The Australian High Commissioner to India,Philip Green, today called on Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, and discussed avenues for enhanced cooperation in agriculture and allied sectors.

During the discussions, both the sides explored opportunities for collaboration in agriculture and allied areas, particularly horticulture and animal husbandry. Emphasis was laid on knowledge sharing, adoption of best practices, and capacity building to improve productivity and sustainability.

The interaction also touched upon prospects for institutional linkages and technical cooperation to support ongoing developmental initiatives in Jammu and Kashmir, within the broader framework of India–Australia engagement. The engagement remained forward-looking, with a shared intent to deepen cooperation through appropriate channels.

Orson Passi, Second Secretary, and Vandana Seth, Political Lead, from the Australian High Commission were also present during the meeting.

Budgam, Apr 24: Union Minister for Labour and Employment and Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya on Friday inaugurated a 30-bedded Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) hospital at Ompora in Budgam district of central Kashmir.

The inauguration marked the establishment of the first ESIC hospital in Kashmir.

Addressing the gathering at the inaugural ceremony, the Union Minister said the move was a significant step towards strengthening healthcare access and social security for workers in Jammu and Kashmir.

The hospital is built at a cost of Rs 165 crore with provision for expansion up to 100 beds.

The hospital is expected to benefit over 50,000 workers and their families.

The facility will provide comprehensive healthcare services under the ESI scheme, which currently covers over 1.83 lakh insured persons and around 7 lakh beneficiaries across J&K.

In his address, Mandaviya highlighted the role of labourers in nation-building saying that the country’s progress rests on the “blood and sweat” of workers and it was the government’s responsibility to ensure their welfare.

He said that the Centre, under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi was committed to providing dignity, healthcare, and social security to workers.

“The recently implemented labour codes have transformed India’s labour ecosystem by ensuring transparency, minimum wages, appointment letters, and annual health check-ups for workers,” Mandaviya said.

He said that the introduction of a national floor wage would eliminate disparities in minimum wages across states and Union Territories.

“ESIC scheme provides a wide range of benefits including healthcare, maternity support, and financial assistance during periods of unemployment,” the Union Labour Minister said.

He said many workers previously struggled to access treatment for life-threatening diseases due to high costs in private hospitals, often pushing families into financial distress.

“Through ESIC, treatment ranging from thousands to even up to Rs 1 crore is being made available. The scheme ensures that workers do not lose everything in times of medical crisis,” Mandaviya said.

He said that India’s social security coverage had increased significantly in recent years, with data from the International LabourOrganisation indicating coverage of over 64 percent of workers.

The Union Labour Minister highlighted the integration of ESIC with Ayushman Bharat, expanding access to cashless treatment across empanelled hospitals.

“The new hospital in Budgam would not only improve healthcare delivery but also create employment opportunities for local youth, including through proposed nursing and training facilities,” he said.

On the sidelines of the inaugural function, Mandaviya felicitated workers involved in the construction of the hospital and distributed social security benefits to insured persons.

He said that J&K was progressing alongside the rest of the country towards the vision of a developed India.

“The ongoing reforms in labour welfare and sports infrastructure will contribute to broader socio-economic growth,” the Union Labour Minister said.

Srinagar, Apr 24: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Anshul Garg chaired a meeting to review a range of revenue-related matters, including migrant properties, construction of houses for terror victims, digitization of land records, Digital Crop Survey, and development of urban revenue-generating assets.

The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioners, the Additional Commissioner Central, and the Officer on Special Duty to the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, said a press release.

While reviewing progress on the construction of houses for terror victims, the Divisional Commissioner directed Deputy Commissioners to ensure that all eligible beneficiaries possess the requisite land, with a minimum of five marlas, to facilitate timely assistance. Regarding the updation of Girdawari records of religious and heritage sites, he instructed the Deputy Commissioners to ensure that all structures of cultural and historical importance are properly documented and their records duly updated and certified. The Divisional Commissioner also assessed the status of migrant properties, including the quantum of land, district-wise progress in removal of encroachments, and the disposal of grievances submitted by migrants.

Reviewing progress under the SVAMITA Scheme and Digital Crop Survey, he urged Deputy Commissioners to intensify efforts to achieve timely implementation and broader coverage. Further, the Divisional Commissioner directed Deputy Commissioners to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) under the Urban Challenge Fund in consultation with Municipal Executive Officers to focus on the development of public utility and revenue-generating infrastructure in urban areas, including parking facilities, bus stands, and other convenience assets. Also, he called for ensuring active participation of public representatives and citizens in the ongoing Pad Yatra organized under the NashaMukt Campaign, aimed at promoting a drug-free society. The meeting concluded with directions to all concerned officers to ensure timely and effective implementation of the reviewed initiatives.

Shopian, Apr 24: Authorities in south Kashmir’s Shopian district have stepped up surveillance of courier services over concerns of illegal distribution of prescription drugs and drug abuse as part of a crackdown on pharmaceutical violations.

The Drugs and Food Control Organization has flagged concerns that certain medicines, including those requiring a doctor’s prescription, may be reaching consumers without proper authorization via courier channels. 

Officials say the move to monitor shipments is aimed at curbing drug abuse.

Assistant Drug Controller Humaira Shawl said inspection teams are being sent to courier operators’ offices to check for the movement of drugs that are susceptible to misuse or abuse.
“The idea is to curb any drugs, if being sent through couriers, that could be misused or abused,” she said. 

The focus on courier services comes alongside intensified enforcement efforts across the district over the past year. According to official data, hundreds of inspections have been carried out since April 2025 to ensure compliance with the Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940, and related rules governing the sale and distribution of medicines.

During this period, drug inspectors lifted multiple samples from retail outlets for laboratory testing, with a small number declared “not of standard quality.” Authorities also seized medicines worth over Rs 2 lakh in connection with violations, officials said.

Regulatory action has extended to licensing as well. At least 18 licences were cancelled under various provisions of the Act and 33 suspended for breaches including failure to maintain records for prescription drugs, particularly those with addiction potential. One licence was cancelled for stocking unjustified quantities of abused medicines without proper documentation.

“The core mandate is to ensure that safe, effective and quality medicines are available to the public at reasonable prices,” an official said, adding that unauthorized distribution channels undermine both public health and regulatory oversight.

Officials noted that the alleged use of courier services presents a new challenge, allowing drugs to bypass traditional pharmacy checks. Monitoring mechanisms are now being strengthened to track suspicious consignments and ensure that only licensed entities are involved in pharmaceutical distribution.

The department has also pushed for systemic improvements, including 100% CCTV coverage in medical shops and the adoption of computerized billing systems across the district. Authorities claim near-total compliance has been achieved on these fronts, enhancing transparency and traceability.