5 Doctors of Government Medical College Suspended after Woman Suddenly Dies 

Assistant Executive Engineer suspended

5 doctors have been suspended, and two senior doctors have been served show-cause notices at the Government Medical College (GMC) in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district, an official said.

According to the official, they have been asked to explain their roles in connection with the “sudden” death of a woman in her fifth month of pregnancy.

“In this case, we have suspended five doctors and asked for an explanation from two senior doctors. In such cases, where the attendants themselves are alleging negligence, I understand that we may have been at fault somewhere as well,” said Amarjeet Singh Bhatia, Principal of GMC Rajouri, speaking to ANI.

He informed that the authorities took cognizance of the matter after watching the news on social media where a patient’s attendant was alleging that his patient was not given proper treatment at Rajouri Medical College.

The five-month pregnant woman died suddenly due to pulmonary embolism, Bhatia said, adding that the doctor on duty had catheterized her as soon as she was brought to the hospital. The doctor further informed that the woman was fine until the next morning, but her condition worsened suddenly.

“Yesterday on social media I saw a post where a man (patient’s attendant) was alleging that his patient was not given proper treatment in Rajouri Medical College. Taking cognizance of the matter, we constituted a team of doctors (from different departments) who submitted a report. Based on the report, it was found that the death of a five-month pregnant woman was due to pulmonary embolism after she faced urinary retention and pregnancy-related complications. The doctor on duty catheterised her. She was fine till the morning. She had breakfast after which her condition worsened all of a sudden. As this happened, the lady could not be revived. We are investigating her sudden death. If there is any negligence found, action will be taken,” Bhatia said. (ANI)

Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL Announces Power Shutdown in Kashmir parts

Power shut down

According to the Chief Engineer, Distribution, KPDCL, in order to carry out stabilization/ improvement of 33 KV line/ oil topping and maintenance of Receiving Stations, the shutdown of 33KV Alusteng Nagbal line shall be observed due to which Receiving Stations at Zakura and B Alasteng, Nagbal, Gadoora and Tulbagh shall remain off while the power supply to the Shuhama, Bakura, Darend, Nagbal, Fatehpora, Check Gadoora, Tulbagh and Chunduna areas will be affected from 10:00 AM to 03:00 PM on 28 December, 2024.

Similarly, in order to carry out stabilization/ improvement of 33 KV Badampora Safapora including other stabilization works, the shutdown of 33KV Badampora-Safapora Tap line shall be observed due to which Receiving Station at Safapora shall remain off while the power supply to the Safapora, Gratbal, Jarakobagh and Manasbal areas will be affected from 10:30 AM to 03:00 PM on 26 and 28 December, 2024.

Also, to fix/ install guard netting of 33 KV Pampore and BK Pora line at Kadlabal Pampore in view of the recent damage to the electrical equipments and appliances due to snapping of conductor on LT Network which passes just beneath the said line, the shutdown of 33KV Pampore-BK Pora line shall be observed due to which Receiving Stations at BK Pora, Khanda and Summerbugh shall remain off while the power supply to the BK Pora, Khanda, Chatergam, Kenihama, Sumerbugh, Wagoora, Wadipora, Aribagh and Chackpora areas will be affected from 10:00 AM to 05:00 PM on 26.December 2024.

Omar Abdullah Reviews Power Supply Management Amid Kashmir’s Severe Cold Wave

Omar Abdullah

Amid the ongoing severe cold wave in the Kashmir Valley, which has disrupted power and water supply, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah chaired a high-level meeting to review the power scenario in Kashmir valley.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who has stationed himself in the valley to personally oversee crisis management during this challenging time, emphasized the need for effective measures to address power shortages and ensure adequate essential services for residents.

During the meeting, Chief Minister discussed a comprehensive strategy to manage peak electricity demand and directed officials to maintain efficiency in ensuring a reliable power supply during the harsh winter season.

He instructed the Power Development Department (PDD) to strictly comply with the scheduled curtailment program and ensure proper publicity of planned power outages to keep consumers informed in advance.

The Chief Minister was briefed on the current power situation in the valley, including the Load Curtailment Plan (LCP) and the demand-versus-consumption statistics.

It was highlighted that despite a 7-8% increase in electricity supply compared to the previous year, the extreme cold has caused a significant rise in the load profile, exceeding available resources. This situation is further aggravated by record-low power generation due to minimal water discharge in hydroelectric power plants, the meeting was informed.

Officials also apprised the Chief Minister of the department’s interventions to reduce the demand-supply gap.

It was reported that substantial capacity additions have been made since the last winter to meet increased demand.

The Chief Minister directed officials to rationalize the load curtailment program based on the loss profile of feeders and explore options to enhance the allocation of power.

He also stressed the importance of equity in providing electricity to all while incentivizing law abiding consumers but ensuring adequate power supply, especially during this period of severe cold, is made available to the general public.

Chief Secretary Atal Duloo attended the meeting virtually, the meeting was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary PDD Rajesh H Prasad, Managing Director JKPTCL, Managing Director KPDCL and Chief Engineers of various wings of the Power Development Department. The Chief Minister emphasized the urgent need for the smart metering of Distribution Transformers (DTs) and feeders to improve the monitoring and efficiency of the power distribution system.

Later, the Chief Minister inspected the Sub Load Dispatch Centre (SLDC) at Bemina to review the load monitoring system.

He was provided with division- and district-wise details of power load and consumption and he directed officials to allocate electricity with maximum efficiency o minimize disruptions. Reaffirming his commitment to addressing the hardships caused by the severe winter conditions, the Chief Minister urged PDD authorities to prioritize uninterrupted power supply for essential services and to remain proactive in managing the challenges posed by the ongoing cold wave.

Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs (FCSCA) Refutes Claim of Cancellation of BPL Ration Cards

cancellation of BPL ration cards

The Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs has strongly refuted reports from certain quarters on social media, particularly a video, wherein it is being alleged that “…the Government has issued an order cancelling around 1.5 lakh Below Poverty Line ration cards affecting a huge number of beneficiaries and putting their families in distress …” while terming the assertion totally fabricated and based on false assumptions.

As per the statement issued by the Department, no such order has been issued. Besides, it has rebutted the claims that the figure being quoted in the said video does not even match the actual deletion figure of 1.27 lakh cited in media reports for having been reported to the parliament recently with regard to fake and duplicate ration card deletions in Jammu and Kashmir since 2013. These are in fact the deletions carried out in the past, over 10 years in J&K as a part of reforms pursued by the Government of India across the country.

The document added that elimination of bogus/duplicate ration cards and beneficiaries is an essential requirement under Targeted PDS Control Order of Government of India, which is now being established through technology interventions like Aadhaar seeding, eKYC and through field verification.

As a result of accelerated Aadhaar seeding, pursued by the Department, huge duplication of ration cards and beneficiaries was established leading to deletion of such ration cards and beneficiaries over the years. At the same time, bringing the left out eligible beneficiaries under the PDS cover has also been seriously pursued by the Department, and this effort has also led to the addition of 8.6 lakh eligible beneficiaries to PDS in J&K since shifting to a dependable Ration Card Management System in September, 2022.

Further, it is clarified that only order issued by the Department in recent past in the context of PDS seeks inclusion of children born during years 2011 to 2016 in their family ration cards so that additional benefits flow to these beneficiaries and households as per eligibility under PDS. The Department has also issued explicit orders for prompt inclusion of any eligible beneficiary still left out under PDS, wherever reported. As a result of these efforts the number of beneficiaries under NFSA, who are provided free food grains every month, has gone up from 66.37 lakh to 66.59 lakh during last three months.

Additionally, the Department has also pursued, in a mission mode, the inclusion of left out JK registrants on e-Shram Portal so that none such registrant who is eligible under PDS for free or subsidised food grains, remains uncovered.

A mammoth exercise for matching of nearly 34.80 lakh such registrants in J&K was carried out in coordination with NIC and every registrant who remained unmatched with PDS data base, was approached by the Department of Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs and Labour & Employment Department for securing their inclusion. Of these, nearly 34.40 lakh registrants are presently availing benefits under PDS or other schemes, and remaining forty thousand, could not either be traced by the Department or they refused to share their details and documents, despite making efforts in coordination with respective district administrations.

Expressing firm resolve of the Department, a spokesman of the Department said the Department is making arrangements for providing free food grains every month to 66.59 lakh beneficiaries under NFSA and for providing highly subsidised food grains to another group of 31.81 lakh beneficiaries in the Non Priority Households category, which implies that 98.40 lakh people are presently benefitted under PDS every month in J&K.

The spokesman further said that the technological interventions like aadhar seeding, e-PDS etcetera are aimed at securing the marginalised communities their due share in ration distribution and this would remain a priority of the Department so that eligible beneficiaries are benefitted under Targeted Public Distribution System and undeserving are weeded out.

Final Inspection Set for Katra-Srinagar Rail Track, Paving Way for Direct New Delhi-Kashmir Trains

New Delhi-Kashmir Trains

The most challenging and strategically significant Katra-Srinagar rail track is now fully prepared, with its final inspection scheduled for January 5, next year.

This inspection will pave the way for direct rail connectivity between New Delhi and Srinagar, a development expected to begin within the month.

The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) will conduct the final inspection of the 18-kilometer stretch between Reasi and Katra, and a CRS train will operate on this track as part of the process.

Reports received by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) reveal that the General Manager of Northern Railway has already inspected the track via trolley, and the Commissioner of Railway Safety has conducted a preliminary inspection from Reasi to Katra.

The culmination of these evaluations on January 5, 2025 will finalize preparations for trains to run directly to Kashmir from New Delhi. Preparations for operationalizing the railway services on this track are in their final stages, with expectations high for operations to commence in January itself.

The Katra-Srinagar rail track is recognized as the most difficult railway line in the country, constructed amidst challenging terrain. This 111-kilometer Katra-Banihal railway line includes engineering marvels such as the 3.2-kilometer T1 tunnel near Katra and the iconic Chenab Bridge, the tallest rail bridge in India.

Remarkably, 97 per cent of the track passes through tunnels or bridges, reflecting the challenges posed by the region’s hilly terrain.

The railway project, which connects Jammu to Katra and Banihal to Baramulla, represents a significant achievement in infrastructure development. The final Katra-Banihal stretch, which includes the newly inspected Reasi-Katra section, will link the northernmost region of the country to Kanyakumari.

The first train on this route is expected to be a Vande Bharat Express, offering speed and comfort to passengers traveling to and from the Kashmir Valley.

The successful trial run of an electronic engine between Sangaldan and Reasi earlier demonstrated the readiness of the track. Once operational, this rail line will significantly enhance connectivity, boost economic activity, and bring Kashmir closer to the rest of India. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the fully operational railway line in January 2025.

Valedictory Function Held for Sub-Inspectors’ Induction Training at Nagrota

Valedictory Function Held for Sub-Inspectors

A grand valedictory function was held at the Excise and Taxation Training Institute, Nagrota, to conclude the one-month induction training for Sub-Inspectors (Finance Department, UT of Jammu and Kashmir).

The batch comprised 47 Sub-Inspectors, including 39 males and 8 females from diverse educational backgrounds. They successfully completed their rigorous training programme, which equipped them to take on professional challenges with confidence.

Excise Commissioner, UT of Jammu and Kashmir, Subash Chibber, served as the chief guest and reviewed the parade. Additional Commissioner (Administration & Enforcement), State Taxes Department, Namrita Dogra, also graced the occasion.

Principal of the Training Institute, Renu Bhasin, delivered the welcome address, offering a detailed overview of the training programme, which covered various aspects to prepare the recruits for their roles.

The ceremony included the investiture of ranks, a moment of pride as the badges were officially presented to the recruits. An award distribution ceremony followed, recognising trainees who excelled in academics, physical tests, overall performance, sports, and cultural activities.

Speaking on the occasion, the Excise Commissioner congratulated the trainees and award winners for their dedication and outstanding performance. He commended their discipline, turnout, and drill movements during the parade and emphasised the importance of maintaining discipline, sound decision-making, and a positive approach in both their professional and personal lives.

Additional Commissioner Namrita Dogra also addressed the trainees, urging them to work sincerely, with passion, and contribute meaningfully to nation-building.

The event was attended by Deputy Excise Commissioner (Distilleries), Deputy Excise Commissioner (Accounts), and other senior officers of the department. The function marked a proud moment for the recruits as they embarked on their professional journey with renewed zeal.

Srinagar Smart City Buses Clock over 61 Lakh Passengers From Jan to Nov 2024

Srinagar Smart City Buses

Srinagar Smart City Buses ,Srinagar Smart City’s eco-friendly city bus service witnesses an increase in the flow of passengers with an average of 30,000 people boarding on a daily basis across 16 operational routes.

The eco-friendly public transport system, was launched in November 2023 and has now witnessed a remarkable growth in commuting, transporting 61,33,160 commuters from January to November this year.

According to the data, in September alone, the service recorded its highest passenger count of over 7.2 lakh, followed by August with over 6.82 lakh passengers.

However, as per the data when the bus services were started by Srinagar Smart City in November 2023, the month recorded a passenger count of just 1.3 lakh, followed by over 3.25 lakh in December 2023.

As per the officials, the green bus fleet includes 100 electric buses, with 75 nine-meter and 25 twelve-meter variants, with two additional buses kept on standby to address potential breakdowns.

The officials said that these electric buses are praised for being emission-free and that they offer advanced features like air conditioning, air curtains for consistent interior temperature, and five strategically placed cameras for enhanced safety.

The officials add that a panic button inside the buses is connected directly to a command-and-control centre, ensuring immediate assistance during emergencies.

Officials looking into the operations of smart buses under Srinagar Smart City earlier told KNO that they have developed an Integrated Public Transport System, detailing bus routes, stops, halting points, depots, and charging stations to streamline the service.

The officials said that to enhance passenger convenience, authorities plan to establish 360 ultra-modern bus stops across Srinagar.

As per the officials, these new bus stops will feature a Passenger Information System (PIS), providing real-time updates on bus movement and displaying route maps. Equipped with monitor displays, the stops will offer comprehensive information on bus timings and routes.

“Work on these advanced bus stops is expected to begin next month, with surveys currently underway,” an official stated—(KNO)

Srinagar Police Appeal Public to use Helpline Numbers for Verification-Related Queries

Police Helpline

Srinagar Police on Sunday has issued an appeal to the public to use its helpline numbers exclusively for verification-related inquiries and assistance.

A Police spokesperson said, “We deeply value the trust and confidence you have placed in us and we sincerely appreciate the overwhelming response to our helpline numbers, which receive hundreds of calls daily.”

“However, we kindly request that these helplines be used strictly for inquiries or assistance related to VERIFICATION service only”, he said.For matters concerning other departments or unrelated issues, we encourage you to approach the appropriate channels.Your cooperation in this regard will help us serve you more efficiently and effectively.

GMC Handwara Implements Strict Protocols to Enhance Healthcare Services at Associated District Hospital

GMC Handwara

To revolutionise healthcare services, GMC Handwara has introduced strict measures aimed at ensuring accountability, discipline, and round-the-clock availability of medical professionals at the Associated District Hospital.

The Government Medical College (GMC) Handwara has issued directives focused on enhancing the healthcare delivery system at the Associated District Hospital. These orders, issued by the Principal of GMC Handwara, emphasise the importance of strict adherence to duties and responsibilities by all medical professionals and staff.

According to the directive, all senior residents, specialist medical officers, and medical officers in various departments must remain stationed in the designated casualty section of the hospital (Room No. 103) during duty hours. Leaving the premises without prior permission from the Medical Superintendent of the Associated District Hospital, GMC Handwara, is strictly prohibited.

In addition, assistant professors, consultants, and other on-call doctors are directed to avoid engaging in private clinical or hospital work during their official assignments. This step aims to ensure their full availability to patients.

To enhance accountability, all senior residents, junior residents, medical officers, and paramedical staff on night duty must record their attendance using the Aadhaar-enabled Biometric Attendance System (AEBAS) at 1:00 a.m. daily. Attendance data will be monitored by the assigned nodal officer, and any failure to comply will result in the individual being marked absent.

Furthermore, assistant professors and consultants on call duty are required to remain within the hospital premises during their shifts. They must also conduct evening rounds after 8:00 p.m. and morning rounds before 9:00 a.m. to ensure comprehensive care for patients.

The Principal of GMC Handwara has stressed the importance of strict implementation of these measures to uphold and enhance the standards of medical care at the institution.

IGP Traffic M. Suleman Choudhary Assesses Traffic Scenario; Ongoing Construction Works in District Samba, Kathua

M. Suleman Choudhary

IGP Traffic J&K M. Suleman Choudhary today conducted a tour of District Samba and Kathua to assess the current traffic situation and inspected ongoing construction projects (DAK Express Way).

He was accompanied by Girdhari Lal, SSP Traffic Rural Jammu, Sukhdev Singh, Dy.SP Traffic Samba-Kathua, DTIs concerned & other Traffic Police officers.During the visit, the IGP reviewed key traffic hotspots across the NH-44 from Jammu to Lakhanpur.

He focused on areas where construction work of DAK Express Way has resulted in bottlenecks, leading to significant delays and congestion. He discussed with the officers the need for timely completion of projects, as well as measures to minimize the impact of construction on traffic flow.

The IGP also emphasized the importance of proper signage, alternative routes, and coordinated planning to reduce disruptions caused by these ongoing developments.

The primary focus of this visit was to resolve the ongoing traffic congestion issues on NH-44 from Jammu to Lakhanpur. Specific congestion points discussed included Balol Bridge near Hotel Sarover, Near JK Oil Mills Bari Brahmana, Sidco Chownk, main market Bari Brahmana, Bari Brahmana chowk towards Bishnah cut, Railway cut, sabji mandi Bari Brahmana, Near Marrygold Palace, Near Aracot, Palli Morh, Dayalachack Chowk, Chann Rorian, Rajbagh, Sakhtachak, Barnoti, Hatli Morh etc.

The IGP Traffic J&K directed all officers to focus on ensuring that traffic does not come to a complete standstill, even if it involves slow movement. The officers were instructed to maintain a constant flow of traffic, wherever possible, and avoid gridlocks besides, use their expertise in traffic management to divert traffic in congestion zones or resolve any traffic-related issues.

The IGP reiterated the necessity for close coordination between the Traffic Police, construction agencies, and other stakeholders to mitigate the challenges posed by construction activities. He also appealed to the public to be patient and cooperative during this phase of development.

Syed Shahnawaz Bukhari is New Joint Director Information Kashmir

Dr. GN Itoo Takes Charge as Director School Education Kashmir

Property Worth Rs 15 lakhs of Notorious Drug Peddler Reyaz Ahmad Lone Attached in Handwara: J&K Police 

Darul Khair Mirwaiz Manzil Expresses Grief Over Khanyar Fire Incident, Extends Support to Affected Families

Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) Held Community Outreach on “Renewable Energy for a Sustainable Future”

Truck Accident at Margan top: Truck Carrying Bricks from Anantnag to Warwan Lost Control fell in Deep, Driver Killed and Conductor Injured