‘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.

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 12: As part of the ongoing Nasha Mukt Abhiyan under the guidance of Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, the Jammu and Kashmir Private Schools Association (JKPSA) organized a rally in Jammu to spread awareness against drug abuse and encourage youth to adopt a healthy lifestyle.
Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Rakesh Minhas and Chief Education Officer (CEO) Jammu, Ajeet Sharma inaugurated the event with a pledge to promote awareness, inspire positive change and work collectively towards making society drug-free.
The rally was flagged off by Rakesh Minhas, who lauded the efforts of students and assured participants that the administration would continue extending full support in the fight against drug abuse. He emphasized the importance of engaging in healthy and constructive activities such as exercise, skill development, sports, meditation and yoga. He urged students to actively participate in extracurricular activities so that young minds are guided in a positive direction and empowered to lead successful lives.
Speaking on the occasion, CEO Ajeet Sharma said the rally sent a strong message that civil society, educational institutions, youth and the administration must work together to make Jammu drug-free. Click here to watch video
Hundreds of students and teachers from different schools participated in the awareness rally, raising slogans to educate the local public about the 100-day anti-drug campaign initiated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Chairman of JKPSA, Kamal Gupta, also addressed the gathering and stressed that all members of civil society and the administration should join hands to effectively combat the menace of drugs.
Earlier, the programme commenced with Senior Vice President of the Association, Deepak Handa, welcoming the DC Jammu along with CEO Jammu. He also appreciated the participating schools,
The event witnessed the presence of several prominent school chairpersons and principals, including Veena Handa of Tiny Tots School, Easter William of Alexander Memorial School, Vanita Makin of Bright Blossom School, Sanjeev Luthra of Luthra Academy, Nutan Restura of Modern Academy, Bindiya Samyal of KNIT Green Model School, Waseem Kohli of B N HSS and Neeru Puri of S D Tara Puri School.
The vote of thanks was presented by District President Jammu, Lal Chand Gandotra.