JAMMU — The unemployment rate in Jammu and Kashmir has remained consistently higher than the national average over the past several years, Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary said on Monday, citing official data from the Periodic Labour Force Survey (PLFS). In a written reply to a question by legislator Mubarak Gul in the J&K Legislative […]
Kashmir
Gurez valley sees surge in tourism; J&K govt taking ‘proactive measures’ to safeguard ecology
JAMMU — The Jammu and Kashmir government on Monday informed the legislative assembly that Gurez valley in north Kashmir is witnessing a steady rise in tourist arrivals, prompting sustained efforts to strengthen sanitation and waste management infrastructure in region. Located in the Bandipora district near the Line of Control, Gurez valley, sits at an altitude […]
Enthusiasm of tourists from across India to visit J&K has not diminished: Amit Shah
JAMMU — Amid a setback to the tourism industry due to last year’s Pahalgam terror attack, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said on Saturday that the enthusiasm of tourists from across the country to visit Jammu and Kashmir has not diminished. Shah was addressing a review meeting in Jammu to assess the progress of development […]
No timeline for Qazigund-Srinagar-Budgam line doubling, Baramulla-Uri new rail line fixed: Govt
NEW DELHI — Detailed project reports for the doubling of the Qazigund-Srinagar-Budgam rail line and for the proposed Baramulla-Uri new line have been prepared though no definite timeline for completion of these projects can be fixed as this depends on several factors, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw told Rajya Sabha on Friday. His written response came […]
First consignment of exotic bulls from Bengaluru reaches Kashmir by rail
JAMMU — In a first-of-its-kind initiative, bulls of exotic breeding were transported from Bengaluru to Jammu and Kashmir through railway parcel vans, with the consignment reaching Budgam railway station in the valley on Friday, officials said. The transportation of 23 bulls was carried out under the breeding development programme of the agriculture and animal husbandry […]
J&K govt shuts down 158 stone crushers, hot mix plants for environmental violations
JAMMU — The Jammu and Kashmir government has ordered the closure of 158 stone crushers and hot mix plants between January 1, 2021 and January 1, 2026, for operating in violation of environmental norms, Minister for Forest, Ecology and Environment Javed Ahmed Rana said on Friday. Replying to a question by MLA Ajaz Ahmad Jan […]
Prolonged closure of tourist spots affecting J&K’s livelihoods: CM Omar Abdulah
JAMMU — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said closure of tourist destinations, including Doodpathri, Tosamaidan and Yousmarg, for about nine months due to security concerns has affected local livelihoods, and the government is considering a relief package. Abdullah also said that he will take up reopening of the spots with the […]
Return of Kashmiri Pandits depends on restoring their sense of security: CM Omar Abdullah
JAMMU — Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Friday said the return of Kashmiri Pandits to the valley would be possible only when their sense of security is fully restored, asserting that no package, fund or scheme alone could ensure their return. “I have always maintained that Kashmiri Pandits left the valley because […]
Daily wagers’ regularisation in J&K after panel report: Omar Abdullah
JAMMU — The National Conference government in Jammu and Kashmir is awaiting the report of a panel before initiating the process of regularisation of daily wagers, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said on Friday. On March 19 last year, Abdullah had announced the formation of a six-member committee headed by chief secretary to address the issue […]
Mehbooba Mufti writes to Ashwini Vaishnav seeking fruit rail corridor; welcomes halt to rail projects
SRINAGAR — PDP president Mehbooba Mufti on Friday called for a dedicated fruit corridor through a rail link to ensure movement of horticulture produce from Kashmir to rest of the valley. In a letter to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, Mufti sought a dedicated railway line for movement of fruit from valley to rest of […]








