Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Apr 25: Reaffirming his focus on inclusive and grassroots-level development, BJP MLA from Jasrota constituency, Rajiv Jasrotia, today inaugurated five major development projects in block Dinga Amb, collectively worth Rs 193 lakh.
The projects are aimed at significantly strengthening rural connectivity, improving accessibility, and addressing long-pending infrastructure gaps in the region, said Jasrotia while addressing the function.
The inaugurated works include a vented causeway at Kadetar, Katli, constructed at a cost of Rs 20 lakh, which is expected to provide safe and uninterrupted passage during Monsoon conditions and seasonal water flow. Another key project is the link road to SC Mohalla Balote, developed at Rs 23 lakh, which will provide much-needed connectivity to the area’s residential cluster, ensuring smoother movement for residents, school-going children, and emergency services said Jasrotia.
He said to further strengthen the road network, the Katli link road has been completed at a cost of Rs 50 lakh, improving intra-village connectivity and linking important local habitations. The Magloor to Jambal Dode link road, built at Rs 30 lakh, is expected to significantly reduce travel time and improve access to nearby markets and administrative centres. The largest of the inaugurated works, the Dabhi Babittee link road costing Rs 70 lakh, will serve as a crucial connectivity corridor for multiple villages, enabling better transportation of agricultural produce and daily essentials, he added.
Jasrotia said a notable highlight of these projects is that several of the roads have been constructed for the first time since 1947, marking a historic development milestone for the region. For decades, residents of these areas had been demanding proper road connectivity, and the completion of these projects is being seen as a long-awaited fulfillment of those aspirations.
The improved road infrastructure is expected to bring transformative changes to the socio-economic landscape of the region. Easier access to healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and nearby markets will not only enhance the quality of life but also strengthen local livelihoods by facilitating smoother movement of goods and services, Jasrotia added.

Excelsior Correspondent
POONCH, Apr 25: BJP spokesperson and former Deputy Mayor, Purnima Sharma on Saturday launched a blistering and no-holds-barred attack on the Indian National Congress, accusing it of “historic betrayal” of women by repeatedly blocking the long-pending Women’s Reservation Bill.
Addressing a press conference in Poonch, Sharma said the nation especially women has seen through what she termed as Congress’s “decades-long deception,” warning that the party will face a massive political backlash from women across India. “The nation, especially women, will not spare Congress for betraying reservation. Nari Shakti will not forget how their rights were repeatedly sacrificed for political convenience,” she said in a sharp tone.
She alleged that whenever the opportunity arose to ensure 33% reservation for women in legislatures, Congress chose “vote-bank politics over women’s empowerment,” deliberately stalling the Bill under one excuse or another. “For decades, Congress pretended to champion women’s rights, but when it came to delivering justice, they failed miserably. Their hypocrisy now stands completely exposed,” Sharma asserted.
Taking a direct swipe at the party’s leadership, Sharma said that despite having powerful figures like Indira Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi, Congress could never muster the political will to pass the Bill.
“Their legacy is not empowerment, but denial. They had the numbers, they had the power, yet they chose to betray the women of India,” she said.
Sharma further accused Congress of following a consistent pattern of obstruction, stating that even in recent Parliamentary developments, the party once again put political calculations ahead of genuine reform. “Earlier they hid behind coalition compulsions, today they hide behind technicalities. This is not inability, it is deliberate sabotage,” she charged.
Highlighting the BJP-led Government’s move to pass the women’s reservation law in 2023, Sharma termed it a “historic correction of decades of injustice,” crediting Prime Minister, Narendra Modi for demonstrating “real intent and decisive leadership.” “It is the BJP that has turned promises into policy. While Congress talked, Modi delivered,” she said.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 25: Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar, today extended greetings on the occasion of World Veterinary Day, acknowledging the unwavering dedication and vital contribution of veterinary professionals towards the farmers and the livestock sector.
Highlighting this year’s theme, “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health”, the Minister emphasized that veterinarians play a pivotal role in ensuring safe and sustainable food systems while safeguarding the public health.
He said their expertise and commitment are indispensable in strengthening the rural livelihoods and enhancing agricultural resilience.
The Minister stated that sustained efforts are being made to improve the animal health services, strengthen disease control mechanisms and promote breed improvement programmes in Jammu and Kashmir. He added that significant strides are also being taken towards expansion of dairy, sheep rearing, poultry and fisheries sectors, which are steadily contributing to the overall growth and transformation of the livestock economy.
Reaffirming the Government’s commitment, the Minister said that focused interventions and farmer-centric policies will continue to boost the productivity, ensure better market linkages and uplift the socio-economic conditions of people associated with the livestock sector.
He also lauded the relentless service of veterinary professionals working across the Union Territory. He encouraged them to continue their efforts in building a healthier and more sustainable future.

Excelsior Correspondent
REASI, Apr 25: Deputy Commissioner Reasi Kumar Abhishek today chaired a series of meetings to review the implementation and progress of schemes of the Department of Archives, Archaeology & Museums and service delivery under the Public Services Guarantee Act.
During a meeting with officials of the Archives, Archaeology & Museums Department, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed ongoing heritage conservation and restoration works. Discussions focused on the repair and renovation of key sites at Bhim Garh Fort and the Dera Baba Shrine, along with other restoration initiatives. Emphasis was laid on preserving historical significance while ensuring structural integrity.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned officers to undertake beautification measures and install appropriate lighting at Bhim Garh Fort to enhance its aesthetics. He also stressed the need for expeditious execution of works while maintaining high-quality standards to effectively preserve and promote the district’s cultural heritage.
Later, the Deputy Commissioner chaired a meeting with Revenue officials to review the delivery of services under the PSGA, with focus on pendency. He conducted tehsil-wise assessment of pending applications across various services and examined the reasons for delays. Emphasizing accountability, he reiterated that all notified public services must be delivered within the timelines stipulated under the Act.
In another meeting, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the progress of the ongoing 100-day Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan with officials of stakeholder departments.
Additional District Development Commissioner Sukhdev Singh Samyal ; Additional Deputy Commissioner Rakesh Kumar ; Assistant Commissioner Revenue Nitin Verma; Chief Medical Officer; Tehsildar and other concerned officers were present at the meeting, while SDMs and BDOs participated virtually.

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Apr 25: The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Mahila Morcha today staged an ‘Akrosh Rally’, accusing the opposition, particularly the Congress, of obstructing women’s political empowerment and preventing them from becoming lawmakers and policymakers.
Speaking to reporters, BJP Mahila Morcha State secretary Ruchika Sharma alleged that women have long been denied adequate representation in Parliament and state legislatures, claiming that the opposition does not want women to assume decision-making roles.

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“This rally reflects the anger of women who aspired to enter legislature but have seen their dreams shattered,” Sharma said.
She said that despite women constituting nearly 50 percent of the country’s population, their participation in governance remains limited.
“We talk about a modern India, but that cannot be achieved without equal representation of women. How can the country progress by leaving one gender behind?”
She accused the Congress of delaying the passage of the women’s reservation bill despite what they described as a “30-year-long struggle” for its implementation, alleging that the opposition blocked efforts to fast-track the reservation process. Criticising past Governments, the women leaders of the party claimed that little was done for women’s welfare before 2014.
The Mahila Morcha also alleged that the opposition is reluctant to politically empower women as it fears losing control.
They further claimed that during a special session convened to discuss women’s reservation, the opposition failed to support the bill.

Excelsior Correspondent
UDHAMPUR, Apr 25: In a significant initiative for the welfare of police personnel, IRP 24th Battalion organised a special session on stress management and mental health for jawans at Sui, Udhampur.
The event aimed at spreading awareness about the harmful effects of substance abuse, the importance of emotional well-being, and the need to adopt a healthy and disciplined lifestyle.
The event was presided over by Sandeep Mehta, Commandant, IRP 24th Battalion, and was attended by Deputy Commandant Nihar Ranjan, Company Commanders, officers and other police personnel of the battalion.
Dr Anil Bhatija, a senior medical professional presently serving as Additional Dean, Professor and Head at GMERS Medical College, Patan, Gujarat, delivered an address on stress management, mental health and healthy living. He highlighted how proper mental balance, self-discipline and awareness can help jawans lead healthier lives and perform their duties more effectively. He also shared insights on the importance of inner strength and value-based living in dealing with daily stress and challenges.
B K Yashpal Bhai from Brahma Kumaris Headquarters, Shantivan, Mount Abu, addressed the gathering on positive living and the collective responsibility of building a drug-free society. He also administered a pledge in support of the Nasha Mukt Abhiyan.
B K Madhvi Mathur, educator, Associate NCC Second Officer and motivational speaker, conducted a meditation session and shared practical inputs on emotional balance, positive thinking and mental clarity. The meditation exercise was actively participated in by the jawans and officers, who found it useful as a simple and effective tool for stress relief and inner calm.
Speaking on the occasion, Sandeep Mehta said that such programmes are important not only for the personal well-being of jawans but also for strengthening the overall discipline, morale and social responsibility of the force. He emphasized that a healthy and aware police force contributes directly to the welfare of society and the nation.
The programme concluded with a vote of thanks by DSP Sumit Bhagat.