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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Army Soldier Dies in Tragic Accident onto Jammu–Srinagar National Highway

Accident Near Sinthantop

A tragic accident on Wednesday evening claimed the life of a 35-year-old Indian Army soldier in the Ramban district. The incident happened near Dalwas when a Tata Tiago car (registration JK14G-5411) veered off the Sawni Link Road and plunged roughly 200 feet down onto the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway (NH-44) below.

According to local officials, the car was heading toward Sawni village when the driver lost control. The fall was so severe that the driver died instantly at the scene. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The Station House Officer (SHO), Jatinder Singh Rakwal, confirmed that the body has been moved to the District Hospital Ramban for the necessary legal and medical formalities before being handed over to his family.

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BGSBU Journalism Students Tour Local Community Radio Station for Practical Learning

BGSBU Journalism Students

Students and staff from the Journalism and Mass Communication department at Baba Ghulam Shah Badshah University (BGSBU) recently went on a field trip. They visited the local community radio stationSadaa-e-Pir Panjal 88.4 FM, in Rajouri.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The purpose of the visit was to give the students practical, hands-on experience in how community broadcasting works. They got to see the studio and learn directly about the operations and role of a community radio station in serving its local area.

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Two PDD Employees Die as Car Falls into Gorge in Poonch’s Mandi Area

Two PDD Employees Die

Two employees of the Power Development Department lost their lives after a private car skidded off the road and fell into a deep gorge in the Jandrolla area of Mandi, Poonch district, on Sunday.

Officials said the accident happened near Jandrolla while the occupants were returning from a picnic to the Noorpur area. They had gone there to enjoy the recent snowfall.

After the crash, local residents and police teams quickly reached the spot and started a rescue operation. The injured were taken to District Hospital Poonch, where doctors declared two people dead on arrival.

The deceased were identified as Chinder Singh (54), son of Sukhdev Singh and a resident of Kamsar, and Kulbir Singh, son of Shiv Ram, who lived near DIET Poonch. Both worked with the Power Development Department.

Officials said one more person was injured in the accident and is currently receiving treatment. Police have taken note of the incident and started further investigation.

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Army Soldier Injured in Landmine Blast Near LoC in Rajouri District of Jammu and Kashmir

Army Soldier Injured

An Indian Army soldier was injured in a landmine explosion near the Line of Control (LoC) in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, officials said.

According to officials, the blast took place while army troops were patrolling a forward area in Keri. The landmine exploded suddenly during the routine patrol.

The injured soldier was immediately evacuated from the area and shifted to a hospital for medical treatment. His condition was not immediately known, officials added. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Officials explained that the forward areas along the LoC are part of an anti-infiltration obstacle system and are dotted with landmines. These mines are meant to prevent infiltration but sometimes get washed away due to heavy rain, leading to such accidents.

Authorities said such incidents highlight the risks faced by soldiers while guarding the borders in difficult terrain and weather conditions.

Further details are awaited.

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J&K Bank Posts Strong Q3 Results as Profit Rises Nearly 19%, Business Growth Remains Robust

J&K Bank Launches

Jammu and Kashmir Bank on Tuesday announced strong financial results for the October–December quarter (Q3 FY 2025–26), reporting a sharp rise in profit and steady improvement across key performance indicators.

The Bank’s net profit increased by 18.7 per cent quarter-on-quarter and 10.4 per cent year-on-year to ₹586.73 crore, compared to ₹531.51 crore recorded in the same quarter last year. The Board of Directors approved the results during a meeting held at the Bank’s Divisional Office in Jammu. Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

For the first nine months of the current financial year, J&K Bank posted a net profit of ₹1,565.68 crore, marking a 4.5 per cent year-on-year growth and underlining the Bank’s consistent growth momentum.

Improved Margins and Operating Performance

During the quarter, the Bank’s Net Interest Margin improved to 3.62 per cent, rising by six basis points quarter-on-quarter. The Cost-to-Income Ratio also improved year-on-year to 55.88 per cent from 57.28 per cent, while Return on Assets for the nine-month period stood at 1.23 per cent.

Operating performance remained healthy, with Net Interest Income growing 3.8 per cent quarter-on-quarter to ₹1,488.88 crore. Other Income rose sharply by 15.3 per cent year-on-year to ₹279.46 crore. The Bank also benefited from a decline in the Cost of Deposits, which fell to 4.69 per cent from 4.86 per cent.

Commenting on the performance, MD & CEO Amitava Chatterjee said that despite rate cuts, provisioning pressures related to the Grameen Bank, and challenging conditions including recent disturbances and floods, the Bank remains on track to deliver record profits for the fourth consecutive year.

Asset Quality Continues to Strengthen

J&K Bank’s asset quality showed further improvement during the quarter. Gross NPAs declined to 3.00 per cent, down by 108 basis points year-on-year, while Net NPAs reduced to 0.68 per cent. The Provision Coverage Ratio stood strong at 90.46 per cent.

Amitava Chatterjee said that despite economic challenges in the Bank’s core regions, asset quality has steadily improved due to strong risk management practices and borrower resilience.

Strong Business Growth

The Bank maintained strong business momentum in Q3, recording a 17.3 per cent year-on-year growth in gross advances and a 10.6 per cent rise in deposits. As of December 31, 2025, gross advances stood at ₹1,16,248 crore, while total deposits reached ₹1,55,861 crore.

The MD & CEO said the growth was driven by focused expansion in retail, MSME, agriculture, and select corporate segments, supported by improved credit appetite and stronger customer engagement.

Capital Position and Future Plans

The Bank’s Capital Adequacy Ratio under Basel III stood at a healthy 15 per cent. Chatterjee said this position would be further strengthened through internal accruals and the Board-approved capital raise of ₹1,250 crore, enabling the Bank to support future lending and manage risks effectively.

Key Initiatives and Digital Push

Highlighting key initiatives, the MD & CEO said the Bank continued to support customers through measures such as the 2025 Rehabilitation Package for borrowers affected by disturbances. He also said digital transformation remains central to the Bank’s strategy, with several customer-focused digital innovations launched to improve service delivery, security, and efficiency.

Concluding his remarks, Amitava Chatterjee thanked customers, stakeholders, promoters, and Bank staff for their continued trust, support, and dedication.

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Strict Action Against Anti-National Elements Essential for Peaceful Jammu and Kashmir: DGP Nalin Prabhat

DGP Nalin Prabhat

The Director General of Police of Jammu and Kashmir, Nalin Prabhat, on Tuesday said that the strictest possible action against anti-national elements is essential to maintain peace and stability in the region.

He stressed the need for foolproof security planning, stronger area domination, and intelligence-based operations to ensure peaceful and incident-free Republic Day 2026 celebrations across Jammu and Kashmir.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

The DGP made these remarks while chairing a high-level security review meeting in central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. During the meeting, he reviewed the overall security situation and assessed the operational preparedness of the district police.

DGP Nalin Prabhat took a detailed review of law and order arrangements, counter-terror preparedness, crime control measures, and security plans for the upcoming Republic Day celebrations. He directed officers to remain on high alert and ensure strong coordination at all levels to prevent any untoward incident.

Addressing senior and field officers, the DGP issued clear instructions to act firmly and decisively against elements posing a threat to public safety and peace. He emphasised zero tolerance towards activities harmful to national security, while also urging the police to maintain a people-friendly and professional approach during operations.

The DGP appreciated the efforts of the Ganderbal Police and encouraged them to continue working with dedication, discipline, and commitment to uphold the rule of law and provide a secure environment for citizens.

The meeting was attended by S J M Gillani, V K Birdi, Rajiv Pandey, Khalil Ahmad Poswal, along with other gazetted officers, station house officers, and district officers of Ganderbal Police.

The DGP concluded by reiterating that maintaining peace and public confidence remains the top priority of the Jammu and Kashmir Police, especially during national events like Republic Day.

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Return of Kashmiri Pandits Essential for Kashmir’s Harmony: Deputy CM Surinder Choudhary

Return of Kashmiri Pandits

Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Monday stressed the importance of rehabilitating Kashmiri Pandits, saying their return is crucial for restoring Kashmir’s beauty, harmony, and social balance.

Speaking to the news agency Kashmir News Service (KNS), Choudhary referred to the long-standing position of senior National Conference leader Farooq Abdullah and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on the issue.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“Dr Farooq Abdullah has always said that if Kashmiri Pandits are rehabilitated in Jammu and Kashmir, there is no doubt that the beauty and harmony of Kashmir will return,” Choudhary said. He added that the return of Kashmiri Pandits is essential for rebuilding trust and strengthening brotherhood in the region.

The Deputy Chief Minister said that the centuries-old tradition of communal harmony in Kashmir can only be fully revived when Kashmiri Pandit families return to their homeland with dignity, security, and confidence.

He emphasised that lasting peace and social unity in Jammu and Kashmir depend on inclusive rehabilitation efforts that address the concerns and aspirations of displaced communities.

Choudhary’s remarks come amid ongoing discussions on reconciliation, rehabilitation, and long-term peace in the Union Territory, with political leaders repeatedly calling for concrete steps to facilitate the safe and honourable return of Kashmiri Pandits.

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Woman Found Tied Inside Plastic Bag in Rajouri, Rushed to Hospital in Critical Condition

5-Year-Old Girl

A shocking incident came to light in Rajouri district after a 45-year-old woman was found tied with a rope inside a plastic bag, police said on Monday.

The woman has been identified as Azeem Akhtar. According to police, she was discovered late Sunday night by locals in an isolated area of Tandwal. After noticing the suspicious bag, residents alerted authorities and helped rescue her.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

Azeem Akhtar was immediately freed and rushed to Government Medical College Hospital Rajouri, where she is undergoing treatment. Doctors said her condition is serious.

Police officials said they are waiting for the woman’s health to improve so that her statement can be recorded. An investigation has been started to find out how she ended up in the bag and who is responsible for the incident.

Officials said further details will emerge once the victim is able to speak.

Pahalgam Railway Line Is About Future, Not Fear—Connectivity Is Development

J&K Government Exploring Plan to Build Cricket Stadium for National, International Matches: Chief Secretary

The Jammu and Kashmir Government is exploring the possibility of developing a cricket stadium capable of hosting national and international matches, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo said on Saturday.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a two-day National Sports Conference, Dulloo said the government is assessing the feasibility of the project within the Union Territory’s financial capacity. He added that different models are being examined for the development and long-term maintenance of the proposed facility.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

“The government is considering whether such a project can be undertaken independently or whether collaboration with professional sports bodies would be more effective,” he said.

Dulloo said partnerships with organisations such as the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI), other sports associations, and members of the business community are also being explored to ensure professional management and sustainability of the stadium.

He added that the proposed stadium could help promote sports culture in Jammu and Kashmir, provide better facilities for local talent, and open doors for hosting major sporting events in the region.

Pahalgam Railway Line Is About Future, Not Fear—Connectivity Is Development