Jammu, Sep 28: The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Sunday deployed central observers – General, Police, and Expenditure – for Bihar assembly elections and bye-elections in eight assembly segments of other states and UTs, including Budgam and Nagrota constituencies of J&K.

The central observers have been deployed by the ECI, under the plenary powers conferred on it by Article 324 of the Constitution and the powers conferred on it by Section 20B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, to watch the conduct of elections in a constituency.

Deployment of observers finally ended the speculation about the time and schedule of long-pending bye-elections to two vacant seats in the 90-member J&K Legislative Assembly.

The main objective of the observers is to identify areas for improvement and to formulate concrete and operative recommendations.

They work under the superintendence, control, and discipline of the Commission for the period from their appointment until the process of election is completed.

Nagrota seat had fallen vacant after the sad and sudden demise of BJP legislator and its senior leader Devender Singh Rana on October 31, 2024, days after the result of J&K assembly elections. The election result was announced on October 8, 2024.

The Budgam seat was vacated by the Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on October 21, 2024. He contested from two seats – Budgam and Ganderbal. Later, he vacated the Budgam seat and decided to retain the Ganderbal seat- his family’s bastion.

Though no party has yet announced any candidate for these assembly segments for the Nagrota seat, perceived to be BJP’s stronghold, Devyani Rana, late Devender Rana’s daughter, is being seen as (BJP’s) potential candidate.

For the Budgam seat, where the National Conference at present seems to be in a dominant position, a couple of names have been in circulation since it was vacated by the Chief Minister. However, the party, so far, has not dropped any clear hints.

“ECI has decided to deploy 470 Officers (320 IAS, 60 from IPS and 90 from IRS/IRAS/ICAS etc.,) serving in various States as Central observers (General, Police and Expenditure) for the forthcoming general election to the legislative assembly of Bihar and bye-elections in Jammu and Kashmir (AC-Budgam and Nagrota), Rajasthan (AC- Anta), Jharkhand (AC-Ghatsila), Telangana (AC – Jubilee Hills), Punjab (AC – Tarn Taran), Mizoram (AC – Dampa) and Odisha (AC-Nuapada),” read ECI statement.

The observers are entrusted with the crucial and solemn responsibility to ensure the fairness, impartiality, and credibility of elections, which ultimately form the bedrock of our democratic polity. They act as eyes and ears of the Commission and keep reporting to the Commission periodically and on a need basis.

They not only help the Commission in fulfilling its constitutional mandate of conducting free, fair, transparent, and inclusive elections but also contribute towards enhancing voter awareness and participation in elections.

By dint of their seniority and long experience in the administrative services, General and Police observers assist the Commission in the conduct of free and fair polls. They also oversee the efficient and effective management of the electoral process at the field level.

Expenditure Observers are appointed to observe the election expenses incurred by the candidates.

ECI is likely to announce the Bihar assembly election schedule by mid-October.

Earlier, on September 24, after a prolonged wait, the Election Commission of India (ECI) had also announced the conduct of biennial elections to four vacant seats in the Council of States (Rajya Sabha), from Jammu and Kashmir on October 24.

Jammu, Sep 28: Basohli Utsav, organised by the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, Divisional Administration, Jammu and Indira Gandhi National Centre for Arts was inaugurated by the Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, today at Basohli, Kathua. The Inaugural session was also graced by Col (Retd) Mahan Singh, DDC Chairman, Kathua and Thakur Darshan Singh, MLA, Basohli.

“I Consider the Basohli Utsav as the Mahakumbh of Art, Culture and Tradition. Basohli Utsav reminds all sections of society that they are inheritors of the great heritage of India and they need to contribute to the cultural renaissance and in the journey towards a developed India,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor highlighted that as we intensify the process for Viksit Bharat, there is a need to focus on promoting our tangible and intangible cultural heritage and ensure their transmission to the young generation.

“India’s growing economic power and India’s culture, art, and traditions are gaining global recognition. Our philosophical, spiritual and artistic capability is drawing admiration worldwide. This growing global interest is strengthening India’s soft power,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor said the Basohli Utsav is an opportunity to promote Brand Basohli to every corner of the country and abroad, and to provide a global platform for the handicrafts and world-renowned paintings of Basohli.

“Basohli is a complete exuberance of art and culture and there is sensitivity embedded in Basohli’s traditions. Basohli is not just a geographical point on the map. It is not just a part of history books but Basohli is the energy field of the seekers associated with art, literature and tradition who have dedicated every particle of their body and every moment of their life to attain the expertise in different art forms,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He said, a Whole of Government approach is required to promote Basohli painting across the country and abroad, and to ensure the prosperity of artist. He also urged the youth to participate in the symposium and workshop on Ramayana during the Basohli Utsav.

It was informed that the Basohli Utsav will be an annual festival and a part of the annual calendar of events for the Department of Culture.

The Lieutenant Governor released five publications—’Lok Mein Ram’, ‘Ramayan Ki Stree Gatha’, ‘Ram Ka Ghar’, ‘Ram Ki Sanjeevani’ and ‘Tribes of Ramayana’. The publications, touching upon diverse dimensions of the epic from women’s perspectives to tribal traditions and the cultural ethos of Lord Ram, enriched the Utsav and complementing its artistic and spiritual spirit.

Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Brij Mohan Sharma, Principal Secretary Culture; Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Shakti Kumar Pathak, Director Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB), J&K; Rajesh Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Kathua; Shruti Awasthi, Regional Director, IGNCA; Harvinder Kour, Secretary JKAACL senior officers and prominent citizens from all walks of life were present.

Jammu, Sept 28: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha participated in Shri Mata Vaishno Devi’s Sewa Parv held at Katra today. He addressed the gathering and highlighted the significance of festival of service, creativity, and cultural pride, which is guided by Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision of a Viksit Bharat @ 2047.

He said the Sewa Parv aims to bring together communities, institutions, and individuals in a collective movement of service for nation building.

“With collective commitment to service to ensure meaningful impact on communities, the Sewa Parv is improving public health and promoting ecological sustainability,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor, in his address, highlighted the importance of community participation for inclusive growth and women empowerment-focused initiatives to ensure women-led development. He said the active participation of women in decision-making at all levels of society and in the economy should be our prime objective.

He further appreciated the Shrine Board’s endeavours towards solid waste management, water conservation and promoting public health.

The Lieutenant Governor participated in a cleanliness drive at Darshani Deodi, as a part of the Sewa Parv event organised by Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board and District Administration Reasi. He visited the Medical camp and stalls put up by different departments, and planted a Rudraksha sapling at Spiritual Growth Centre Katra. Sanction letters were also handed over to beneficiaries under various schemes.

Shri Saraf Singh Nag, Chairman, District Development Council Reasi; Shri Baldev Raj Sharma, MLA Shri Mata Vaishno Devi; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Prof. Pragati Kumar, Vice-Chancellor, Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University; Ms Sarah Rizvi DIG Udhampur -Reasi Range; Shri Sachin Kumar Vaishya, CEO Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Shrine Board; Ms Nidhi Malik, Deputy Commissioner Reasi; senior officials, civil society members, Swachhagrahis and representatives of various social organisations attended the Sewa Parv celebrations.

Jammu, Sep 28: A full anti-sabotage drill was carried out at Jammu airport after a private airliner received a bomb threat email on Sunday, officials said.

However, nothing suspicious was found during a thorough search conducted by the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and police, without affecting the air traffic, the officials said.

“An email was received by a private airliner this morning, and accordingly, a security drill in such situations was followed to rule out the presence of any explosive substance. The email was a hoax,” an official of the Airport Authority of India said.

He said a police complaint was lodged in this connection, and further investigation is underway to identify the sender of the e-mail.