A group of 27 students from Government Degree College Sogam in Jammu and Kashmir were headed for a picnic when their bus met with an accident near Handwara. Unfortunately, two students lost their lives and 21 others were injured in the tragic incident. The injured were immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where one more student succumbed to their injuries. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his condolences and prayed for the swift recovery of the injured.
In a historic move, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presents a budget of Rs 1.12 lakh crore for the fiscal year 2025-26, aiming to bring peace and prosperity to the region. The budget includes provisions for ways and means advances and overdrafts, highlighting the fiscal constraints faced by the region. Despite challenges, the Chief Minister is optimistic about J&K's future and envisions it as a key contributor to India's development by 2047.
Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah announced the introduction of a new hydropower policy during his budget presentation in the legislative assembly. The policy aims to harness the Union Territory's vast hydro potential of 20,000 MW, attract private investment, and drive sustainable energy growth. Abdullah also highlighted the government's efforts to expand the consumer base and improve metering, billing, and collection to strengthen the power sector. These initiatives, along with the development of new projects, will help J&K achieve self-sufficiency in energy and become a power exporter by 2027-28.
Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister Omar Abdullah presents the first budget of the union territory after six years, calling it a roadmap for economic growth and a true reflection of its people's aspirations. The CM also credits Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman for their support in various sectors. In his budget speech, CM Abdullah emphasizes the resilience and determination of the region and pledges to transform it into a modern, progressive, and economically vibrant one.
In a groundbreaking budget presentation, chief minister Omar Abdullah announced several key initiatives for Jammu and Kashmir, including free ridership for women on public transport, support for women entrepreneurs, free electricity for Antyodaya families, and zero stamp duty on property transfer to blood relatives. These measures aim to enhance women's mobility, workforce participation, and economic independence, provide financial relief, reduce inheritance disputes, and improve food security for vulnerable communities in the UT. The government has also prioritized the power sector and plans to reduce AT&C losses and promote sustainable energy in the state.
In a special function at Rashtrapati Bhavan, President Draupadi Murmu bestowed the Arjuna Award upon para-archer Rakesh Kumar from Jammu and Kashmir. Kumar, who hails from Reasi district, is the third para-archer to receive this prestigious award, and his exceptional performance in the 2020 Summer Paralympics in Tokyo made him a top contender. He represented India at the Paralympics and has a world ranking of No. 1 in compound archery. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha have both congratulated Kumar on his achievement.
Addressing a gathering at the inauguration of the Sonamarg Tunnel, Abdullah lauded Modi's efforts in bridging the gap between the people of Jammu and Kashmir and the central government. He commended the smooth conduct of elections in the Union Territory and expressed hope for the restoration of statehood. Paying homage to the victims of a terrorist attack near the tunnel site, Abdullah affirmed that terrorism will not stop the region's development and democracy.
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his efforts to bridge the gap between Delhi and Union Territory. He praised the Prime Minister for keeping his promise of conducting Assembly elections in the region and stated that it has led to an increase in trust among the residents. PM Modi inaugurated the 6.5-kilometre Sonamarg Tunnel, which will now be called the Z-Morh Tunnel, in a major infrastructure boost for the region. Chief Minister Abdullah also mentioned the Centre's efforts to reduce the distance between Delhi and the heart of the region, leaving the Prime Minister with a smile.
Jammu and Kashmir's Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah extend warm greetings to the Sikh community and all those commemorating the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh Ji. They both highlight the Guru's teachings of equality, righteousness, and unity, and hope for peace and unity in the region. However, they also urge readers to support quality journalism as it takes a lot of time and effort to produce and maintain high-quality news coverage.
In a media interaction, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed his disapproval of the hybrid model of governance in the Union Territory, stating that dual centres of power are not effective tools for governance. He also addressed other issues, such as differences of opinion and reservation protests, reiterating the need for a single centre of command for better functioning of the system. The chief minister also discussed the recent controversy over land acquisition for a campus of the National Institute of Technology, emphasizing the importance of finding a balance between development and protecting productive agriculture land.