Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: Directorate of Mission Vatsalya, Social Welfare Department, Jammu and Kashmir, today rolled out a comprehensive manual for village and block-level child welfare and protection committees to strengthen the community-based child protection mechanism across the Union Territory.
The Manual, aligned with the objectives of Mission Vatsalya, a flagship initiative of the Government of India aimed at supporting children in difficult circumstances, was unveiled by Nazim Zai Khan during a Dissemination Ceremony held in Jammu. The event was organized in collaboration with National Development Foundation (NDF), Central University of Jammu and UNICEF India.
Mission Vatsalya team, comprising DCPOs, CWCs and Programme Manager Vatsalya, with technical support from partner institutions, has developed the Manual.
Among those present were Prof Dr Sindhu Kapoor, Dr Shifa Khan, Abdul Raheem, Dr Nancy Mengi, Rajiv Kumar Khajuria, Arti Sharma, Vidhi Dubey, Nischint Pachnanda, Mohidin Dar and NDF Board Members Nilly Pachnanda, Shranya Gupta and Gauri Sahi.
Speaking on the occasion, Rajiv Kumar Khajuria outlined the framework of community-based child protection, while Dr Nancy Mengi sensitized participants on the provisions of the Manual. Abdul Raheem Mir and Prof Dr Sindhu Kapoor highlighted its importance, with Prof Kapoor assuring full support from SCERT J&K for its implementation.
Nazim Zai Khan commended partner institutions for their technical support and directed that the Manual be circulated to all District Magistrates and District Child Protection Officers. He stressed the need for District Child Protection Units to ensure capacity building, technical assistance and regular monitoring.
He emphasized that the Manual decentralizes child protection, enabling early identification, timely intervention, rehabilitation and reintegration of children. He also called for training of stakeholders across all 20 districts and revival of committees already constituted under Government orders to ensure effective implementation.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: Expressing serious concern over the `total neglect’ of the pending issues of the Industrial sector, Federation of Industries, Jammu (FOIJ) has said the JKUT Administration must take steps to restore confidence among the J&K entrepreneurs.
An emergency meeting of the FOIJ was held here today under the chairmanship of Virendra Jain, Chairman FOIJ. The meeting was attended by Co-Chairmen- Lalit Mahajan, Jatinder Aul and Gagan Jain along with secretary general Viraaj Malhotra and convenor Sanjay Langar, where threadbare discussions were held on multiple pressing issues confronting the Industrial sector of J&K.
The members expressed serious concern over the deteriorating condition of the existing Industry of J&K. The members were disturbed over unattended fiscal incentives and turnover incentives. The office bearers strongly demanded extension of SGST reimbursement under SRO 63 to existing units undertaking substantial expansion, change or modification of line of activity, diversification or addition of new manufacturing lines. The need for immediate rollout of working capital interest subvention and marketing support, was also emphasized to ease the prevailing liquidity crunch faced by Micro/Small Industry.
Deliberations were held on the adverse impact of the Inverted Tax structure on the working of existing units and the Federation sought urgent rationalization of the same.
Raising the issue of “Ease of Doing Business”, the members highlighted inordinate delays in setting up and running industrial units due to multiple NOC’s and stressed the urgent need for a time-bound `Single Window Clearance’ system.
The Federation further demanded removal of unnecessary riders on fiscal incentives which are hampering Industrial growth and strongly objected to the unwarranted demand of NOC’s from SICOP for change in constitution within the family, terming it against the very spirit of `Ease of Doing Business’.
The Federation resolved to submit a detailed memorandum to the Lt Governor, Chief Minister and Commissioner Secretary, Finance and Industries and Commerce for early redressal of these pending issues.
FOIJ also congratulated the newly elected team of office bearers of Birpur Industrial Association. The house expressed confidence that the new team will work actively for the welfare of Birpur Industrial units.
Prominent among those who attended included- SB Abrol, Tarun Singla, Ankur Jain, Jatin Sachdeva, Sharad Malhotra, Inderesh Badyal, Ajay Mahajan, Jatinder Singh and Rishikant Gupta.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: A public delegation led by Omkar Padha, District General Secretary BJP Samba called on Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, today.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: The Jammu and Kashmir Veterinary Doctors Association, Jammu, today organized a one-day technical conference at the Convention Centre on the theme “Veterinarians: Guardians of Food and Health.”
Minister for Agriculture Production, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Cooperative and Election Department, Javid Ahmad Dar was the chief guest on the occasion.
Addressing the gathering, the Minister lauded the indispensable role of veterinarians in safeguarding the animal and public health. He highlighted that veterinary professionals render critical services across diverse domains including field operations, farms, clinics, laboratories and aquaculture, thereby ensuring livestock well-being and strengthening food safety systems.
Emphasizing the sector’s economic significance, the Minister stated that healthy and productive livestock are key towards enhancing food production, increasing farmers’ income, generating employment and fostering sustainable economic growth. He underlined that a robust and well-equipped veterinary network is vital for strengthening the rural livelihoods and building resilience within the agricultural ecosystem.
Javid Dar further stated that under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, the Government is consistently formulating policies aimed at the growth and development of the rural economy, with a strong focus on the livestock sector.
The Minister assured that the issues and demands raised by various speakers during the conference would be addressed on a priority basis.
Earlier, the Minister inspected exhibition stalls set up at the venue and interacted with the veterinary doctors and other stakeholders, appreciating their contributions and innovations in the field.
The conference witnessed participation from veterinary experts, professionals and stakeholders, who deliberated on the emerging challenges and explored innovative solutions in the livestock sector, reaffirming the pivotal role of veterinarians as true guardians of food and health.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: The All India Institute of Medical Sciences Jammu organized second Temporal Bone Dissection Conference, at AIIMS Vijaypur, Jammu. .
The two-day academic event witnessed enthusiastic participation from delegates across the country. The conference was inaugurated by Prof D N Sharma, Executive Director and CEO, who emphasized the importance of skill-based academic initiatives in enhancing surgical expertise and improving patient care outcomes.
Prof Meeta Gupta, Dean Academics and Medical Superintendent (Additional Charge), highlighted the role of interdisciplinary collaboration and continuous medical education in strengthening healthcare delivery and institutional excellence.
The conference was conducted under the course directorship of Dr Darwin Kaushal, Additional Professor, Department of Otorhinolaryngology (ENT) and Head-Neck Surgery along with Dr Amardeep Singh, Associate Professor, who played a key role in organizing and executing the scientific program.
The workshop was jointly coordinated by the Departments of Otorhinolaryngology and Anatomy, with active academic leadership from Dr Shalika Sharma, Additional Professor, Department of Anatomy.
The scientific program featured expert lectures, live surgical demonstrations, and extensive cadaveric dissection sessions. Key areas covered included temporal bone anatomy, mastoid surgery, cochlear implant techniques, facial nerve anatomy, and other advanced otologic procedures. Eminent faculty from AIIMS Delhi, AIIMS Bilaspur, and GMC Jammu participated as invited experts.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Darwin Kaushal stated that the conference aimed to provide comprehensive exposure to temporal bone anatomy and advanced surgical approaches while strengthening academic collaborations among premier medical institutions across the country. The event saw active participation from faculty members, residents, and practicing ENT surgeons from across India.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: ‘Hymns and Harmony’, an international poetry movement for peace across Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh, culminated here today.
The event brought together fifty young voices reciting original sonnets, English ghazals and lyrical verses on the theme of peace.
Mentored by acclaimed author Geetika Kohli Amla, the founder of H & H, the students delivered evocative performances with the idea of harmony in the conflict-affected region.
The event was graced by Dr. Harvinder Kour, Secretary, J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, who emphasized the transformative power of poetry as a medium for dialogue, healing and unity.
Sunaina Mehta, HoD Revenue Training Institute, commended the initiative for its vision and impact, noting that such platforms are essential in cultivating empathy and resilience among the youth.
Distinguished guests present on the occasion were Rajesh Rathore, Director, British International School; Kunal Anand, Principal DPS Udhampur; Manjari Sehgal, Principal Stephens International Public School and Surinder Pathania, Springdales School.
Special invitees—Rajat Vohra and RJ Sarang Vaid also spoke on the occasion.
Geetika Kohli recited an English ghazal urging stakeholders across sectors to come together in a collective effort to foster lasting peace through creative engagement.
All participating students were awarded certificates in recognition of their excellence. Special honour was conferred upon young achievers Mrinmay Mehta, Pariyat Seth, Akshat Mengi, Anshika Gupta, Ajay Mahajan and Jiniya Gupta.
The guests also felicitated Anmol Amla, Director of Heritage Strings–School of Rock and an eminent musician for his significant contribution to music. The event was hosted by Pariyat Seth.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: The Department of Electronics and Communication Engineering (ECE) and the IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Society (AESS) Student Branch at Central University of Jammu have successfully executed Jammu & Kashmir’s first-ever Advanced Amateur Rocketry Workshop.
The historic two-day event culminated today in a spectacular live launch of 30 high-powered rockets from the main University Ground. Organized in partnership with Rocketeers, an official ISRO registered space tutor, the workshop brought aerospace engineering out of the textbooks and onto the launchpad.
Under an innovative “Open-Design” framework, 150 student engineers were empowered to conceptualize, simulate and build their own unique aerospace vehicles. The rigorous training included aerodynamics, avionics and a master class in solid composite propellant casting. The landmark event was held under the patronage of the Vice Chancellor, Central University of Jammu, Prof. Sanjeev Jain.
The program was spearheaded by Faculty Coordinators Prof Rakesh Kumar Jha (Head of the Department, ECE) and Dr Misbah Shafi (Assistant Professor, DoECE) “By providing our students with the opportunity to design, build, and launch their own rockets, we are bridging the critical gap between theoretical physics and real-world engineering,” said Prof Rakesh Kumar Jha.
The entire operation was driven by student leadership, coordinated by Bannur Preetham Reddy, Chair of the IEEE AESS Student Branch, alongside support from Balkrishn Mandal. Working alongside Rocketeers experts, the student teams utilized industry-standard software like Open Rocket to verify their designs before physical fabrication and flight testing.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 27: National Conference (NC) additional general secretary and former minister Ajay Kumar Sadhotra today said that the prevailing “dual control” in governance is harming the interests of Jammu and Kashmir by weakening accountability and delaying decision-making.
Addressing a public meeting at Garhi in Jammu North Assembly Constituency under the chairmanship of senior NC worker Dev Dass, Sadhotra criticized the BJP-led Central Government for the delay in restoring statehood, despite assurances made in Parliament and submissions before the Supreme Court of India. He also expressed concern over the delay in approving business rules.
Sadhotra alleged that the BJP has failed to meet the expectations of the people of Jammu, who had extended significant electoral support in 2024 in the hope of responsive governance and restoration of democratic structures. He said the people across regions are bearing the brunt of the present administrative arrangement.
Highlighting the initiatives of the Government led by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Sadhotra said efforts are underway to improve ease of living and address public concerns. He cited welfare measures such as enhancement of marriage assistance for poor girls from Rs 50,000 to Rs 75,000, 200 units of free electricity to AAY families and free bus travel for women.
He further said that the Government’s plan to fill 25,000 vacancies in departments would boost employment opportunities for educated youth and contribute to economic stability.
Sadhotra urged youth and economically weaker sections to take advantage of welfare schemes. He assured that local issues raised during the meeting, including the upgradation of a middle school and construction of a road to Shamshan Ghat Jung Wadi, would be taken up for early resolution.
Among those present were Ved Parkash, Sandeep Singh Manhas, Tilak Raj Bhagat, Veer ji Bhat, Surjit Singh, Yashpal Bhagat, Devi Das, Romesh Kumar, Jagdish Raj, Rashpal Chand, Rani, Pooja, Dr Romesh Sharma, Ram Lal, Sham Lal Gandhi, Pavinder Singh and Surjeet Singh.

‘Cong failed to give justice to women’

Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, Apr 27: Senior leaders of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launched a sharp attack on the Indian National Congress and the INDI Alliance during a massive “Nari Shakti Akrosh Rally” held here, today, where thousands of women gathered to voice concern over women’s rights and political representation.

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The rally was led by former Minister and BJP J&K UT vice president, Priya Sethi, who addressed the gathering and accused Congress of consistently neglecting women’s empowerment.
Hitting out strongly at Rahul Gandhi over his party’s stance on the Women’s Reservation Bill, Priya Sethi accusing the Congress leadership of attempting to delay and dilute a historic reform aimed at empowering women across the country.
She said that while the Narendra Modi Government has taken a decisive step to ensure greater political representation for women, the response from Congress reflects what they termed as a “pattern of obstruction and selective support.”
Priya Sethi asserted that the Women’s Reservation Bill is a landmark initiative designed to guarantee enhanced participation of women in legislative bodies, thereby strengthening democratic inclusivity.
Several prominent leaders, including MLAs Rajiv Jasrotia, Bharat Bhushan, and Vijay Kumar, also addressed the rally.
Updesh Andotra district president, Mahila Morcha State general secretary, Greta Bhagat,National Executive Member Sulekha’s and others too spoke on the occasion.
Rajiv Jasrotia said that the rally symbolized the collective voice of women demanding accountability and recognition of their rights. He highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, several initiatives have been introduced to uplift women, including measures focused on social justice, economic empowerment, and legal protection.
“The Women’s Reservation Bill is part of a broader vision to ensure that women have a stronger voice in decision-making processes at the national and State levels,” said MLA ,Dr Bharat Bhushan. He maintained that any hesitation or opposition to such a measure raises serious questions about the intent of political actors who claim to champion gender equality.
Vijay Kumar, MLA accused Congress of historically failing to pass the Women’s Reservation Bill despite having multiple opportunities when it was in power. He argued that the current criticism lacks credibility, as the party had not translated its promises into action during its tenure.
Updesh Andotra, district president BJP Kathua, also spoke on the occasion.