Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, May 12: Non-Gazetted employees of Government Medical College (GMC) Kathua on Tuesday staged a peaceful protest demanding the immediate finalization and notification of long-pending Recruitment and Service Rules for subordinate staff working in the newly established Government Medical Colleges (GMC) across Jammu and Kashmir.
The protesting employees expressed serious concern over the continued delay in framing service rules for Non-Gazetted and Class-IV employees, stating that despite the establishment of new Government Medical Colleges nearly six years ago, the rules governing their recruitment, promotions, seniority, and service conditions are yet to be officially notified.
Employees said that although the Health and Medical Education Department had issued draft Recruitment and Service Rules in August 2025, the final notification has remained pending, creating uncertainty among thousands of employees working in these institutions. They added that around 300 Non-Gazetted employees are serving in each of the five newly established Government Medical Colleges, affecting nearly 1,500 employees across the Union Territory.
The employees highlighted that the absence of finalized rules has resulted in delays in promotions, seniority fixation, rectification of pay anomalies, and career progression. They said the prolonged uncertainty has negatively impacted employee morale and service security, despite staff continuing to perform essential healthcare and administrative duties with dedication. They further stated that several important administrative matters remain unresolved due to the non-finalization of service rules, including parity with employees of Government Medical College Jammu and Government Medical College Srinagar. The delay, they said, has also affected fresh recruitment through Jammu and Kashmir Services Selection Board, impacting employment opportunities for educated youth and the efficient functioning of healthcare institutions.
Appealing to Lt. Governor, Manoj Sinha, the employees urged immediate intervention to ensure that the Recruitment and Service Rules are finalized and notified without further delay. They expressed hope that the administration would address their genuine concerns in a fair and time-bound manner.
The employees said protest aimed solely at seeking justice and safeguarding the legitimate service rights of the Non-Gazetted staff working in the newly established Government Medical Colleges of Jammu and Kashmir.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: An awareness lecture session on “Implementation of POSH Act, 2013 and UGC Regulations, 2015 in Colleges and Universities” was today organized at GGM Science College, Jammu by the Sexual Harassment Probe Committee, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Jammu Wing, in collaboration with the Apex Body of SPARSH (Sensitization, Prevention and Redressal of Sexual Harassment), Cluster University of Jammu.
The program was organized under the leadership of Justice Sindhu Sharma, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Chairperson of the Sexual Harassment Probe Committee, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Jammu Wing and patronage of Prof. K.S. Chandrasekar, Vice Chancellor, Cluster University of Jammu, with the objective of creating awareness regarding the statutory framework governing prevention, prohibition and redressal of sexual harassment at workplaces and educational institutions.
The event witnessed participation from faculty members, administrative officers, members of Internal Committees, research scholars, students and representatives from various constituent colleges of the University.
Registrar, Cluster University of Jammu, Ankur Mahajan graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.
In her address, the Registrar CUJ highlighted the significance of establishing a safe, secure and gender-sensitive academic environment in educational institutions. She emphasized that implementation of the provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, commonly known as the POSH Act, along with strict adherence to UGC Regulations, 2015, is imperative to ensure dignity, equality and protection of women at workplaces and educational campuses.
The programme was presided over and coordinated by Dr. Vandana Khajuria, Chairperson, Apex Body of SPARSH, Cluster University of Jammu, who welcomed the dignitaries and participants. In her welcome address, she underscored the need for continuous sensitisation programmes to cultivate awareness regarding rights, duties and legal safeguards available under the POSH framework. She stated that such programmes play a vital role in promoting an atmosphere of mutual respect, inclusivity and accountability within educational institutions.
The keynote lecture was delivered by Sonia Gupta, Special Judge, Anti Corruption, Jammu, who participated as the Resource Person. During the deliberations, the Resource Person elaborately discussed the objectives and salient features of the POSH Act, 2013, including the constitution and functioning of Internal Committees, procedural safeguards, timelines for inquiry, confidentiality requirements and responsibilities of institutions in ensuring compliance with statutory mandates. The speaker also highlighted various judicial pronouncements and practical challenges faced in implementation of the law.

Excelsior Correspondent
KATHUA, May 12: Member Legislative Assembly, Kathua, Dr. Bharat Bhushan today reviewed the status of ongoing and proposed development works in Kathua constituency during a meeting with officers of the PWD Department at the DC Office Complex, here.
During the meeting, the MLA sought detailed updates regarding various infrastructure projects being executed in different wards and rural areas of the constituency. He emphasized the need for timely completion of works related to roads, lanes, drains, culverts and other public utility projects so that people may receive the benefits without delay.
Dr. Bharat Bhushan directed the concerned officers to maintain quality standards in all developmental works and ensure transparency in execution. He stressed that public welfare remains the top priority and every effort should be made to accelerate developmental activities across the constituency.
The MLA also reviewed the progress of ongoing works and discussed new proposals aimed at improving civic amenities and strengthening infrastructure in Kathua. He instructed the Department to address pending issues on priority and maintain close coordination with local representatives and residents.
Officers of the PWD briefed the MLA about the present status of works and assured that all projects would be completed within the stipulated timeframe.
The Executive Engineer, Public Works Department Kathua, Rohit Gupta and officials of the Department were present in the meeting. Later MLA along with Executive Engineer PWD visited city area near Moonlight Cineplex where drain is choked and posing serious health hazard.
MLA assured shopkeepers that the issue will be resolved soon.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: A 23-year-old youth was found hanging under suspicious circumstances inside a hotel at Hari Market area of Jammu city today.
The deceased was identified as Riyaz Ahmad, son of Mohammad Ramzan, a resident of Doda.
Officials said the youth had checked into Sumit Hotel early in the morning. However, when he did not respond at the time of checkout despite repeated knocks on the door, the hotel staff opened the room and found him hanging from a ceiling fan.
Officials said police were immediately informed and accordingly, a team arrived at the crime scene to shift the body to Government Medical College Jammu for medico-legal formalities.
Preliminary investigation revealed that the deceased worked at a bakery shop in the RS Pura area and was reportedly under stress due to loans and investments in online gaming apps.
Police have, however, initiated inquest proceedings to ascertain the exact circumstances behind the incident.

‘Hold probe into NEET paper leak scam’

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, May 12: District Congress Committee Jammu Urban held a meeting regarding the ongoing “Sangathan Srijan Abhiyaan (SSA)– Phase 2” at Congress office here today.
The meeting was held under the leadership of DCC president Jammu Urban, Yogesh Sawhney and presided over by working president Raman Bhalla. It was attended by senior party leaders Mula Ram, Gurbachan Kumari Rana, Abdul Majid Wani, Ved Mahajan and many others. Detailed discussions were held regarding strengthening the organisation at booth, ward and block level during the meeting.
Later, addressing the media-persons, Bhalla said that strengthening the organisation at the grassroots level is the need of the hour and every Congress worker must actively participate in the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyaan with dedication and discipline. He said various organisational activities are being carried out under the campaign.
He stated that booth and ward-level workers are the backbone of the organisation and therefore the party leadership is committed to empowering active workers at every level. He said Congress has always stood with the people and raised issues concerning common citizens, and a stronger organisational structure will further enhance the party’s ability to effectively highlight public concerns and remain connected with the masses. He said strengthening the organisation requires continuous public outreach, regular interaction with people and strong coordination among party workers at all levels. Click here to watch video
Mula Ram said that the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyaan is an important initiative aimed at energizing the cadre and strengthening coordination between party workers and leadership across Jammu. He stated that Congress believes in collective leadership and democratic functioning, and therefore, workers from every section and locality are being encouraged to actively participate in organisational activities. He said that strengthening booth, mandal and block committees will help the party expand its reach to every household.
Sawhney said that the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyaan is not merely a routine organisational programme but a serious and determined effort to rebuild and strengthen the Congress party from the grassroots level. He said Congress is committed to empowering workers who have continuously remained connected with the people.
The leaders present on the occasion reiterated their commitment towards strengthening the Congress party at every level and appealed to all workers to actively participate in the Sangathan Srijan Abhiyaan.
Meanwhile, terming the NEET paper leak  as a very serious issue as over  22 lakh candidates and their parents have suffered, Congress has demanded a Supreme Court monitored investigation to expose the deep nexus, which has become a phenomena under BJP regime.
Describing it a serious blot on the BJP regime as over 89 such incidents have taken place in 10 years and 48 times re- examinations have taken place, JKPCC has termed it a big failure of the Government to check papers leak which has become a money minting machine and biggest scam.
In a joint statement senior PCC leaders- Raman Bhalla, Mula Ram,  Yogesh Sawhney, Abdul Majid Wani, Ved Mahajan, T S Bajwa, Th Balbir Singh, Ravinder Sharma, Naresh Gupta and others demanded an Apex Court monitored investigation to expose the high level scam in the country.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: MLA Jammu East, Yudhvir Sethi on Tuesday conducted an extensive visit to Goyal Lane, Lajpat Nagar and Lakhdatta Bazaar in Jammu East constituency to inspect the ongoing development works being executed in the area.
Officials of UEED and Jammu Municipal Corporation (JMC) accompanied him during the inspection visit.
During the tour, Yudhvir Sethi reviewed various developmental works presently under construction, including upgradation of lanes, drains and civic infrastructure aimed at improving public facilities and ensuring better living conditions for residents.
He also took stock of the pace and quality of the ongoing projects and directed the concerned officials to ensure timely completion of all works without compromising quality.
Interacting with local residents and shopkeepers, Sethi listened to their grievances and suggestions regarding civic amenities and developmental requirements in the area.
Residents highlighted issues related to drainage, sanitation, and other local concerns. The MLA assured the public that all genuine issues would be addressed on priority and necessary directions would be issued to the concerned departments.
Speaking on the occasion, Yudhvir Sethi said that the development of every locality in Jammu East remains his top priority and continuous efforts are being made to strengthen civic infrastructure in both residential and commercial areas. He stated that better roads, proper drainage systems and improved public facilities are essential for enhancing the quality of life of the people.
He further said that regular field visits help in monitoring ongoing projects effectively and ensure that developmental works are completed according to public expectations.
Sethi emphasized that coordination between different departments is necessary for smooth implementation of projects and directed officials to maintain close communication with residents during execution of works.
The MLA also appreciated the cooperation of the public and urged residents to continue supporting developmental initiatives being undertaken in Jammu East Constituency.
He reiterated his commitment towards ensuring planned development and providing improved civic amenities to the people.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12:  Provincial president Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir National Conference said that the Government led by Omar Abdullah is fully committed to ensuring an inclusive and balanced development process across Jammu and Kashmir with special emphasis on the welfare, upliftment and empowerment of Scheduled Tribes (STs), Scheduled Castes (SCs) and other weaker and depressed sections of society.
Addressing the ST functionaries of Block Mathwar in Nagrota Assembly Constituency at party office Jammu today, Gupta said the NC-led Govt firmly believes that real progress can only be achieved when the fruits of development reach the poorest, marginalized and socially neglected sections. Social justice, equal opportunities and economic empowerment remain the core pillars of the present Government’s policy and governance framework.
Gupta said NC Govt is making sincere efforts to strengthen education, healthcare, employment opportunities, housing facilities, road connectivity, drinking water supply and social welfare schemes in far-flung tribal and backward areas. Special attention is being paid to Gujjar, Bakerwal, SC and other underprivileged communities who have suffered due to decades of neglect and discrimination.
The Government is also committed to ensuring proper implementation of reservation laws, scholarship schemes, skill development programmes and financial assistance initiatives for youth, students, women and economically weaker families belonging to ST, SC and backward classes. Efforts are being intensified to improve representation of these communities in administration, education and employment sectors.
The National Conference has always stood for secularism, equality and dignity of every citizen irrespective of caste, creed or region. Unlike divisive forces that exploit weaker sections merely for electoral gains, the Omar Government is working with sincerity and commitment to provide justice and equitable development to all sections of society, Gupta added.
Sheikh Bashir Ahmad, Provincial secretary Jammu and Shamim Begum (Ex-DDC member) also spoke on the occasion.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: Director School Education Jammu Dr Naseem Javaid Chowdhary, today convened a meeting with designated members of private schools associations (both JKBOSE and CBSE) to deliberate upon the final draft which School Education Department is going to approve to ease the private schools of JKUT from different bottlenecks they face while obtaining recognition/ affiliation.
The Director told the members that to ensure transparency, efficiency and timely disposal of all files, School Education Department has already notified Inspection Checklist for the services related to the operating of Play School, grant of NOCs to CBSE/ ICSE schools and for the renewal of private schools (JKBOSE) vide notification No.: Edu/14/2026-13(E-7723811).
All the stakeholders will adhere to the final draft which the Government will publicize in accordance to the observations made by the high level committee on the basis of high meeting which was held on February 02, 2026 with the stakeholders and the representative of the Government, he added.
The Director School Education also emphasised for the adoption of uniform academic calendar which has been devised and circulated for all schools (Government / private / CBSE/ ICSE) of Jammu Division vide notification no. DSEJ/2026/22538-68 dated April 22, 2026 to ensure uniformity, consistency and coherence in academic process and in class room teachings.
Members present also highlighted their grievance with regard to alleged irresponsible and high headed attitude of the ministerial staff. They demanded an enquiry counter so that schools which have been established in the far flung areas can enquire the status of their files telephonically or through mail instead of frequent / regular visit to the department. Those who attended the meeting included Gurdev Kumar and Manisha (officers in the Directorate), Ajeet Sharma (CEO Jammu), Ajay Gupta, Aditya Gupta, Sukhvinder Singh, Sanjeev Luthra, Gourav Charak, Abhishek and others.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: The monthly meeting of the Ex-Policemen League District Jammu was held today under the chairmanship of S Karanjit Singh, president of the League.
The members observed a two-minute silence to pay homage to former DSP Thakur Pritam Singh Biloeria, who recently passed away, and remembered him as an honest and professional police officer.
During the meeting, several issues concerning retired police personnel were discussed, including discrepancies in pay and pension among pensioners of the same rank, particularly Inspectors.
The members urged the Director General of Police to take up the matter with the concerned authorities for early resolution, stating that many pensioners had passed away during prolonged litigation and repeated representations.
The meeting also demanded a special recruitment drive for children of retired police personnel and enhancement in medical allowance, citing rising treatment costs and health issues faced by many families.
The members further requested Police Headquarters to hold regular meetings with retired police personnel at zonal and district levels and stressed the need for increased police patrolling in uncovered areas to strengthen public-police relations.
A large number of retired police officers and veterans attended the meeting, which concluded with a vote of thanks to the Zonal and District Police Headquarters for providing logistical support, followed by a lunch programme.