New state reporter

12/09/2026

11/09/2026

DC Bandipora visits Kuloosa to oversee rescue operation of drowned boy
Urges parents to keep children away from water bodies
BANDIPORA, SEPTEMBER 11: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib visited Kuloosa on Friday morning to personally assess and monitor the intensive search and rescue operation underway following the unfortunate drowning of a young boy in Nallah Madhumati yesterday evening.
Expressing profound sorrow over the tragic incident, the DC extended heartfelt sympathies to the aggrieved parents and family members. Terming the incident heartbreaking, she stated that the child had reportedly stepped near the bank to retrieve a ball while playing and slipped into the rapid stream.
The DC reviewed the ongoing joint search operation, which was launched swiftly within an hour of the incident by teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Jammu & Kashmir Police, District Administration, and local volunteers.
While speaking on the occasion, Deputy Commissioner informed that the District Administration had coordinated with NHPC authorities last night to temporarily halt the downstream flow of water. To further expedite the operation and assist the divers and rescue personnel, NHPC has been directed to completely stop the discharge from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM today, ensuring that the water level recedes sufficiently for thorough scanning of the stream bed.
The DC observed that while wire mesh barricades and fencing are in place along most sections of the embankment, designated openings remain for daily domestic chores like washing clothes.
Issuing a stern advisory to the public, she appealed to parents and residents residing along riverbanks to maintain strict vigilance over their children and prevent them from venturing near hazardous water channels, emphasizing that heightened caution at home is vital to averting such painful tragedies.

11/09/2026

Surinder Choudhary inaugurates Kashmir Expo 2026 at Zabarwan Park
3 day showcase celebrates J&K’s craft, culture, cuisine, entrepreneurial talent
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 11: Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization (JKTPO) under the aegis of the Department of Industries & Commerce, organized three day Kashmir Expo, 2026 being held from 11th to 13th September 2026 under the theme “Celebration of Craft, Culture & Cuisine – Showcasing Rich Kashmir’s Heritage by Empowering Golden Hands & Talent.”
The expo was inaugurated by Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Kumar Choudhary today at Zabarwan Park, Boulevard Road here.
The Expo is being attended by the artisans, craftsmen, weavers, entrepreneurs, businesses and other stakeholders. The event will provide a platform to showcase the distinctive products, craftsmanship and cultural heritage of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking on the occasion, the Deputy Chief Minister said that Kashmir Expo 2026 is an important initiative to provide greater visibility and market access to the region’s artisans, entrepreneurs and local enterprises. “Kashmir Expo 2026 celebrates the exceptional craftsmanship, cultural heritage and entrepreneurial spirit of Jammu and Kashmir. The Expo is aimed at connecting our local talent and products with wider markets while creating meaningful opportunities for artisans, entrepreneurs and businesses to grow and thrive,” he added.
Surinder Choudhary said that the event features a diverse showcase of handicrafts, handloom products, traditional crafts, local produce, cuisine and contemporary products, highlighting the creativity and enterprise of the region. He said the Expo also provides an avenue for the participating businesses and artisans to gain wider market exposure, interact with visitors and explore new business and market opportunities.
Pertinently, JKTPO has been working towards promoting trade, commerce, investment and exports from Jammu & Kashmir by facilitating market linkages and providing platforms for local enterprises to connect with the buyers and business stakeholders. The Organization also serves as the nodal agency for ODOP promotion, trade fairs and exhibitions, buyer-seller meets, district export promotion initiatives and digital market linkages.
The Kashmir Expo 2026 is part of these continued efforts to strengthen the market access, promote local products, empower artisans and entrepreneurs and showcase the rich economic and cultural potential of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Expo will continue till 13th September 2026 at Zabarwan Park, Boulevard Road, Srinagar, and is open to visitors, offering an opportunity to experience the region’s distinctive craft, culture and cuisine under one platform.

11/09/2026

CS Dulloo reviews framework for UT-level Project Monitoring Group
National PMG presents model for its early establishment
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 11: Jammu & Kashmir is set to establish a dedicated Project Monitoring Group (JK-PMG) on the lines of the National Project Monitoring Group (PMG) to ensure high-level monitoring of mega developmental projects and facilitate smooth, coordinated resolution of bottlenecks affecting their ex*****on.
The institutional framework for replicating the national mechanism in the UT was presented before Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, by representatives of the National PMG. The proposed system is aimed at strengthening project oversight, improving inter-departmental coordination and ensuring timely intervention in matters involving land acquisition, statutory clearances, construction approvals and other implementation-related issues.
While speaking the Chief Secretary maintained that we should leverage technology to move from periodic status reporting to real-time, milestone-based project monitoring. He exuded hope that this comprehensive digital platform will enable us to track progress, identify critical gaps and take informed decisions based on reliable data.
He further observed that a clearly defined escalation framework will ensure that issues are addressed at the level where they can be resolved, while matters requiring higher-level intervention are brought up without unnecessary delay. This will strengthen both administrative responsiveness and project accountability, he appreciated.
The Chief Secretary also impressed upon the National PMG team to undertake additional capacity-building sessions for local stakeholders, ensuring that they are fully conversant with the system, its workflow and the escalation mechanism along with adequately equipping them to take over its operations efficiently here.
Highlighting the significance of this monitoring group the Commissioner Secretary, PD&MD, R.Alice Vaz revealed that currently the National PMG monitors 61 projects in J&K, involving investments of ₹3.91 lakh crore with 130 active issues currently under review through National PMG portal.
She further added that the proposed JK-PMG would function under the overall supervision of the Chief Secretary, with a dedicated team of project experts and a designated administrative department responsible for day-to-day operations and coordination.
The group would monitor identified mega and strategically important projects, track milestones and pending approvals besides facilitating coordination among executing agencies and district administrations, and escalate unresolved issues for appropriate intervention.
The framework envisages a structured review mechanism comprising fortnightly departmental-level reviews by Administrative Secretaries/Heads of Departments, monthly reviews chaired by the Chief Secretary, besides the reviews at the highest government level chaired by the Chief Minister himself for matters requiring such consideration. This graduated arrangement would ensure that project-related issues are examined at the appropriate level and escalated wherever necessary.
It was demonstrated by the team that the proposed JK-PMG would leverage a digitized, cost-free portal with automated reporting and analytical capabilities. Under the envisaged workflow, project proponents would register projects and bottlenecks, sponsoring departments would verify the issues, and the concerned district administration or departments would undertake action for their resolution. Critical unresolved matters would be escalated to higher forums involving the concerned stakeholders for instant resolution of the issues at hand.
Later, the National PMG team conducted a sensitization workshop for officers and officials of the Planning Department and other concerned stakeholders, apprising them of the working, institutional architecture, digital workflow and escalation mechanism of the proposed JK-PMG. The workshop focused on the roles of various stakeholders in identifying, tracking and resolving project-related bottlenecks, while facilitating a common understanding of the operational processes required for its smooth implementation in the UT.

11/09/2026

Artisan’s IFFJK Show creates buzz, capture attention of tourists, locals
Srinagar’s SK Park hosts Soulful Kashmir, mesmerise visitors, students and craft lovers with niche handmade products
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 11: Riding high on the success of its acclaimed ‘Know Your Artisan’ series, the Handicrafts and Handloom Department, Kashmir, successfully organised its September edition on the sidelines of J&K’s 1st International Film Festival at SK Park, Srinagar.
Focused on showcasing Kashmir’s high-value GI-tagged and languishing crafts, the Department presented a vibrant blend of art, craft and heritage, drawing an overwhelming response from tourists, art aficionados, students and the general public.
In a press statement today, a spokesperson of the department stated that as many as 26 stalls were installed showcasing unique handcrafted creations, visitors to interact directly with master artisans, explore authentic crafts and providing artisans a platform for direct marketing.
The School of Designs, Kashmir, facilitated LIVE craft demonstrations, while a dedicated ‘Try Corner’ offered hands-on experience in pottery, papier-mâché and needlework. Live music, organised in collaboration with the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, further enhanced the heritage ambience.
Students from various schools and colleges participated enthusiastically, mesmerised by the quality and intricate craftsmanship. They interacted with artisans, witnessed demonstrations and tried their hand at craft-making, gaining first-hand exposure to the skill and precision involved.
A spokesperson said the initiative provided artisans a platform to showcase their skills and connect directly with tourists, buyers, students and the public. “‘Know Your Artisan’ is aimed at creating awareness about the heritage value, authenticity and craftsmanship of Kashmir’s traditional crafts while strengthening the artisan-consumer connect,” he said.
He said the encouraging response had strengthened the Department’s resolve to carry the initiative to prominent tourist-centric and other high-footfall locations, ensuring greater visibility, recognition and market access for artisans.
The Department urged tourists, buyers and craft enthusiasts to support Kashmir’s craft maestros by purchasing authentic products and joining the ‘Vocal for Local’ initiative to help preserve and revive the region’s rich craft heritage.

11/09/2026

DC Srinagar reviews for Urs at Ziyarat Dastgeer Sahib, Sarai Bala
Stresses seamless arrangements to facilitate devotees & smooth observance of the Urs
SRINAGAR, SEPTEMBER 11:- Deputy Commissioner (DC) Srinagar, Akshay Labroo on Friday visited Ziyarat Dastgeer Sahib at Sarai Bala, Amirakadal to review and finalize arrangements for the smooth conduct of the annual Urs of Hazrat Sheikh Abdul Qadir Jeelani (RA).
The DC was accompanied by Additional Deputy Commissioner, Mir Imtiyaz Ul Aziz, Joint Commissioner SMC, Suhail Ul Islam, Chief Planning Officer, Fayaz Ahmad Dar, Executive Engineer R&B, Khalid Mehmood, Executive Engineer KPDCL, Tassaduq Nabi, Executive Engineer Water Works, Aijaz Rafiq, DySP Traffic, Mehboob Ul Haq, District Health Officer, Dr Rubeena, Tehsildar South, Sajad Rasool Shah, besides senior officers from SMC, Fire & Emergency Services, Police, UEED and other line departments.
During the visit, the DC took onsite review of the arrangements pertaining to drinking water, uninterrupted power supply, sanitation, traffic and parking management, street lighting and medical facilities. He directed all concerned Departments to ensure close coordination for the safe, peaceful and hassle-free observance of the Urs.
Interacting with members of the Shrine Management Committee, the DC sought their suggestions regarding facilities and arrangements for devotees expected to participate in large numbers during the Urs.
While chairing a meeting with Officers at the Shrine, the DC stressed the need for all line Departments and stakeholders to ensure that all necessary arrangements are put in place well in advance to facilitate devotees visiting the Ziyarat during the Urs days.
The DC emphasized uninterrupted power and water supply at the Shrine, besides ensuring proper sanitation and cleanliness around the venue. He also directed the concerned agencies to put adequate firefighting arrangements in place, particularly during the Urs days.
Regarding medical facilities, the Department of Health was asked to establish a First Aid-cum-Medical Camp at the Shrine to provide immediate medical aid to devotees.
The DC also asked for ensuring proper functioning of street lights and smooth regulation of traffic movement in the area during auspicious days of Urs.

11/09/2026

DDC Budgam reviews progress of National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme
Directs strict compliance, fixes registration targets
BUDGAM, SEPTEMBER 11: District Development Commissioner (DDC), Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan today chaired a comprehensive review meeting at the Conference Hall, Budgam, to assess the implementation of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) across the district.
The meeting was attended by the Additional District Development Commissioner, district officers, heads of departments, Principals of degree colleges, polytechnic institutions, and ITIs, along with other key stakeholders.
During the meeting, the DDC sensitized the officers about the core objectives, framework, and benefits of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme in enhancing youth employability and skill development. Clear targets were assigned to all concerned departments, educational institutions, and sectoral officers for onboarding establishments and registering apprentices on the official NAPS portal.
Emphasizing the priority of the initiative, the DDC issued explicit directions to all officers for strict compliance with the assigned targets within defined timelines and warned that any laxity, negligence, or delay in the ex*****on of the scheme would be dealt with strictly under administrative rules. Officers were further instructed to conduct regular follow-ups to ensure seamless registration and maximum coverage across the district.

11/09/2026

DC Kulgam reviews progress of development works in ULBs
Directs officers to ensure timely completion of works
KULGAM, SEPTEMBER 11: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Shahzad Alam today chaired a meeting with concerned officers to review the progress of ongoing development works in Municipal Council Kulgam and Municipal Committees of Devsar, Yaripora and Frisal.
The DC took a detailed stock of the physical and financial progress of various development works being executed in the Municipal Council and Municipal Committees of the district.The meeting also focused on assessing the present status of works, identifying issues and bottlenecks, and ensuring their timely completion.
The concerned officers presented updated status reports of ongoing and completed works including beautification & drainage works, development of vending zones, development of street parkings and green spaces in all municipal areas.The projects proposed under Finance Commission (FC) Grants, Integrated Development of Municipal Towns (IDMT), and other works were discussed in detail.
During the meeting, the DC directed the concerned officers and executing agencies to closely monitor the pace and quality of work and ensure that all ongoing projects are completed within the stipulated timelines.
The meeting was attended by Chief Planning Officer, Malik Suheel, Executive Engineer, PW (R&B) Division Kulgam, Javid Ahmad, along with concerned AEEs; Chief Executive Officer of Municipal Councils of Kulgam, Devsar, Yaripora and Frisal and other concerned officials.

11/09/2026

Model Youth Gram Sabha held at EMRS Salia
DC Anantnag highlights virtues of participatory local governance, encourages tribal students to focus on education, sports and innovation
ANANTNAG, SEPTEMBER 11: Model Youth Gram Sabha was organized today at Eklavya Model Residential School (EMRS), Salia, Anantnag, under the aegis of the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), Ministry of Tribal Affairs, Government of India.
Deputy Commissioner (DC) Anantnag, Dr. Bilal Mohiuddin Bhat, attended the program as the Chief Guest. Tehsildar Mattan, Principal EMRS Salia alongwith officials, staff, and students of the school attended the event.
At the outset, the Principal briefed the Deputy Commissioner about the functioning of the school, the facilities available, and various activities being undertaken for the welfare and development of the students. She stated that the school is on the right track to function as a premier institution for the education and overall development of students from the tribal community.
Addressing the gathering, the Deputy Commissioner appreciated the initiative and encouraged the students to work hard, remain focused on their studies, and actively participate in other meaningful activities. He interacted with the students and urged them to acquaint themselves with various aspects of local governance so they can become agents of positive change in their community. He further advised them to enthusiastically take part in games and sports besides pursuing innovative and creative ideas with full passion and confidence.
Dr. Bilal asked the school authorities to work with sincerity and dedication for the welfare of the students. He assured them of the District Administration's full support for the institution's further growth and development.
Highlighting the role of the Gram Sabha as a vibrant democratic platform, the DC said these institutions provide people with adequate opportunities to participate in the governance process at the grassroots level according to their requirements and aspirations. He noted that during the proceedings, fruitful discussions are held where people present their ideas and plans regarding various projects and schemes. The same are then curated in a more practicable manner, often in tune with their requirements and aspirations, he observed.
The program provided students with an opportunity to participate in a simulated Gram Sabha and gain an understanding of grassroots democratic institutions, civic responsibilities, and local governance. Students actively participated in discussions on various issues related to local self-governance, education, and community development.
On the occasion, a series of cultural items on multiple themes showcasing tribal traditions and way of life besides yoga sessions were presented by the students.

11/09/2026

ADDC Bandipora reviews implementation of NAPS
Directs timely achievement of assigned targets
BANDIPORA, SEPTEMBER 11: Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC), Bandipora, Nazir Ahmad Mir, today chaired a meeting in his office chamber to review the progress and implementation of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) – PRAGATI in the district.
The ADDC, who has been designated as the Nodal Officer for NAPS in District Bandipora, took a detailed review of the progress made under the scheme and held discussions with the concerned officers regarding the measures required for its effective implementation.
During the meeting, the ADDC emphasized the importance of strengthened coordination among all concerned departments, institutions and stakeholders for ensuring wider coverage of the scheme and creating maximum apprenticeship opportunities for the youth of the district.
The ADDC directed the concerned officers to ensure that the targets assigned under NAPS are achieved within the stipulated timelines and, preferably, well before the prescribed deadlines. He called for regular monitoring of progress and timely follow-up at every level so that the assigned targets are accomplished in a result-oriented and time-bound manner.
He further stressed upon the officers to identify and facilitate suitable apprenticeship opportunities and ensure active participation of eligible establishments and institutions, with the objective of providing youth with practical skills, workplace exposure and better employment prospects.
The ADDC underscored that effective implementation of NAPS would play an important role in bridging the gap between skill development and employment and called upon all stakeholders to work with commitment and a coordinated approach for realizing the objectives of the scheme in the district.