Policy interventions aim to strengthen marginal growers and achieve self-reliance in natural rubber – Executive Director, Rubber Board

Kottayam (Kerala), Feb 03: On the second day of the ongoing press tour organised by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), Srinagar, the press delegation from Srinagar, J&K visited the National Institute for Rubber Training (NIRT) and the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII) at Kottayam, Kerala. Both institutions function under the aegis of the Rubber Board, a statutory body constituted under the Rubber Act, 1947, for the overall development of the rubber industry in India and functioning under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India.

The delegation held an interactive session at NIRT with Shri M. Vasanthagesan, IRS, Executive Director, Rubber Board, and Ms. Priya Varma, Director (Training), NIRT. The interaction provided an in-depth understanding of policy initiatives and developmental interventions undertaken by the Rubber Board to strengthen India’s rubber sector.

Addressing the media delegation, Shri M. Vasanthagesan, IRS, outlined the mandate and functioning of the Rubber Board, stating that the Board is implementing key policy interventions of the Government of India aimed at tapping the potential of the predominantly small and marginal rubber-growing sector. He said that sustained efforts are being made to achieve self-sufficiency in natural rubber production while ensuring long-term sustainability.

The Government of India is focusing on sustainable natural rubber production through scientific interventions, policy support and traceability mechanisms. The Bharath Sustainable Natural Rubber (BSNR) platform has been launched to ensure legality and traceability across the rubber value chain, Shri Vasanthagesan said.

He explained the processes of latex extraction and elaborated on various forms of rubber, including latex-based products and dry rubber-based goods, noting that a major share of domestic rubber production is consumed by the tyre industry. He also informed that the Rubber Board is exploring diversification through alternate varieties and has recently signed an MoU with the Himalayan Forest Research Institute to initiate experimental trials at feasible locations across different agro-climatic zones.

Subsequently, the press delegation visited the Rubber Research Institute of India (RRII). The delegation interacted with senior scientists including Dr. C. Narayanan, Senior Scientist and Officer-in-Charge, Germplasm Division; Dr. Kala, Officer-in-Charge, Biotechnology Division; Dr. Bindu Roy, Senior Scientist, Pathology Division; and Mr. Madhusoodhanan, Officer-in-Charge, Rubber Technology Division.

The scientists briefed the delegation on RRII’s role in enhancing productivity and quality through scientific breeding programmes, biotechnology interventions and disease management strategies. The delegation was given a practical demonstration of rubber tapping techniques.

The team also visited the International Hevea Clone Museum at RRII, which serves as a repository of advanced genetic resources. It was informed that India is a signatory to international clone exchange programme. The research done at the institute plays a crucial role in developing high-yielding and disease-resistant rubber clones. RRII’s efforts in transforming research ideas into commercially viable technologies for the benefit of farmers and industry were also highlighted.

The press tour to Kerala led by Shri Majid Pandit, Media & Communication Officer, PIB Srinagar is part of media outreach programme, aimed at providing journalists from Srinagar firsthand exposure to key Central Government institutions, research ecosystems and national development initiatives.

₹1,086 Cr Annual Rail Budget Powers ₹522 Cr Projects, ₹293 Cr Station Revamp in J&K

FIRDOUS AHMAD

SRINAGAR, Feb 3: Jammu and Kashmir’s railway sector is witnessing a decisive transformation, marked by higher budgetary support, accelerated infrastructure works, and improved passenger connectivity—signaling a clear departure from the modest allocations and slow progress of the past.

A comparison of historic budget allocations itself tells a compelling story. During the 2009–14 period, the annual average railway budget allocation for Jammu and Kashmir stood at ₹1,044 crore. In contrast, the allocation for 2026–27 has risen to ₹1,086 crore annually. While the numerical increase may appear incremental, the real shift lies in how efficiently and strategically these funds are being deployed on the ground, translating into visible assets and long-term economic value for the region.

Infrastructure Push Gains Momentum

One of the most notable developments is the scale of infrastructure works currently underway. Railway projects worth ₹522 crore are under active execution across Jammu and Kashmir. These works span critical areas such as new track creation, station redevelopment, and comprehensive safety enhancements—components that were long pending or delayed in earlier decades due to difficult terrain, funding constraints, and execution bottlenecks.

This sustained investment is not merely about expanding rail lines; it is about creating a robust transport backbone capable of supporting economic growth, tourism, trade, and regional integration.

Amrit Station Scheme: Modern Stations for a Modern Economy

Under the ambitious Amrit Station Scheme, four key railway stations in Jammu and Kashmir have been identified for complete redevelopment, with an investment of ₹293 crore earmarked for station modernisation alone. These redeveloped stations are expected to offer world-class passenger amenities, improved accessibility, and enhanced commercial spaces.

For a region aspiring to boost tourism and business travel, modern railway stations serve as critical gateways, shaping first impressions and improving overall travel efficiency.

Better Connectivity Through Premium Services

Connectivity has also entered a new phase with the expansion of premium train services. At present, five pairs of Vande Bharat Express services are operational, significantly reducing travel time and offering passengers a faster, safer, and more comfortable travel option.

The introduction of such high-speed, semi-modern trains in Jammu and Kashmir underlines a broader policy shift—from merely providing connectivity to ensuring quality connectivity that meets national standards.

Network Expansion and 100% Electrification: A Historic Milestone

Perhaps the most transformative achievement is the rapid expansion and electrification of the railway network. Since 2014, approximately 150 kilometres of new railway tracks have been constructed in the Union Territory—a remarkable feat given the region’s challenging geography.

Even more significant is the achievement of 100% electrification of railway lines in Jammu and Kashmir. Around 407 kilometres of rail lines have been electrified since 2014, aligning the region with India’s broader goal of cleaner, more energy-efficient rail transport. Electrification not only reduces operating costs but also lowers carbon emissions and enhances reliability during harsh weather conditions.

Complementing this expansion, six flyovers and underpasses have been constructed, improving safety, reducing congestion, and ensuring smoother movement of both trains and road traffic.

A Clear Break from the Past

Taken together, these developments reflect a clear shift from earlier periods when budgetary allocations often failed to translate into timely execution. Today, Jammu and Kashmir’s railway sector stands as a key pillar of economic integration, infrastructure resilience, and future-ready development.

With consistent funding, modernisation initiatives, and a focus on execution, the railways are no longer just a transport service in Jammu and Kashmir—they are emerging as a catalyst for economic growth, employment generation, and regional stability.

New Delhi: PM Surya Ghar: Muft Bijli Yojana (PMSG: MBY) is a demand driven scheme wherein all residential consumers in the country having grid connected electricity connection of the local DISCOM can avail the benefits of the scheme, for installation of rooftop solar (RTS) systems, by applying on the National Portal of the scheme.

Since the launch of the scheme in February, 2024, a total of 20,85,514 RTS systems have been installed across the country, benefitting 26,14,446 households with disbursement of Rs 14,771.82 crore as Central Financial Assistance (CFA) till December 2025. The state/UT-wise detail of progress made under the scheme, in the order of number of RTS systems installed, is given in Annexure.

Under the PMSG: MBY, it has been estimated that RTS installation in 1 crore households may produce renewable electricity of 1,000 billion units, which may result in reduction of 720 million ton of CO₂ eq emission during the 25 years of lifetime of the RTS systems

NEW DELHI, Feb 03: The Central Government has put on hold the expansion of railway lines in the Kashmir Valley, prioritizing local stakeholder consultations and environmental safeguards, official sources said on Tuesday.

Sources told that the planned construction of additional lines along the Baramulla-Srinagar corridor, have been suspended. The decision comes after the Jammu and Kashmir administration and local public representatives expressed strong reservations about the proposals.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the government is committed to cooperative federalism and sustainable development. “The state government and local MPs clearly communicated their concerns. In deference to their position and in the spirit of collaborative development, these projects have been put on hold,” Vaishnaw said.

The suspension extends to at least three other projects where preliminary surveys had begun. The Minister highlighted that initial assessments flagged significant environmental risks, particularly to the region’s vital horticulture sector.

“Preliminary surveys indicated a potential risk to apple orchards, which are a cornerstone of the local economy,” Vaishnaw stated. He confirmed that these ventures have been suspended indefinitely pending further review, sources added. (KNS)

Srinagar, Feb 2, KDC: Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to visit Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir on Thursday, February 5, for a high-level security review meeting, sources told on Monday.

According to the sources, the ‘tentative’ schedule for Shah’s visit has been circulated among security agencies, with the Home Minister expected to arrive in Jammu and Kashmir on February 5. His main engagement during the visit would be to chair a comprehensive security meeting involving senior officials of the Jammu & Kashmir administration, the Indian Army, Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs), intelligence agencies, and the police.

Officials familiar with the programme said the meeting aims to assess the current security situation, review counter-insurgency operations, and fine-tune strategies to further strengthen law and order across the Union Territory. The discussions are also likely to cover the ongoing efforts to curb cross-border infiltration and address emerging internal security challenges.

While the full itinerary of the Home Minister’s visit, including meetings with local civil and political leadership is yet to be officially confirmed, sources told KDC that logistical and security arrangements are being finalised in both Jammu and Srinagar. If confirmed, the February 5 engagement will mark one of the first major in-field security reviews by the Home Minister in early 2026. (KDC)

Srinagar, Feb 2: In a significant stride toward strengthening the entrepreneurial landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, SKUAST-K, in collaboration with the Institute Incubation & Innovation Council (I3C) at IIT Jammu, launched a week-long Capacity Building Program today.

The initiative is being held under the JKCIP framework and is specifically tailored for the capacity building of incubation staff, including scientists and officials from SKUAST-K. Centred on the core themes of incubation, innovation, and entrepreneurship, the program aims to equip participants with the essential skills required to cultivate a thriving and innovative ecosystem across the Union Territory.

Prof Arvind, Chief Innovation Officer at I3C, inaugurated the event by outlining a comprehensive structure that features interactive sessions, workshops, and hands-on training. The curriculum focuses on advanced incubation strategies and innovative problem-solving, with a particular emphasis on merging agriculture with modern technology. During his address, Prof Arvind introduced the SKUAST-K delegates to the IIT Jammu Innovation Council, highlighting its pivotal role in nurturing startups and commercializing academic research. He emphasized that through JKCIP, the institutions are laying the vital groundwork for transformative enterprises that will eventually drive regional self-reliance and robust economic growth.

The program is currently being hosted at IIT Jammu’s cutting-edge facilities, where twenty selected scientists and officials are participating in the intensive training. This collaboration between SKUAST-K and IIT Jammu promises to forge lasting agri-tech partnerships, marking a bold and strategic step forward for the future of J&K’s entrepreneurial and industrial development.