KPDCL Announces Scheduled Power Shutdowns in Several Kashmir Areas

KPDCL to shut multiple 33KV lines

The Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) on Thursday announced a series of scheduled power shutdowns across several areas of the Kashmir division in the coming days to facilitate maintenance works on various 33 KV power lines.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

According to the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, the shutdown of the 33 KV Nowbugh–Chadoora line will be observed on February 7, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. During this period, electricity supply to Sogam, Repora, Dawlatpora, Panzan, Lalgam, Chadoora, Wathoora, Bugam, Gadsathoo, Kathairgund, and adjoining areas will remain affected.

Similarly, the 33 KV Achabal–Cherpora Tap Line will remain shut on February 7 and 9, 2026, between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM, impacting power supply to Achabal, Shangus, Nowgam, Cherpora, and nearby localities.

KPDCL also announced shutdowns of the 33 KV Pampore–Lethpora line on February 8 and 11, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Areas expected to face power disruption include Samboora, Lethpora, Patalbagh, Chandhara, Konibal, Dussoo, and adjoining areas.

In addition, shutdown of the 33 KV Pampore–Khrew line will be carried out on February 9, 2026, from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, affecting electricity supply to Khrew, Buthan, PHE installations, Hospital, Shar A, Shar B, Wahab Sahab, and surrounding areas.

Furthermore, the 33 KV Potushai–Ajas Tap Line will undergo maintenance shutdowns on February 7 and 9, 2026, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM, resulting in power outages in Ajas, SK Bala, Sadunara, Bazipora, and nearby localities.

KPDCL has advised consumers in the affected areas to make necessary arrangements in advance and has expressed regret for the inconvenience caused due to the essential maintenance work.


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J&K Government Transfers 500 Kanals Land in Sallar Anantnag for SKUAST-Kashmir South Campus

Sallar Anantnag for SKUAST

The Jammu and Kashmir government has officially transferred a substantial parcel of land — measuring 500 kanals and 11 marlas — in Sallar, located in the Anantnag district, to the Sher-e-Kashmir University of Agricultural Sciences and Technology (SKUAST)-Kashmir for the establishment of its South Campus. This development was announced on Thursday in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly in response to an unstarred question by MLA Altaf Ahmad Wani regarding progress on the proposed campus.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Land Transfer and Possession

According to information provided by the Agriculture Production Department, the land under Survey No. 2009 (min) has been formally transferred to SKUAST-Kashmir through Government Order No. 146-JK (Rev) of 2023, issued on 14 September 2023. The transfer reflects the government’s continued commitment to expanding agricultural education and research infrastructure in the southern region of Jammu and Kashmir.

The department further clarified that possession of the entire land has been taken, and fencing of the parcel has been completed, ensuring readiness for future development activities. This demarcation underscores the government’s intent to safeguard the land and begin phased development as approvals are secured.

Vision for the South Campus

The transferred land is earmarked for the South Campus of SKUAST-Kashmir, a strategic initiative aimed at broadening the university’s reach and promoting agricultural education, research, and field activities in the southern belt of the Union Territory. However, the government noted that the campus’s conceptual development plan, including specific infrastructure projects and execution timelines, are not yet finalized and will be determined after obtaining the requisite approvals from competent authorities.

Funding and Current Utilization

For the current financial year 2025-26, the government disclosed that Rs 1.00 crore has been allocated from SKUAST-Kashmir’s internal revenue to support Research and Experimentation (R&E) activities. This allocation reflects a focused effort to enhance on-ground research capabilities even as long–term campus plans are being shaped.

According to the Agriculture Production Department, this fund has already been utilized for several early-stage developmental activities, including:

  • Construction of a pre-fabricated structure to serve as a camp office for administrative and academic functions.
  • Creation of raceways for trout fish development, underscoring an emphasis on aquaculture research.
  • Various land development works to prepare the site for future expansion and research use.

These preliminary activities aim to foster an operational presence at the Sallar site and build momentum for the campus’s broader vision.

Strategic Importance

The decision to establish a South Campus of SKUAST-Kashmir in Anantnag carries significant educational and socio-economic implications:

  • Educational accessibility: A southern campus will bring SKUAST’s academic and training programs closer to students and farming communities in the southern districts of J&K, reducing travel barriers and fostering local talent.
  • Research expansion: The campus provides space for region-specific agricultural research, which can address local farming challenges, crop diversification, and allied sectors such as aquaculture and horticulture.
  • Economic uplift: Through research, training, and extension services, the campus can contribute to enhanced productivity and livelihoods in agriculture and allied sectors across the southern region.

Government Commitment

The transfer of land and initial funding for infrastructure and research signifies the government’s commitment to strengthening agricultural education and research in Jammu and Kashmir. While detailed plans and timelines for the South Campus are pending, the groundwork laid so far — including land acquisition, fencing, and preliminary facilities — establishes a foundation for future growth.

As the project evolves, further announcements regarding structural construction, funding support from the union and state sources, and strategic partnerships are expected, aligning with SKUAST-Kashmir’s mandate to serve as a premier agricultural university in the region.

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JKSA Voices Deep Concern Over Defeat of Amendment Addressing Attacks on Kashmiris Outside J&K

Jammu and Kashmir Students Association

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association (JKSA) On Thursday has expressed deep disappointment and concern over the defeat of an amendment in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that sought to address the recurrent attacks, harassment, and intimidation faced by Kashmiris working and studying in different states across the country.

In a statement, National Convenor of the Association, Nasir Khuehami, said that what makes the development even more disturbing is that the amendment merely sought to acknowledge a real and ongoing crisis faced by Kashmiri shawl sellers, traders, labourers, students, and even patients, who continue to encounter harassment, violence, threats, and a pervasive sense of insecurity outside Jammu and Kashmir. He said the proposal was neither partisan nor ideological, but a basic and humane call for protection, safety, livelihood security, and the preservation of human dignity of Kashmiri citizens.

The association said it finds it difficult to comprehend why even this minimal and compassionate acknowledgment could not command the support of the House. The absence of a strong condemnation of such attacks, or a clear commitment to engage with the Union Government and concerned states to ensure accountability, sends a deeply troubling signal to affected communities who already feel vulnerable and unheard.

Khuehami noted that the amendment, moved by an opposition MLA from Handwara, specifically highlighted the lack of any reference in the Lieutenant Governor’s Address to attacks on Kashmiri students, traders, and hawkers in various states and Union Territories, as well as the absence of any mention of concrete communication or coordination with the Union Government and state authorities to take strict action against those responsible for such acts.

The association expressed its gratitude to opposition MLAs who raised this crucial issue on the floor of the House and stood firmly with Kashmiris at a time when silence and indifference would have been easier. JKSA reiterated that Kashmiris are equal citizens of India, entitled to live, work, study, travel, and seek medical care anywhere in the country without fear or intimidation.

It emphasised that repeated attacks on Kashmiri traders and shawl sellers are not isolated incidents but represent a pattern that demands serious legislative attention, institutional safeguards, and effective inter-state coordination.

Khuehami urged the elected government and all political parties to rise above partisan considerations and treat the safety and dignity of Kashmiri citizens as a collective responsibility, warning that ignoring or downplaying these concerns risks further alienation and undermines faith in democratic institutions.

Association added that it will continue to pursue the matter through institutional, legal, and parliamentary channels and will not relent until effective mechanisms are put in place to protect Kashmiris across the country and ensure that those responsible for acts of violence and intimidation are held fully accountable.

How Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar Transformed Baramulla and Won India’s Top Civil Service Award

Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar with PM’s Award

In the tapestry of India’s public administration, few stories resonate as strongly with grit, service, and measurable impact as that of Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar — an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer whose leadership in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir has made headlines for national-level excellence and grassroots transformation.

Her journey — blending academic brilliance, administrative courage, and empathetic governance — is now a model for aspiring leaders, especially women across the region. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel


Early Life & Journey into Civil Service

Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar didn’t take the ordinary path. She pursued a medical degree and later shifted her focus from individual healing to societal wellbeing. Inspired by public service and a desire to serve her community at scale, she embarked on the challenging journey of India’s civil services.

Her decision to become an IAS officer marked a turning point — a choice that opened doors to policy, development, and district-level transformation beyond clinical practice.


Leadership in Jammu & Kashmir Administration

Dr. Asgar’s administrative career has spanned key leadership roles in the region, including:

  • Deputy Commissioner of Baramulla, leading governance and development efforts in one of Jammu & Kashmir’s largest districts.
  • Deputy Commissioner of Budgam, where she strengthened public service delivery.
  • Director of Information & Public Relations, overseeing communications between government and citizens.
  • Secretary, Public Grievances & CEO of J&K Economic Reconstruction Agency (ERA), steering citizen redressal and large infrastructure programmes.

Across these roles, Dr. Asgar’s governance ethos combines data-driven planning with human-centric implementation — a reason her work is widely recognized within administrative circles.


National Recognition: Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration

One of the highest honours for civil servants in India, the Prime Minister’s Award for Excellence in Public Administration, was conferred upon Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar for the year 2022, in recognition of her outstanding work in the Aspirational Districts Programme in Baramulla district.

This award is given to officers whose work shows innovation, measurable impact, and replicable results, and Dr. Asgar’s initiatives are a textbook example.

Transformative Impacts Under Her Leadership

Dr. Asgar’s leadership in Baramulla delivered tangible improvements in key development indicators:

Healthcare Strengthening

  • Birth Waiting Wards were established in Primary Health Centres and Community Health Centres to improve maternal health.
  • Diagnostic services were upgraded at all delivery points.
  • Poshan Tracker Tabs were distributed to Anganwadi workers to enhance nutritional monitoring.

Nutrition & Education

  • Severe Acute Malnutrition (SAM) rates plummeted from 3 % to 0.01 % — a remarkable public health achievement.
  • Moderate Acute Malnutrition dropped from 11.93 % to 0.039 %.
  • A two-year paramedical diploma programme was launched for 300 students from border areas to strengthen local health workforce capacity.

Agriculture & Economic Inclusion

  • Farmers received plant protection, nursery support, quality planning material, and access to markets — including boosting operations at Sopore Fruit Mandi, one of Asia’s largest fruit markets.
  • Over 56,215 PM Jan Dhan Yojana accounts were opened to enhance financial inclusion.

Milk Production & Rural Livelihoods

  • Baramulla achieved 100 % saturation in milk production, becoming a milk surplus district — supporting both nutrition and rural economy.

These results were not just administrative checkboxes — they represent real improvements in human development outcomes that directly affect families and communities.


Why Dr. Asgar’s Story Matters

Beyond awards and accolades, Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar’s story is a testament to what committed leadership can achieve, even in regions facing structural challenges. Her work is reshaping narratives about governance in Jammu & Kashmir and shows how strategic planning, grassroots engagement, and inclusive leadership can uplift lives.

For young aspirants — especially women — her journey from medicine to civil service excellence is both inspirational and instructive.


Conclusion — Beyond Recognition to Real Change

Dr. Syed Sehrish Asgar’s career so far exemplifies impactful public administration — where policy meets people and where leadership is measured not just by titles but by meaningful change. Her contributions to Baramulla’s development have set a powerful precedent for administrators nationwide.

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Traffic Police Rural Kashmir Launches Special Drive in Qazigund to Curb Violations

Traffic Police Rural

 In a bid to curb traffic violations and enhance road safety, the Traffic Police of Rural Kashmir conducted a special enforcement drive in the Qazigund area on Thursday.

An official told news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS) that the SSP Traffic of Rural Kashmir visited Qazigund and inspected various nakas (checkpoints) as part of a focused campaign against visible traffic violations. DySP Traffic Qazigund (Kulgam/Anantnag) Mohd Aslam Choudhary, the DTI of Qazigund, and other traffic personnel were present during the inspection.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

A thorough checking operation was carried out, during which several vehicles were challaned for violating traffic rules.The official added that the drive aimed to ensure strict compliance with traffic laws and promote responsible driving behaviour among motorists.

The SSP also interacted with drivers and members of the public, urging them to adhere to traffic regulations for their own safety and the safety of others. He emphasized that such drives will continue in the future to ensure discipline on the roads and reduce the risk of accidents. 

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J&K Govt Sanctions 235 New Posts in UEED Revival, Engineers Call It Historic Boost

Government Jobs

In a landmark boost to the engineering cadre and urban infrastructure development, the Jammu and Kashmir administration has sanctioned the creation of 235 new posts in the Urban Environmental Engineering Department (UEED), a move described as “historic” and “unprecedented” by representatives of the engineering community.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The decision, approved by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, includes 115 engineering posts and 120 non-engineering positions across various cadres. The newly created posts feature senior and mid-level technical roles such as one Chief Engineer, one Superintending Engineer, 21 Executive Engineers, 34 Assistant Executive Engineers, and other supporting staff.

The All J&K Engineering Services Forum welcomed the approval with enthusiasm, extending “sincere gratitude” to the Chief Minister for honouring his commitment to the engineering fraternity. Forum President Er. Nasir Amin called the expansion “unprecedented in the history of Jammu and Kashmir” and a “transformative step” that would substantially strengthen the UEED’s capacity to deliver essential urban utilities, environmental services, and infrastructure projects across the Union Territory.

“This significant enhancement in institutional strength will lead to improved planning, execution, and monitoring of urban development initiatives, ensuring better civic amenities for the people,” the Forum stated in a release.

The Forum also acknowledged the pivotal role of Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department (HUDD), Mrs. Mandeep Kour (IAS), for her “personal persuasion” and efforts in resolving technical and procedural hurdles to expedite the proposal’s approval.

With this administrative reinforcement, the Forum reaffirmed its dedication to supporting sustainable urban growth, efficient public service delivery, and long-term environmental management in Jammu and Kashmir.

The revival and expansion of UEED come at a time when the region is witnessing accelerated urbanisation, increased focus on smart city projects, and the need for robust wastewater management, solid waste handling, and other environmental engineering interventions. The move is expected to address longstanding staffing shortages that had hampered the department’s effectiveness.

No further details on the timeline for filling the posts or budgetary implications were immediately available. (With inputs from official sources)

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Congress Demands Clear Timeline for J&K Statehood, All-Party Panel for Kashmiri Pandits Return

Rahul Gandhi

Jammu and Kashmir Pradesh Congress Committee president Tariq Hameed Karra on Thursday demanded that the centre spell out a clear timeline for the restoration of statehood to the Union Territory. 

Taking part in the motion of thanks on the Lt Governor’s address in the legislative assembly here, Karra also suggested the constitution of an all-party MLA panel to facilitate the return and rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He said the democratic process in J-K was restored only after the intervention of the Supreme Court; otherwise, this assembly would not have formed.

“The LG spoke of participatory governance and public trust, but I want to ask how such trust could exist when the people’s core demand — restoration of statehood — remained unresolved,” the Congress leader said, pointing out that statehood was mentioned in his previous address but omitted this time. 

He said the national leadership of Congress, like party president Mallikarjun Kharge and leader of opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi, had raised the demand in Parliament and in a letter to the Prime Minister, seeking immediate restoration of statehood to J-K.

“Today, we ask a fundamental question to the central government through this House. They keep saying that statehood will be granted at an appropriate time. We should be told what the right time is. What is its measure? What is its standard? And how long will the people of Jammu and Kashmir have to wait?” Karra said.

In a veiled dig at the BJP, he said that while the majority of the people are demanding restoration of statehood, there are some quarters that want to make Jammu a separate state. History is witness that this idea is not new. In the past, too, some leaders raised such a demand, giving birth to regional mistrust. Its biggest loss was that the collective strength of Jammu and Kashmir was weakened,” he said, highlighting the need for unity and communal harmony.

The Congress leader said the LG, in his address, forgot to mention two important humanitarian issues — rehabilitation of migrant Kashmiri Pandits and the issues of the refugees of 1947, 1965 and 1971.

“I would like to make it clear once again through this House that the rehabilitation of Kashmiri Pandits is not possible through mere symbolic or economic measures, but a comprehensive, permanent and dignified plan is required that ensures their security, economic stability and social rights, so that they can return to their homeland with dignity,” he said.

He suggested setting up a standing committee of elected members to formally initiate a dialogue with the Kashmiri Pandit community to draft a practical strategy at the ground level to ensure their safe and dignified return to the valley.

Similarly, in the case of West Pakistani refugees, the one-time package of Rs 30 lakh per family approved by the previous UPA government should be implemented immediately, out of which a small amount of Rs 5 lakh has been given to them by the present central government.

“An effective welfare board should be established to resolve their other problems, especially land and settlement-related issues, so that this long-standing humanitarian problem can be solved on a permanent basis,” he said. (KNS)

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Mehbooba Mufti Slams J&K Govt Over Sharp Funding Cuts to BGSBU, Warns of Institutional Abandonment

Mehbooba Mufti

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) President and former Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti has strongly criticised the Jammu and Kashmir government for what she called sustained underfunding of Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) in the Pir Panjal region, accusing authorities of pushing the institution towards “managed decline” and “deliberate institutional abandonment.”

In a pointed statement and a post on X, Mehbooba Mufti highlighted a dramatic decline in capital allocations to the university, which was established to promote higher education and socio-economic development in the historically marginalised Pir Panjal area. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

According to official data cited by her, capital funding for BGSBU stood at ₹562.50 lakh in 2019–20, peaked at ₹848.43 lakh in 2020–21 and ₹703.88 lakh in 2021–22, before plummeting to ₹422.98 lakh in 2022–23, ₹183.11 lakh in 2023–24, and a mere ₹44.00 lakh in 2024–25. While the allocation saw a slight uptick to ₹187.00 lakh in 2025–26, she described it as grossly inadequate to repair the damage from prior years of neglect.

“These figures expose a shocking pattern of neglect,” Mehbooba Mufti said. “Capital infusion that once crossed ₹700–800 lakh during 2020–22 has been slashed to a mere ₹44 lakh in 2024–25. This is not budgetary prudence. It is deliberate institutional abandonment.”

In her X post, she wrote: “Deeply alarming decline in funding for Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University, Pir Panjal. Once a flagship institution for a marginalised region, capital infusion has crashed from ₹700–800 lakh (2020–22) to just ₹44 lakh in 2024–25. This is not austerity, it is abandonment. Govt must reverse this in the budget before irreversible damage is done.” She tagged Chief Minister @CM_JnK, urging immediate corrective measures.

Mehbooba Mufti emphasised that BGSBU was envisioned by her father, late Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, as a beacon for uplifting youth in a remote and underdeveloped region. “Starving it of funds betrays that vision,” she asserted, warning that continued neglect could inflict irreparable harm on one of Pir Panjal’s premier higher education institutions.

She called on the government to prioritise reversing the funding trend in the forthcoming budget allocations, stressing the need to restore adequate capital support to safeguard the university’s future and its role in regional empowerment.

The criticism comes amid broader discussions on educational infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, with reports indicating ongoing financial strains at BGSBU, including salary deficits and reliance on limited internal resources despite some increases in grant-in-aid for operational costs.

No immediate response was available from the J&K government or university authorities on the allegations. (With inputs from KNS)

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J&K GST Falls Rs 508 Crore This Year Due to Slowdown – Economic Survey

GST

The Economic Survey 2025-26 presented by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has attributed a Rs 508 crore decline in Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections in the current financial year to an economic slowdown caused by multiple factors, including the completion of major infrastructure projects, subdued commercial activity and a drop in tourist arrivals. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

According to the survey, GST revenue of Rs 5,379 crore was realised up to November in FY 2025-26, which is Rs 508 crore lower than the Rs 5,887 crore collected during the corresponding period of the previous year. The completion of major rail and road infrastructure projects reduced GST inflows from capital works, contributing significantly to the shortfall.

The survey notes that GST collections of Rs 8,586 crore in 2024-25 accounted for nearly 60 per cent of the Union Territory’s tax revenue and around 40 per cent of total revenue, highlighting the central role of GST in J&K’s fiscal structure.

To strengthen compliance, the government said it has stepped up monitoring of GST returns. The number of active GST dealers increased from around 65,000 in 2018-19 to nearly 1.5 lakh in 2024-25. Measures such as tracking GST deductions under capital works, risk-based e-way bill verifications, and enhanced data analytics through a business intelligence unit and partnership with BISAG–N have been undertaken to curb revenue leakages and detect fake input tax credit cases.

The survey further attributed the dip in collections to a slump in commercial activity and a decline in tourist arrivals following the terror attack at Pahalgam, subsequent security operations and adverse weather conditions, including flash floods during the monsoon.

Despite the slowdown, the government expressed optimism about a revival in GST revenues, stating that recent GST reforms and the resumption of the bi-annual movement of Secretariat staff between the winter and summer capitals are expected to revive business activity and improve revenue collections in the coming months.

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Kulgam Police Step Up Frisking at Navyug Tunnel Ahead of Home Minister’s Visit

J-K Police

Kulgam Police have ramped up security checks at the Navyug Tunnel on the Jammu-Srinagar National Highway as Union Home Minister Amit Shah begins his three-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir today .

The intensified frisking and vehicle inspections focus on the Qazigund stretch, including thorough checks of vehicles, passengers, and luggage. This is part of standard high-level protocols to ensure smooth and safe movement along this key route. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Officials say the measures are being overseen by Additional Superintendent of Police (NHW) Qazigund Mumtaz Ali Bhatti, with senior officers like the SDPO and SHO Qazigund directly involved on the ground. Extra manpower has been deployed, and modern tools such as wall radar systems and thermal detection equipment are now active around the tunnel area for better real-time monitoring.

The step-up comes ahead of Amit Shah’s packed schedule, which includes arriving in Jammu this evening for meetings with political leaders at Lok Bhawan, followed by a high-level security review. He is expected to assess the overall situation in the Union Territory, visit border areas, and later travel to Srinagar to inaugurate development projects before wrapping up on February 7.

At 13, This Kashmiri Boy Built 31 Apps and AI Tools

Delhi Court Convicts Kashmiri Separatist Asiya Andrabi in UAPA Case