Valley Observer

DDC Presents keys of Combine Harvester to HADP beneficiaries

VONS

SAMBA, OCTOBER 13: District Development Commissioner Samba, Ayushi Sudan handed over Keys of Combine Harvestor to two beneficiaries under component Farm Mechanization & Automation of HADP at Conference Hall of District Complex Samba.

Beneficiaries Somnath resident of Abtal Katlan & Omkar Singh resident of Raipur Kahlia of Block Samba had applied for Combine Harvestor online on Kisan Sathi Portal during 2024-25.

During the key handing over ceremony Champa Devi ADDC Samba, Chief Agriculture officer Samba, District Agriculture officer (Extension) Samba & other staff were also present.

CM Omar Abdullah chairs review meeting at Pulwama

Progress of development works reviewed, stresses on timely ex*****on of projects & optimum utilization of funds

Lays foundation stone of a shopping mall at Pampore

VONS

PULWAMA, OCTOBER 13: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a review meeting of District Pulwama to assess the status of development works and implementation of various government schemes in the district.

During the maiden district review meeting, the Chief Minister called upon officers to accelerate the pace of project ex*****on and enhance expenditure levels under both District Capex and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). He expressed concern over the low percentage of expenditure against the approved outlay and urged the departments to step up efforts for timely utilization of funds.

“First of all, I would like to thank the DDC Chairman and MLAs for their valuable suggestions and ideas. I have already given several on-spot directions during the review, but I have one overarching request — please pay more attention towards ex*****on. There is lot of need for overall improvement,” the Chief Minister said, while addressing the officers.

“We are now in mid-October, and if we fail to utilize the first instalment under the new SASCI scheme by December, further funds will be withheld — which would be a huge loss for us,” he cautioned.

Omar Abdullah directed the Deputy Commissioner to closely monitor progress of approved projects and ensure that any lapses are immediately corrected. “Please keep reviewing the projects regularly. Wherever there are delays, address them promptly. We have restarted the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) for Hon’ble MLAs, but a lot more needs to be done in terms of expenditure,” he said.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Ministers Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana, Javid Dar, Satish Sharma, Chairman District Development Council Pulwama Abdul Bari Andrabi, MLAs Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi (Pampore), Ghulam Mohiuddin Mir (Rajpora), Waheed-ur Rehman Para (Pulwama), and Rafiq Ahmad Naik (Tral), besides Additional Chief Secretary to CM Dheeraj Gupta, Divisional Commissioner Kashmir Anshul Garg, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Dr. Basharat Qayoom, heads of departments, and district officers.

Earlier, Deputy Commissioner Pulwama Dr. Basharat Qayoom presented a detailed overview of the District Capex Budget 2024-25, CSS 2024-25, and physical and financial achievements under Capex 2025-26, CDF, and MPLADS. He gave details of approved capital outlay of the district for 2025-26 and the details of works for which administrative approval has been accorded so far. The DC also gave department-wise, scheme-wise, and sector-wise performance reports covering Public Works (R&B), PMGSY, PMAY(G), Urban Development, School Education, Jal Shakti, Irrigation & Flood Control, Agriculture and allied sectors, Power, Cooperatives, Social Welfare, Employment, Youth Services & Sports, SDRF, Tribal Affairs, Revenue and Food & Civil Supplies.

The DDC Chairman and MLAs raised several public issues concerning their respective constituencies, including irrigation and flood mitigation measures, drinking water scarcity, beautification of Pulwama, Pampore and Tral towns, road connectivity, crop insurance, desilting of rivulets, revenue settlement, illegal mining, completion of the Degree College building at Rajpora, and upgradation of health centres.

The Chief Minister and Ministers gave on-spot directions to the concerned officers for immediate redressal of the highlighted issues.

Taking serious note of illegal mining, Omar Abdullah directed the Deputy Commissioner and concerned departments to initiate strict measures to curb such activities. “If complaints are being received, action must be taken immediately. Whatever has to be done to stop illegal mining, should be done,” he asserted.

Expressing concern over the absence of toilets in certain schools, particularly for girls, the Chief Minister directed MLAs to allocate funds from their CDF to such institutions, stressing that lack of basic facilities contributes to higher dropout rates among girl students.

He urged all departments to expedite ongoing works and ensure completion within the stipulated timelines.

On the occasion, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also laid foundation stone of a new Shopping Complex at Pampore in virtual mode.

Education club, YSS team register victories in civic action cricket tournament at Udhampur

VONS

UDHAMPUR, OCTOBER 13: In continuation of the ongoing civic action cricket tournament being organized by the IRP 24th Battalion and the District Youth Services & Sports Office, two exciting matches were played today at Subhash Stadium, Udhampur.

The event continues to promote fitness, teamwork and a drug-free lifestyle under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan.

In the first match, Young Education Club triumphed over Revenue Young Club in a thrilling encounter. The Education Club, after winning the toss, elected to bat first and posted a competitive total of 177 runs. Parshotam Singh played a fine innings of 62 runs, while Ashtam Malik contributed a solid 77 runs. Sushil Dogra added 6 runs, and Deepak remained unbeaten. For Revenue Young Club, Paevez and Gulzar took one wicket each.

Chasing the target, Revenue Young Club managed 102 runs, with Azam top-scoring with 42 runs. The Education Club bowlers delivered an outstanding performance. Sanjeev took five wickets, while Mohinder, Parshotam, Pawandeep and Rajeev claimed one wicket each leading Education Club to a convincing 75-run victory.

While speaking on the occasion, the chief guest Additional Deputy Commissioner Prem Singh appreciated the efforts of DYSSO Udhampur and the IRP 24th Battalion for organizing such constructive events under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan. He lauded the initiative for fostering discipline, teamwork and community spirit among participants.

In the second match, the Youth Services & Sports Team defeated the Doctors Association in another engaging contest. The YSS, after winning the toss, elected to bat first and scored 108 runs.

In response, the Doctors Association was bowled out for 73 runs. Jatin starred with the ball, taking 4 wickets, while Karun claimed 2 wickets and Ankush, Deepak and Kapil took one wicket each, securing a comfortable victory for YSS.

The match was graced by Mohd Aslam Choudhary, IPS, SSP IRP 24th Battalion, along with Mohd Iftikhar Choudhary, Addl. SP and Romesh Chander Mishra, DYSSO Udhampur as the Chief Guests.

They interacted with the players and appreciated their enthusiasm, discipline, and the positive impact of the tournament in promoting sports culture and social awareness.

Special recognition was accorded to Jatin Sethi, Nodal Officer and organising secretary of the tournament, for his exemplary dedication, effective coordination and outstanding management in ensuring the smooth conduct of the event. His commitment and leadership have been instrumental in the success of the Civic Action Programme 2025 and in spreading the message of fitness, teamwork and a Nasha Mukt Bharat.

Officials present on the occasion included Sanjay Kotwal, Naveen Sharma, Vinod Khajuria, Rajesh Sharma, Rakesh Khajuria, Sourabh Pandit and Pankaj Bhardwaj.

MP Ghulam Ali Khatana visits Gujjar, Bakerwal Boys Hostel Doda

VONS

DODA, OCTOBER 13: Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) Ghulam Ali Khatana today visited Gujjar and Bakerwal Boys Hostel Doda to review the facilities and interact with the students and staff.

He was accompanied by the District Development Council Chairman Dhananter Singh Kotwal and other officials.

The MP was accorded a warm welcome by the hostel warden, staff members and tribal students.

During his visit, MP Khatana held a detailed interaction session with the students, listening to their experiences, academic aspirations and challenges faced in day-to-day hostel life. The students and staff members shared several concerns and developmental requirements, particularly the shortage of teaching staff, lack of computer facilities and the need for improvement in basic infrastructure such as classrooms, study materials and recreational resources.

Ghulam Ali Khatana appreciated the efforts of the students for pursuing education with dedication despite challenges. He emphasized the importance of education as the most powerful tool for empowerment and upliftment of the Gujjar and Bakerwal community adding that the Government is committed to ensuring inclusive growth and equitable opportunities for all tribal youth.

MP Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Ali Khatana assured the students and staff that their genuine demands and developmental needs will be taken up on priority with the concerned departments.