Jammu, Feb 11: The Jammu and Kashmir Government on Wednesday informed the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly that over seventy-seven thousand posts are lying vacant across various departments in the Union Territory, including both direct and promotion quota posts.

Replying to a question raised by MLA Mr. Irfan Hafiz Lone regarding department-wise vacancies and steps being taken to fill them in a time-bound manner, the Minister In-Charge said that the vacancies reflected include direct quota posts already referred to recruiting agencies as well as posts that stand advertised for selection.

It was further informed that all advertised and referred posts shall be filled in a time-bound manner.

As per the official reply, the total number of vacancies stands at 77,099 posts. This includes 3,808 Gazetted, 24,507 Non-Gazetted and 12,351 MTS posts under Direct Quota.

While 6,409 Gazetted, 24,451 Non-Gazetted and 5,573 MTS posts fall under Promotion Quota, it stated.

The government said it has taken a series of measures to ensure timely filling of vacancies, including identification and referral of posts to recruiting agencies, adherence to statutory framework, advance planning of recruitment cycles and close monitoring at various stages.

It added that efforts are being made to streamline procedures, strengthen coordination with recruiting agencies and leverage technology to expedite the recruitment process while maintaining transparency and merit.

The recruiting agencies have also issued examination calendars for the year 2026, which are being strictly followed. — (KNC)

Srinagar, Feb 10: At least six residential houses were damaged after a late-night fire broke out in the Habbakadal area of Srinagar, officials said on Wednesday morning.

An official said that a fire call was received by the State Fire Control Room at 10:32 PM, following which fire tenders from Fire Station Habakadal, Babdem, Gowkadal, Headquarters and Syed Hameed Pora were rushed to the spot within a minute.

“Given the congested nature of the locality, additional reinforcements from Maharaj Gunj, Rainawari, Safakadal, Rawalpora, Nowshhera and Nowgam were also pressed into service to contain the blaze,” the official said.

During the firefighting operation, a fireman sustained serious hand injuries and was immediately shifted to hospital for treatment. Two civilians also suffered injuries and were taken to hospital for medical care.

The official further said that two to three gas cylinders exploded during the incident, resulting in damage to six houses, mainly confined to their attic portions.

The operation was supervised on the spot by Deputy Director, Fire & Emergency Services, Dr. Mir Aqib Hussain, while senior officers ensured coordination and smooth mobility of fire units.

Meanwhile, ADGP Alok Kumar, IPS, urged the general public to exercise caution while using electrical appliances and LPG cooking gas to prevent such incidents.

The cause of the fire is yet to be ascertained and is under investigation. — (KNC)

Srinagar, Feb 10: Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Kangan, Mian Mehar Ali, on Tuesday raised several public interest issues in the Legislative Assembly during the ongoing budget session, including the continued closure of tourist destinations in his constituency, particularly Naranag.

Speaking during the budget discussion, the MLA said that while the budget was largely satisfactory, several key concerns had not been adequately addressed. He stressed the need for equitable distribution of resources between rural and urban areas.

Mian Mehar Ali expressed concern over the prolonged closure of Naranag, a prominent tourist spot in Kangan, and urged the government to take immediate steps to reopen it for tourists and local livelihoods.

He also raised the issue of seasonal teachers, seeking clarity on whether the government has any roadmap or policy for their regularisation. Highlighting financial hardships, the MLA flagged delays faced by pensioners and contractors in receiving General Provident Fund (GPF), gratuity payments and pending bills, some of which have remained unpaid for years.

The MLA further demanded that the cath lab announced in the previous and current budget be made functional at the Rajouri hospital at the earliest. He also pointed out that several projects under the Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) have come to a halt due to a lack of funds.

Raising another concern, Mian Mehar Ali said there are around 2,200 seasonal teachers in Jammu and Kashmir and sought the government’s response on whether any provision exists for their permanent engagement.

Additionally, he demanded a 100 per cent subsidy for Antyodaya Anna Yojana (AAY) and Below Poverty Line (BPL) consumers under the PM Surya Ghar Yojana.