Helping Farmer Flourish
The Jammu and Kashmir government launched a High-Density Plantation drive aimed at introducing high yielding horticultural varieties for getting enhanced outputs in horticulture production. It will improve incomes overnight.
The government has also strengthened the institutional credit mechanism so that the farmers are given loans under the KCC scheme so as to insulate them from the clutches of private money lenders. The government also gave away awards and farming machinery among the progressive farmers, recently, and the function was presided over by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
Powering Kashmir
The Jammu and Kashmir government inaugurated 17 Power Projects worth Rs 118.91 crore at Delina, Baramulla. In order to revive Jammu and Kashmir’s power surplus, Rs 54,000 crore worth power projects have been approved which would generate 3500-MW in three to four years. The government has increased the power sector budget by Rs 120 crore, taking the total to Rs 2728 crore. The projects which were e-inaugurated envisage augmentation of Delina 220 KV Grid station from 160 MVA to 320 MVA; Commissioning of Double circuit 220 KV interconnection between New Wanpoh Grid station and Mir Bazaar grid station; Construction of 33/11kV 10 MVA Sub Station at Tral Bala; Construction of 33/11kV 6.3 MVA Sub Station at Chowgam; Construction of 33/11kV 10 MVA Sub Station at Soibugh; Construction of 33/11kV 10 MVA Sub Station at Verinag; Construction of 33/11kV 6.3 MVA Sub Station at Nagam (DH Pora); Construction of 33/11kV 10 MVA Sub Station at Aglar.
Governance Online
Jammu and Kashmir government launched JK Public Works – Online Management, Monitoring and Accounting System (JKPW-OMMAS), besides two apps Hamari Sadak and Tameer Taraqqi of Jammu and Kashmir Public Works (R&B) department. The online initiatives have were developed through the Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC) and Jammu and Kashmir e-Governance Agency, IT department and shall facilitate Complete Online Management and Monitoring of infrastructure with following functionalities: GIS-enabled Infrastructure Management System, Geo Tracking of Roads, Online Searching of Infrastructure (Locate on Map), Addition of new Infrastructure with GIS information, Draw Road with Open Street Map and dynamic Update of Infrastructure. It will also enable Complete Automation of Human Resource Activities viz. Online Employee Details, Online Seniority List, Online APR, Addition of New Employee, besides Online Update of Employee Information. The initiative also covers the Automation of Schedule of Rates (SOR) through the availability of online SOR, viewing of SOR items, online analysis of non-SOR items, Project proposal and estimation with the framing of online project proposals, addition, deletion & modification of project components, online extraction of rates from SOR, online facility to seek administrative approval, provision of online technical sanction, Project execution by laying the scope of viewing of work progress online, real-time update of work progress, application for Extension of Time (EOT), online verification and approval of EOT, Quality control by adding of new quality test report, Automatic quality grading of works and Quality test report, besides Grievance management through online registration tracking of new grievances. The projects were inaugurated by Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha.
IIM Convocation
Vice President of India, M Venkaiah Naidu presided over the third and fourth Convocation of the Indian Institute of Management, Jammu. The Vice President called upon national institutes like IIMs to offer innovative courses and diplomas based on new market realities and demands of the fourth industrial revolution. He stressed the need for re-orienting higher education in tune with the realities of the world. He also underlined the importance of developing a mindset that encourages innovation and institutional reform that fosters creativity and promotes excellence. The Vice President stressed the need for strengthening industry-institute linkages and urged the graduating management students to work with farmers in improving the marketing of farm produce. In his speech, the VP recalled the contribution of Patanjali, Anandavardhana, Lalleswari and Habba Khatoon.
NIFT Convocation
Union Textiles Minister Smriti Zubin Irani presided over the first convocation of NIFT Srinagar. Speaking at the function, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha said the weavers, artisans, and craftsmen working in the handloom and handicraft sector of Jammu and Kashmir are unique examples of the creation and development of designs. She termed them inspiration for budding fashion designers in designing and fashion communication. Ms Irani said that the first batch of NIFT Srinagar has added a golden page in the history of the institution. She inspired the students to be prepared for whatever life has to offer and expressed faith that with the training imparted to them at NIFT, they would be equipped to deal with any tests and hardships that may come their way. The Minister said that the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has recently announced a package of Rs 28,400 crore as part of the Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Development Scheme and urged upon the students to put in their best efforts to reap benefit from it.
