Srinagar, Nov 24: Amit Sharma assumed the charge as Director of Census Operations and Citizen Registration, Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh in the Directorate of Census Operations (DCO) on Monday.

He assumed the charge in Srinagar on a deputation of the Government of India after getting relieved from Mizoram last week.

This was followed by an introductory meeting with the employees of the directorate in which all staff members including Joint Director Arun Kumar and Assistant Director Vijay Kumar, participated.

Sharma returned to serve J&K and Ladakh after making valuable contributions towards implementing administrative and e-Governance reforms, both in the UT of Ladakh and the state of Mizoram, over the last two to three years.

As Director of Census Operations, Sharma will get a rare opportunity to conduct the first-ever digital census in the nation, while using expertise in the IT domain gained over the years, in J&K and Ladakh.

During this introductory meeting, the employees of DCO J&K, Ladakh, shared their perspectives about ongoing pre-test of the Census related activities in both J&K and Ladakh wherein Sharma could assess their expertise-level in various domains like mapping, Census, CRS, SRS, DDU, statistics, finance, and administration so as to ensure their optimal utilisation in the upcoming actual census coming soon.

Amit Sharma said that the issue regarding filling up of vacancies in DCO J&K and Ladakh would be taken up on top priority with the Office of Registrar General of India, so that the Census in snow-bound areas of J&K and Ladakh can be conducted during October 2026 as per notification with the full strength of employees.

In the meeting with the employees, Sharma said that he has the highest expectations from the J&K and Ladakh Census team and believed that a landmark performance would be made while performing Census activities in J&K and Ladakh in 2026-27.

Shopian, Nov 24: An early and sharp dip in temperatures across south Kashmir’s Shopian and Pulwama districts has sent residents rushing to fire up Hamams, switch on heaters and stock up on winter delicacies, with the season’s chill arriving weeks ahead of schedule.

Independent weatherman Faizan Arif told Greater Kashmir that there has been a considerable dip in temperature.

Residents said the early onset of subzero temperatures has pushed families to begin winter preparations much sooner than usual. “We usually start using the hamam in late November, but the cold is much harsher this year,” said Abdul Rashid of Shopian. “With temperatures dipping to nearly minus four, it’s impossible to manage without heating.”

Shopkeepers across Shopian and Pulwama reported a sharp spike in sales of firewood, gas heaters and electric blankets. An electrical shop owner in Pulwama said two fresh consignments of heating appliances have already sold out. “People are preparing early this winter,” he said.

Winter delicacies in demand

Along with heaters, south Kashmir’s markets are also witnessing an early-season rush for traditional winter foods. Harissa, the slow-cooked meat delicacy that usually dominates winter mornings, is flying off shelves as residents turn to comfort food to beat the biting cold.

“People start craving Harissa as soon as temperatures dip, but this year they are buying it much earlier,” said Waseem Ahmad, a Harissa seller in Pulwama. “The cold set in quickly—and so did the rush at our shops.”

Health officials, meanwhile, have advised residents—particularly the elderly and children—to take precautions against the sudden temperature drop, warning that the sharp decline in mercury can increase the risk of respiratory illnesses.

Shopian, Nov 24: When six young singers who met during the first edition of Shopian Idol last year came together to form the Shukroo Band, few imagined how quickly their journey would take flight. Today, the group performs at cultural events across the district, earning a steady income and emerging as one of Shopian’s most recognisable young music acts.

Officials say the band’s rise showcases the growing impact of cultural platforms introduced in the district over the past few years.

Deputy Commissioner Shopian, Shishir Gupta, said the administration aims to create positive cultural spaces that empower youth and offer meaningful opportunities. He said the success of Shukroo Band reflects the transformative power of such initiatives.

“Through initiatives like Shopian Idol, we aim to empower our youth, nurture their talent and give them platforms where they can shine with confidence,” Gupta said.

He added that cultural programmes also play a preventive role. “These platforms help steer young people away from drugs, radicalisation and other harmful distractions by engaging them in positive, creative pursuits,” he said.

Gupta said the administration is committed to scaling up such initiatives. “Our goal is to promote cultural diversity and create avenues that help the young generation of Shopian grow, succeed and make the district proud,” he added.

He said that success stories from last year have strengthened the resolve to expand the programme. “The rise of groups like the Shukroo Band proves that when talent meets opportunity, transformation becomes possible. Shopian Idol Season 2 is another step in that direction,” the Deputy Commissioner said.

“When the administration and community work together to support healthy youth activities, we open doors to brighter futures and help our youngsters become leaders of tomorrow,” he added.

Buoyed by last year’s success, Shopian Idol Season 2 is now set to kick off, offering an even larger platform for emerging singers from across the district. Organised by the District Administration, the talent show aims to identify and promote young performers who often lack opportunities to showcase their abilities.

Preparations are in full swing, and registrations are open to participants of all age groups.

“It is a kind of launch pad provided by the district administration to the aspiring singers of the district,” said Sajad Ahmad Bhat, Coordinator of the programme.

He said several rounds of auditions will be held across Shopian. “We are receiving an overwhelming response from aspiring singers,” he added.

The competition will feature auditions, eliminations and themed performances, culminating in a grand finale on a public stage in Shopian town. Judges will include experienced musicians and instructors from the Valley who have been closely involved in mentoring young talent.

“The idea is not just to find the best voice but to build confidence and create future opportunities,” Sajad Bhat said. “Last year’s contestants proved what can happen when talent meets the right platform.”

Local youth say the show acts as a bridge between passion and professional opportunity. “The youth are full of talent, but they lack the platform. Shopian Idol gives us that opportunity,” said Mohammad Amir, an aspiring singer.

Civil society members also believe such cultural activities help prevent youth from drifting toward harmful influences. “It will engage youth and keep them away from harmful distractions,” said Mitha Gatoo, a local social activist.

Budgam, Nov 24: Authorities in central Kashmir’s Budgam on Monday intensified its ongoing enforcement drive against illegal brick kilns operating without authorization or violating environmental and land-use regulations. The team comprising of civil and police officials dismantled three brick kilns in several parts of the district afresh.

The drive has been intensified under the overall guidance of Deputy Commissioner Budgam, Dr Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat.

Today civil administration, supported by police authorities, dismantled three illegal brick kilns in village Mulshulla of Tehsil Beerwah. These units were found contributing substantially to air pollution, causing health hazards to the local population, and degrading productive agricultural land by rendering it barren.

The district administration has reiterated that such illegal activities will not be allowed to operate at the cost of public health, ecological safety, and agricultural sustainability.

The District Administration Budgam urged all owners of illegal brick kilns to voluntarily dismantle their structures on their own, failing which strict legal and enforcement action will be taken against them.

The operation was supervised on ground by SDM Beerwah, Toufeeq Gazi, along with Tehsildar Beerwah, SDPO Magam, and other concerned civil and police officers of the sub-division, ensuring smooth execution and adherence to legal procedures.

Local residents appreciated action of the district administration and urged that such drives should continue in the interest of public health and environmental protection.

The District Administration Budgam has reaffirmed that firm, coordinated and sustained action will continue across all tehsils to curb unauthorized brick kiln operations and safeguard the district’s environmental and agricultural resources.

Srinagar, Nov 24: Four persons, including a senior government officer, were injured on Monday after a Bolero vehicle crashed into an electric pole at Suthsoo Kalan in Chattergam area of central Kashmir’s Budgam district.

Officials told news agency Kashmir News Corner (KNC) that all the injured were first taken to CHC Chattergam and later referred to SMHS Hospital Srinagar for specialised treatment.

The injured have been identified as Fayaz Ahmad, Deputy Director ICDS, who is stated to be in critical condition.

The second injured has been identified as 40-year-old, resident of Parigam, His condition is reported as stable.

The third injured 45-year-old, is also stated to be critical.

The fourth injured has been identified as 36-year-old resident of Pulwama. His condition is stable, they added.

Preliminary reports suggest the Bolero vehicle skidded off the road and hit an electric pole, resulting in the injuries.

Further investigation into the incident has been initiated.

Srinagar, Nov 24: In a latest development, the government has decided to announce early winter vacations for the kindergarten classes.

Talking to Greater Kashmir, Minister for Education, Sakina Itoo said tomorrow (November 25) will be the last working day for students enrolled in kindergarten classes.

“I have discussed the matter with Director School Education Kashmir. Tomorrow will be the last working day for students of kindergarten classes,” Sakina Itoo told Greater Kashmir.

The decision comes in wake of the demand from parents for early announcement of winter vacation for kindergarten classes in view of the dip in weather conditions across Kashmir.

The demand comes days after the government announced that the winter vacations for classes up to 8th will commence from December first week.

“Temperature is already below normal. The time of mulling over a decision is over, they need to act now for primary kids sake. Think about kids with asthma and cold allergy. Going out right now is literally suicide for them,” said Asma, a parent from Srinagar.

The parents argued that the government should announce winter vacations for kindergarten classes in view of the prevailing cold weather.

“Entering a classroom which is centrally heated and then going out in the ground for morning and afternoon assemblies is dangerous for the small kids,” the parents said.

The parents said that continuing schools amid the prevailing weather was damaging and can prove fatal for the small school going children.

“The sunlight that we see in the afternoon is appealing and enticing to the eyes but it is not good for the general health,” the parents said.

Minister for Education also acknowledged the dip in weather conditions across Kashmir.

“Weather is very cold in Kashmir. Keeping in view the cold weather conditions, we have decided to close kindergarten classes early,” she told Greater Kashmir.