Sopore , Mar 24: A seminar on “Millets for Health and a Sustainable Planet” alongside a scientific model exhibition on various themes was organized at Boys High School Tujjar Sharief Zone Dangerpora in North Kashmir’s Baramulla district.

The seminar was graced by the presence of Zonal Education Officer (ZEO) Dangerpora, Mohd Akbar Wani, along with science teachers from different schools of the region — Shahmeema Begum, the Head of High School Tujar, and Co-ordinator Syed Rashid led the event with the support of the zonal education team.

The highlight of the event was the model exhibition, where students showcased their innovative projects addressing contemporary issues.

Following a thorough evaluation, the prototypes, including, Resource Management Model by Higher Secondary School Bomai, Hi-Tech Agriculture Model under resource management themes by High Field Scientific School Dangerpora, Road Snow Melting for Transport and Communication by Higher Secondary School Dangerpora, Natural Farming Model by Government Higher Secondary School Bomai and Computational Thinking Prototype by High Field Scientific School Dangerpora were selected for the district-level competition.

The event, which brought students, educators, and distinguished guests together to promote sustainable practices and scientific innovation, concluded with words of appreciation from the ZEO.

‘Rules out separate vegetable mandi’

Waris Fayaz

Srinagar, Mar 24 : The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday informed the House that it has facilitated the establishment of over 17 Food Processing Units (FPUs) in three years in Sopore while ruling out any plans for development of a separate vegetable mandi for Sopore.

Replying to a query raised by MLA Irshad Rasool Kar, the government , clarified that no such proposal is under consideration for separate vegetable mandi in Sopore, stating that the existing Fruit & Vegetable Mandi, spread over 473 Kanals, has sufficient capacity to accommodate vegetable trade.

“The Mandi has 15 auction platforms, with one currently under construction. In the financial year 2024-25, it recorded a trade volume worth Rs 1300 crore,” the response reads.

Minister Incharge of Agriculture Production, Rural Development & Panchayat Raj, Cooperative, and Election Departments also informed that the government established three food processing units under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), while the Pradhan Mantri Formulation of Micro Food Processing Enterprises (PMFME) scheme led to the establishment of 14 micro food processing units.

Additionally, the government said that it has established Apple Juice Plant with a capacity to crush 10,000 MT of apples annually, Corrugated Box Manufacturing Unit with a capacity to produce 65,000 MT of apple packaging material, Fruit and Vegetable Processing Centre at Doabgah, Sopore, Apple Product Processing Facilities at Doabgah under the Common Incubation Centre (CIC) and 40 MT Integrated Pack House with pre-cooling and cold room facilities for apples, also located in Doabgah—(KNO)

KD NEWS SERVICE

JAMMU, Mar 24: Amid growing concerns over rising unemployment in Jammu & Kashmir, the government on Monday expressed optimism, revealing a gradual decline in the unemployment rate across the Union Territory. Responding to a series of starred questions raised by MLA Gulmarg, Farooq Ahmad Shah, during the ongoing Assembly session, the government presented comprehensive data and highlighted the proactive measures undertaken to address the employment crisis.

Shah’s inquiry focused on whether unemployment levels in Jammu & Kashmir had reached alarming levels and sought clarity on the government’s future strategies to mitigate the challenge. The government’s response, presented by the concerned minister, cited data from the Economic Survey of Jammu & Kashmir 2025, which showed a decline in the unemployment rate for people aged 15 years and above—from 6.7% in 2019-20 to 6.1% in 2023-24. This downward trend was attributed to increased economic activity and the government’s targeted initiatives to boost job opportunities.

Positive Indicators of Labour Market Participation
Further supporting this positive outlook, the government highlighted an improvement in key labour market indicators. The Labour Force Participation Rate (LFPR) rose to 64.3% in 2023-24, while the Worker Population Ratio (WPR) increased to 60.4%, reflecting greater workforce engagement and participation across the region.

Recruitment Drive and Vacancy Updates

In response to Shah’s query about the government’s efforts to address unemployment, the minister detailed the ongoing recruitment drive. Over the past two years, 13,466 non-gazetted vacancies were referred to the Jammu & Kashmir Services Selection Board (JKSSB), resulting in 9,351 selections. Additionally, 2,390 gazetted vacancies were referred to the Jammu & Kashmir Public Service Commission (JKPSC), with 2,175 selections finalized.

A particular emphasis was placed on addressing Class-IV (MTS) vacancies, with 10,757 positions identified across various departments currently under review for further scrutiny. These efforts underscore the government’s focus on filling critical positions and reducing employment gaps, especially in lower-level administrative posts.

Department-Wise Vacancy Breakdown

The government provided a detailed breakdown of the vacancies across different departments as of January 31, 2025, highlighting the following:

Agriculture Production: 47 gazetted, 848 non-gazetted, and 445 MTS positions.
Health and Medical Education: 1,584 gazetted, 4,603 non-gazetted, and 1,664 MTS vacancies.
Horticulture: 64 gazetted, 317 non-gazetted, and 434 MTS positions.
Education: 150 gazetted, 163 non-gazetted, and 174 MTS vacancies.
Public Works (R&B): 0 gazetted, 1,099 non-gazetted, and 2,660 MTS positions.
In total, 32,474 vacancies across all categories (gazetted, non-gazetted, and MTS) remain unfilled, indicating a substantial need for recruitment across key sectors.

Recruitment Reforms to Enhance Efficiency

The government highlighted several significant reforms aimed at improving transparency and efficiency in the recruitment process. These include:

Abolition of Interviews: To eliminate subjectivity and ensure fairness, interviews for positions up to Pay Level 5 were abolished, with this policy extended to Pay Level 6 from 2025 onwards.
Introduction of Computer-Based Tests (CBT): JKSSB and JKPSC have transitioned to CBT mode for various exams, ensuring a streamlined, faster, and more transparent selection process.
Consolidation of Similar Exams: To reduce duplication and expedite recruitment, the government has consolidated multiple examinations for posts with similar qualifications and requirements.
The government has set ambitious targets to complete 1,502 gazetted and 5,751 non-gazetted recruitments by the end of the year, reaffirming its commitment to addressing the unemployment issue effectively.

Updates to Recruitment Rules and Policy Adjustments

As part of ongoing reforms post-reorganization, the government updated Recruitment Rules across departments, including Agriculture, Health, Transport, and Youth Services. These updates account for changes in qualifications, eligibility conditions, and the evolving administrative requirements in the Union Territory.

However, the government acknowledged that certain posts had to be withdrawn due to amendments in qualification criteria and the abolition of the J&K Permanent Resident Certificate Act, aligning the recruitment framework with the new domicile rules and reservation policies.

Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the government’s response presented an optimistic scenario, it admitted that addressing unemployment in Jammu & Kashmir remains a complex challenge requiring sustained reforms and policy interventions. The ongoing revisions in recruitment rules and targeted efforts to fill vacancies across sectors are seen as positive steps. However, continued vigilance and adaptability in the face of changing economic dynamics will be essential to sustain long-term improvements in the employment landscape.

Srinagar — Cyber Police Srinagar has initiated legal action against the misuse of social media platforms for glorifying terrorism, radicalizing youth, and spreading anti-national propaganda online.

During cyber surveillance and patrolling, 08 individuals operating adverse social media handles were identified for posting content that promoted terrorism and extremist ideologies. Following the investigations, all 08 were detained for questioning.

Security proceedings have been initiated against the following 04 individuals: Sajad Ahmad Lone, S/o Bashir Ahmad Lone, R/o Herpora Parigam, Kulgam. Zuhaib Zahoor, S/o Zahoor Ahmad, R/o Brein Nishat, Srinagar. Abrar Mushtaq, S/o Mushtaq Ahmad Bhat, R/o Nawabazar, Srinagar. Farhad Rasool, S/o Gh Rasool Bhat, R/o Check Dara, Harwan, Srinagar.

Moreover, 04 juveniles involved in similar activities were counseled and handed over to their parents after proper counseling. They will remain under close surveillance.

Cyber Police Srinagar is actively monitoring social media platforms to identify individuals engaged in spreading extremist content, inciting violence, or attempting to disrupt public order. Any attempt to glorify terrorism, promote secessionist ideologies, or spread misinformation against national integrity will be dealt with strictly under the law.

Cyber Police Srinagar urges social media users to act responsibly and refrain from activities that violate legal and ethical norms. Stringent legal action, including prosecution under relevant laws, will be taken against those found misusing digital platforms for unlawful purposes.