and labourers, and issuance of orders to ensure 70 percent supply to commercial and industrial establishments in accordance with Government of India guidelines.

For Jammu Division, the Divisional Commissioner, Ramesh Kumar apprised that the Division has an availability of 7,325 KL of Petrol and 27,241 KL of Diesel, besides maintaining a robust 49-day cover for Superior Kerosene Oil (SKO) and 12 days for Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF), thereby ensuring uninterrupted essential services. Districts including Udhampur, Kathua and Doda reported strong stock levels, while Kishtwar and Ramban are being closely monitored to continuously replenish their 3–4 day buffers through transit supplies.

He further added that the division currently has 47,296 LPG cylinders in stock, and over the past 10 days, 7,769 cylinders were delivered to the consumers. The Chief Secretary directed the concerned departments to bridge this delivery-demand gap to avoid any disruption to industrial and commercial activities.

For Kashmir Division, the Divisional Commissioner, Anshul Garg informed the meeting that the Kashmir Division currently holds 7,721 KL of Petrol and 13,487 KL of Diesel, which along with transit stocks provides a reserve cover of 19 days for Petrol and 21 days for Diesel, while LPG reserves stand at 4,072 MT ensuring a 16-day cover.

He further made out that District-wise assessments indicated stable availability, with districts such as Srinagar, Anantnag and Pulwama maintaining consistent consumption patterns and an average of five days of immediate local storage supported by divisional reserves. A total of 148,769 LPG cylinders are currently available in the division, and between April 1 and April 8, 4,987 cylinders were delivered.

Moreover he added that the administration is closely monitoring supply to ensure that tourism, hospitality and other commercial activities remain unaffected, with directions issued to bridge any emerging demand-supply gaps.

During this meeting the Deputy Commissioners presented the status of supply and distribution of LPG, automobile fuels and food grains across their districts, including residential institutions and labour populations, along with details of enforcement actions taken against violators and progress in grievance redressal.

The Chief Secretary directed district administrations to strictly monitor market prices to prevent hoarding and overcharging under the pretext of international developments and to ensure seamless last-mile delivery of LPG and other essential commodities, particularly in remote and far-flung areas, while reassuring the public that the UT is well-prepared with sufficient reserves and that there is no need for panic as existing stock levels and supplies in transit are adequate to maintain normalcy across Jammu & Kashmir.

09/04/2026

Chief Secy reviews BISAG-N supported e-Governance initiatives in J&K

JAMMU, April 09: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today chaired a meeting to review the progress of key e-governance and digital transformation initiatives being implemented across Jammu and Kashmir in collaboration with Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-Informatics (BISAG-N).

The meeting besides the Secretary, IT, Dr. Piyush Singla; and Special Director General, BISAG-N, Vinay Thakur; was attended by the concerned Administrative Secretaries, Heads of Departments, senior police officers, representatives from the National Informatics Centre, and other stakeholder agencies.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary undertook a comprehensive review of the progress achieved in developing various online platforms across departments aimed at enhancing governance efficiency and improving public service delivery. He sought a detailed, first-hand appraisal from BISAG-N regarding the readiness of these platforms, while also directing departments to address bottlenecks hindering their timely completion and rollout.

Dr. Piyush Singla apprised the meeting of the overall status of ongoing and upcoming digital initiatives across departments, highlighting completed platforms and outlining their benefits in terms of transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centric service delivery.

Presenting a department-wise overview, BISAG-N shared insights into the initiatives undertaken over the past few years. Special DG, Vinay Thakur emphasized the need to make these initiatives more outcome-driven and time-bound, and advised departments to designate nodal officers for sustained coordination with BISAG-N to ensure successful implementation.

Among the key digital platforms reviewed during the meeting were the AI-based GST Fraud Detection System of the Finance Department and the End-to-End Energy Tracking and Management System (EETMS) for the Discoms under the Power Development Department. The meeting also reviewed improvements in portals such as JKCIP, Kisan Khidmat Ghar, Daksh Kisan Mobile App, and Kisan Sathi developed by the Agriculture Production Department.

The Tourism Department’s web portal and mobile application, featuring an AI-enabled chatbot supported by BISAG-N’s GPU infrastructure, were also discussed, with particular focus on their user engagement and service delivery potential.

The survey application for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Urban 2.0 aimed at identifying houseless and landless beneficiaries across all 78 Urban Local Bodies in J&K was also reviewed. Significant progress in digitization initiatives of the Revenue Department, including Legacy Jamabandi visualization and the online mutation module, was noted.

The Chief Secretary stressed the need for integration of the recently launched Single Window for Recruitment Rules (SWRR-JK) with the e-Office platform to ensure seamless functioning. He also underscored the importance of introducing similar digital systems for the online conduct of Departmental Promotion Committees (DPCs).

The meeting further deliberated on the upgradation of the JK Samadhan portal to enable seamless integration with the Centralized Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System and to strengthen MIS-based monitoring of grievance redressal timelines at both district and departmental levels.

The Home Department informed the meeting about the readiness of an AI-based search engine designed to assist investigation officers, particularly in preparing charge sheets under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, which is set to be rolled out shortly.

Other major platforms reviewed included the JK Sehat Mobile App, Jal Shakti Mobile App, J&K PWD asset mapping application, J&K Industrial Mobile App, MSME Health Clinic App, District Good Governance Index platform, Village Planning Portal of the Planning Department, digitization of SRTC data, and the J&K Anganwadi Tracking System.

Reiterating the Government’s commitment to leveraging technology for efficient governance, the Chief Secretary directed all departments to expedite implementation, ensure inter-departmental coordination, and maximize the impact of these digital initiatives in enhancing transparency, accountability, and citizen service delivery across Jammu and Kashmir.

09/04/2026

CM Omar Abdullah distributes compassionate appointment orders to 90 beneficiaries of Kashmir division

CM encourages new appointees to work with sincerity & dedication

SRINAGAR, APRIL 09: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today formally distributed appointment orders under SRO-43 and the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme (RAS) to 90 beneficiaries from across Kashmir division at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC).

The appointments, made on compassionate grounds, aim to provide much-needed employment support to families who have lost their primary earning members, reaffirming the government’s commitment to stand firmly with such families in times of distress.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized that the government has made sincere efforts to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the people, particularly those who have endured personal tragedies.

He remarked that while securing a government job is a moment of great pride and happiness, the circumstances under which these appointments are granted are deeply painful for the candidates.

“Some people get government jobs through examinations and interviews. But you have made a sacrifice far greater than any test. You have lost someone precious, someone who is no longer with you,” he said, acknowledging the emotional weight carried by the beneficiaries.

The Chief Minister noted that no compensation can truly substitute the loss of a loved one, adding that if there would ever be a choice to make, no one would ever choose employment over the return of a departed family member.
Highlighting systemic reforms, the Chief Minister stated that the transition from SRO-43 to the Rehabilitation Assistance Scheme was aimed at addressing structural shortcomings and improving efficiency.

He acknowledged delays in processing such cases and assured that further efforts would be made to remove bottlenecks.

“Even today, there are gaps in the system which we will try to remove. We understand that delays in clearances and procedures add to your hardship. We will make every effort to simplify and expedite this process,” he said.
Describing the situation faced by beneficiaries as a colossal loss, the Chief Minister stressed that forcing affected families to navigate cumbersome procedures would amount to injustice.

“After such a loss, if people are made to move from office to office, it is a grave injustice. We are committed to ending this,” he asserted.
Congratulating the appointees, the Chief Minister described the occasion as the beginning of a new chapter in their lives and urged them to dedicate themselves to public service with honesty and integrity.

He reminded them that, unlike elected representatives whose tenure depends on public mandate, government employees have a long-term responsibility to serve the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

“From today till your retirement, you will serve the people. Always choose the difficult but correct path over the easy one,” he advised.
He cautioned the new recruits against external influences and urged them to remain vigilant and committed to ethical conduct in their professional roles.

Reiterating the government’s supportive stance, the Chief Minister encouraged beneficiaries to reach out to concerned authorities in case of any difficulty, assuring that their concerns would be addressed promptly.

Invoking faith and hope, he prayed for their success in fulfilling their responsibilities.
The Chief Minister appreciated the efforts of the Divisional Administration, particularly the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and his team, for facilitating the issuance of appointment orders and expressed hope that pending cases would be cleared expeditiously.

The event was attended by Minister Javaid Ahmad Dar, Minister Satish Sharma, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Commissioner Secretary General Administration Department M. Raju, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Commissioner SMC Fazlul Haseeb, MD KPDCL Mahmood Ahmad Shah, Director SKICC Haris Ahmed Handoo, Director Tourism Kashmir Qamar Sajad, other senior officers, and a large gathering of beneficiaries along with their families.

09/04/2026

Lieutenant Governor reviews preparedness for 100-Day intensive campaign under ‘Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan’

JAMMU, APRIL 09: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting to review the preparedness for the upcoming 100-day intensive campaign under the Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir Abhiyaan.

The campaign, aimed at eradicating drug abuse from the Union Territory, will be marked by a series of high-impact awareness programs. The Lieutenant Governor will flag off a mega “Padyatra” from MA Stadium, Jammu, on April 11, 2026, followed by a similar large-scale launch in Srinagar during the first week of May.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasized on mass public participation of students and youth, NCC, NSS, Scouts & Guides, volunteers, civil society organizations, political parties, public representatives and the general public to maximize outreach and awareness.

“The influx of drugs to the UT is part of a larger international conspiracy to jeopardize the future of the youth of Jammu Kashmir. Every section of the society must join this fight against drug menace”, the Lieutenant Governor said.
The Lieutenant Governor directed for continuous and intensive drives to dismantle drug trafficking networks.

‘Don’t Touch the Innocent and Don’t Spare the Culprit’ is our policy. We must identify the real victims of drug abuse and make committed efforts for their rehabilitation,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The meeting also discussed the series of activities planned and department-wise activity calendar prepared for the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan. UT and Divisional Level Committees have already been constituted for effective implementation of the IEC campaign and action plan.

The Lieutenant Governor further directed to make the campaign a Jan Andolan with active participation of people. He also called for integration of public suggestions along with the feedback mechanism to make this campaign more impactful. Common public should also be encouraged to report the drug abuse cases, he said.

The meeting was attended by Shri Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; S.J.M Gillani, Special DG (Coordination); Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary Home; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Sarmad Hafeez, Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; V.K Birdi, IGP Kashmir; DIGs, Deputy Commissioners, SSPs and other senior officials.

08/04/2026

Lieutenant Governor chairs 2nd University Council Meeting of Cluster University of Srinagar

Jammu, April 08: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday chaired the 2nd meeting of the University Council of the Cluster University of Srinagar at Lok Bhavan, Jammu.

The meeting was attended by Prof. Mohammad Mobin, Vice Chancellor Cluster University Srinagar; Prof. Umesh Rai, Vice Chancellor, University of Jammu; Prof. K.S Chandrasekhar, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University Jammu; Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Prof Rama Shanker Dubey, former Vice Chancellor, Central University of Gujarat; Prof. P. K. Abdul Aziz, former Vice Chancellor Aligarh Muslim University; Prof. Syed Wilayat Hussain Rizvi, Registrar, Cluster University Srinagar and other members of the Council.

The University Council, which met under the chairmanship of the Lieutenant Governor, accorded in-principle approval to various agenda items and proposals including establishment of Abdul Ahad Azad Chair and adoption of postgraduate curriculum framework under NEP 2020 as per UGC guidelines.
The Lieutenant Governor directed the Cluster University Srinagar to implement targeted reforms aimed at bolstering academic excellence and student welfare. He further directed the University for full implementation of e-office systems to modernize university administration and enhance operational efficiency.

The Lieutenant Governor emphasized the need for uniformity in recruitment rules for non-teaching positions across all universities within the Union Territory to ensure a transparent and streamlined process.

He directed the Cluster University Srinagar for increased youth participation under the "Viksit Bharat Yuva Connect" and various other national integration programmes. He also called for intensifying the awareness campaigns under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan.

“Universities and educational institutions must discharge their responsibility towards the society and lead the fight against drug menace,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

Prof. Mohammad Mobin, Vice Chancellor Cluster University Srinagar presented the progress report of the University. The Registrar of the University presented the various agenda items before the Council for report, consideration and ratification.

08/04/2026

CM Omar Abdullah chairs meeting on heritage promotion & cultural tourism strategy

Calls for adaptive reuse to strengthen heritage preservation and tourism

JAMMU, APRIL 08: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a meeting on Heritage Promotion and Cultural Tourism in Jammu & Kashmir to review measures for conservation and adaptive reuse of heritage assets aimed at boosting tourism in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Chief Minister stressed the need to strengthen institutional mechanisms and develop heritage-based tourism circuits to position J&K as a premier cultural tourism destination.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah underscored the importance of learning from national and international agencies that have successfully undertaken conservation and adaptive reuse of heritage properties. He called for structured consultations with such stakeholders to draw upon technical expertise and professional inputs for transforming heritage sites into viable tourism assets.

Advocating a holistic and forward-looking approach, the Chief Minister emphasized the need to blend conservation with commercialization and community engagement. He said that Jammu & Kashmir’s vast heritage wealth must be leveraged as a dynamic engine for tourism and economic growth, while ensuring preservation of its cultural legacy.
The meeting also discussed in detail the proposed constitution of the J&K Heritage Conservation and Preservation Authority, with emphasis on strengthening its institutional capacity and ensuring effective implementation of conservation policies.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Additional Chief Secretary Tourism and Public Works (R&B), Commissioner Secretary Information, Secretary Culture and other senior officials.

During the meeting, Secretary Culture delivered a detailed presentation highlighting the immense heritage potential of Jammu & Kashmir, encompassing both tangible and intangible assets such as monuments, forts, shrines and performing arts traditions. It was noted that despite this diversity, many heritage sites remain underutilized and are facing gradual deterioration due to limited technical expertise, fragmented institutional mechanisms and inadequate financial and policy support.

The presentation revealed that over 600 heritage sites have been identified across Jammu & Kashmir, including both protected and unlisted monuments, reflecting the vast scale of opportunity in the sector.

A key focus of the presentation was the adoption of adaptive reuse models, particularly through Public-Private Partnership (PPP) frameworks. Drawing from successful examples in states such as neighbouring state Punjab, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh, it illustrated how neglected heritage structures can be transformed into vibrant cultural and tourism destinations. Projects such as Qila Mubarak (Patiala), Neemrana Fort and Orchha Fort were cited as examples where heritage hotels, museums and experiential spaces have generated revenue while preserving historical integrity.

The presentation also reviewed the existing legal and institutional framework under the J&K Heritage Conservation and Preservation Act, 2010, identifying critical gaps including the inactive status of the Heritage Conservation Authority, lack of inter-departmental coordination and outdated institutional structures, which have hindered effective conservation and promotion efforts.

To address these challenges, a reform proposal was presented, including reconstitution and strengthening of the J&K Heritage Conservation and Preservation Authority with expanded powers, revised composition and active leadership under the Chief Minister.
The proposal further emphasized integrated planning, development of heritage tourism circuits, promotion of heritage hotels through PPP mode, and strategic branding of Jammu & Kashmir as a premier cultural and wedding destination.

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