Srinagar, Mar 14: Senior political leader and former minister Naeem Akhtar has strongly criticised the government for the continued delay in releasing salaries and pending payments to employees and contractors across Jammu and Kashmir, stating that the situation has pushed thousands of families into serious financial distress.

In a statement issued today, Akhtar said the government’s repeated claims of financial stability stand in sharp contrast to the reality faced by employees and workers on the ground. He said that while the administration continues to make tall claims about surplus funds and development, basic financial commitments towards those who serve the system remain unfulfilled.

Akhtar expressed deep concern over the plight of employees working under the National Health Mission, who have reportedly not received their salaries for months. He said these employees form the backbone of the healthcare system and played a crucial role during difficult times, yet they are now being forced to struggle for their own livelihoods.

He further stated that contractors across the Union Territory are facing severe financial strain as their legitimate payments have remained pending for months. According to him, many contractors invested their resources to execute government projects, but the delay in clearing dues has placed them under immense pressure and uncertainty.

Raising another serious concern, Akhtar said many government employees are still waiting for the release of their General Provident Fund (GP Fund) and retirement benefits such as gratuity and leave salary. He said these are hard-earned savings of employees and delaying them without justification is both unjust and insensitive.

Akhtar also highlighted the plight of daily rated workers, many of whom continue to serve various departments despite facing irregular or delayed wages. He said these workers belong to economically weaker sections and depend entirely on their daily earnings to support their families.

He further expressed concern over the situation of Special Police Officers (SPOs) who continue to perform critical duties on the ground but often face uncertainty regarding timely payments and service conditions. According to Akhtar, these personnel play an important role in maintaining law and order and deserve greater financial security and respect for their service.

“If the government claims that it has sufficient and even surplus funds, then why are employees, contractors, daily wagers and SPOs suffering?” Akhtar asked. “The administration cannot continue making grand announcements while failing to fulfil its most basic financial obligations.”

Akhtar said the situation is particularly painful as it is unfolding during the sacred month of Ramadan, when families already face additional expenses related to fasting and charity. With only a few days left before Eid al‑Fitr, he said thousands of families across Jammu and Kashmir remain uncertain about how they will manage their household needs.

Calling it a failure of the government’s financial management, Akhtar urged Omar Abdullah, who also holds the finance portfolio, to immediately intervene and ensure the release of pending salaries, contractor payments, GP Fund dues, wages of daily wagers and the dues of SPOs.

“Governance cannot be measured by speeches and announcements,” Akhtar said. “Employees and workers deserve dignity, respect and timely payment for their services. Ignoring their hardships, especially during such an important time, reflects poorly on the government.”

Srinagar, Mar 14: Two back-to-back Western Disturbances are expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir between March 15 and March 20, bringing a brief return of winter-like conditions across the region, the Meteorological Department said.

According to the Director Meteorological Department Kashmir, Dr Mukhtar Ahmad, the approaching weather systems are likely to trigger rain in the plains while higher reaches may receive fresh snowfall during the period.

“Two back-to-back Western Disturbances are expected to affect Jammu and Kashmir between March 15 and 20, bringing a brief return of winter-like conditions,” Dr Mukhtar Ahmad said.

He said the first spell of precipitation is likely around March 15–16 while another weather system may affect the region between March 18 and March 20.

“Rain is likely in the plains while higher reaches may receive fresh snowfall around March 15–16 and March 18–20,” he said.

The MeT Director said the precipitation and cloud cover could lead to a noticeable drop in daytime temperatures across several parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

He added that the impact of the weather systems may also be felt in the form of increased cloud cover and intermittent precipitation during the period.

Western Disturbances are weather systems originating in the Mediterranean region that frequently bring rain and snowfall to northwestern parts of the Indian subcontinent during winter and early spring. [KNT]

Srinagar, Mar 14: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Saturday said Jammu and Kashmir has the potential to emerge as a national model for integrated fisheries development, as India consolidates its position as the second-largest fish-producing country in the world.

Addressing the National Coldwater Fisheries Conference at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre, the LG Manoj Sinha said it is a matter of great pride and happiness to host the conference in J&K.

He congratulated the Union Minister for approving a RS 100-crore fisheries cluster in Anantnag even before arriving in Srinagar, calling it a symbol of the Government of India’s commitment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Highlighting India’s achievements, he said the fisheries sector contributes approximately 7.3% to agricultural GDP, with exports having doubled since 2013-14. “Just as India led the White Revolution in dairy, we aim to become the world’s largest producer of fish,” he said, stressing the role of technological advancement and policy support.

On regional development, the LG shared progress under the Holistic Agriculture Development Plan (HADP). “Trout production has increased from 1,663 tons in 2021-22 to 2,650 tons in 2024-25.”

He said J&K utilizes approximately 27,000 hectares of water resources for fisheries development. HADP’s 29 interlinked projects are expected to double the contribution of agriculture and allied sectors to the region’s GDP.

LG Sinha highlighted challenges facing the sector, including climate change, rising water temperatures, water scarcity, slow growth of indigenous species, and fish health risks.

He stressed the need for a scientific roadmap focusing on genetic improvement of trout and carp, climate-resilient production systems, aquatic health management and indigenous feed development.

Innovative solutions, such as drone-based transport of fresh fish from high-altitude farms, were also discussed to reduce spoilage and improve logistics.

The LG further highlighted several strategic initiatives, including the Trout Integrated Aqua Park at Kokernag with recreational, marketing and value-addition facilities, the National Vision 2030 plan to double Trout and Mahseer production across Himalayan states and financial support programs such as Kisan Credit Cards and insurance, being extended to lakhs of fishermen.

LG Sinha further said, “By integrating production with cold storage, processing, packaging and branding, Jammu and Kashmir can become a national model in fisheries, creating employment and increasing fish farmers’ incomes.”—(KNO)

Srinagar, Mar 14: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday stressed the need to adopt scientific research, modern technology and sustainable practices to strengthen cold-water fisheries in Jammu and Kashmir while safeguarding natural resources.

Addressing the National Conference on Cold Water Fisheries at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Convention Centre in Srinagar, CM Omar said universities and research institutions must play a key role in developing new techniques that can help revive and expand the sector.

He said the government must ensure that fisheries development remains sustainable so that freshwater ecosystems are protected and fish stocks are not depleted.

“Science and research have to guide us on what new techniques can be used and what kind of studies are needed so that cold-water fisheries can get a fresh boost,” he said.

The Chief Minister said economic development of people associated with the sector should remain a priority, adding that efforts must focus on increasing and safeguarding the income of fish farmers.

Referring to changing climatic patterns, Abdullah said rising temperatures are already being witnessed in Kashmir. “Who would have imagined that Srinagar would witness such warm weather in February? Even flowers started blooming on trees much earlier than usual,” he said.

He further noted that the early blooming of flowers has also led to the early opening of the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden Opening at the Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden, which he said reflects how climate change is affecting natural cycles.

Omar said such environmental changes will also have an impact on cold-water fisheries, making it essential to adopt innovative approaches and learn from best practices across the country.

He said hosting the conference in Kashmir provides an opportunity to exchange experiences with other hill states such as Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand as well as states in the Northeast India.

Highlighting Kashmir’s long association with trout farming, Abdullah said the region has more than a century of experience in the sector since trout was first introduced in 1900.

“Our 126-year experience should not go to waste. We must share our knowledge and also learn what others are doing better,” he said.

The Chief Minister expressed hope that with focused attention and policy support, India will continue to strengthen its position among leading fish-producing nations while Jammu and Kashmir secures a special place in cold-water fisheries.

He further welcomed the delegates participating in the conference and said such platforms would help stakeholders learn from each other and collectively move towards strengthening the sector.—(KNO)

Srinagar, Mar 13: The Cabinet on Friday condemned the assassination attempt on former chief minister and National Conference President Farooq Abdullah.

The cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also approved 18 percent hike in the passenger vehicle far.

It alo approved the enhancement in TA and DA besides medical allowances of ministers, MLAs, Speaker of Legislative Assembly, and the Leader of Opposition (LoP) as well.

“The cabinet strongly condemned the attack on the NC president in Jammu. Thorough investigations were demanded into this assassination attempt on Farooq Abdullah in Jammu earlier this week,” sources told Greater Kashmir.

The cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah was attended by ministers including Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary, Sakina Itoo, Javed Rana, Javaid Ahmad Dar, and Satish Sharma.

Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo was also present in the meeting.

The officials said that 18 percent hike in the passenger vehicle fare was also approved by the cabinet.

“This was the long pending demand of transporters for five years. They were demanding a 50 percent hike in fare but we have made 18 percent,” an official said.

He said the government was pressing 200 more buses on roads in addition to already available buses.

“The government earlier constituted a  committee which is presided by the Principal Secretary Finance Department. The committee approved 18 percent hike in fare as there has been no revision in the bus fare since 2021,” the official said.

He said the cabinet endorsed that J&K has enough stock of LPG available and urged people not to panic.

“People should cooperate. The government has formed teams to check any possible black marketing,” the official said.

The officials said besides these decisions, a few policy proposals were also taken up in the cabinet.

“Few proposals of Housing and Urban Development Department and other policy proposals were also taken up,” he said.

The official said the government has enough stock of LPG, petrol, and diesel available.

“There must be some petrol pump owners who have kept their outlets closed. They must be expecting hike in price,” he said.

The official said that the chief minister was expected to convene a meeting regarding essential commodities in the coming days.

“The Union Minister for Fisheries and Animal Husbandry and the Union Secretary have arrived in Kashmir. We have a conference on Saturday at SKICC and after that the CM is likely to convene a meeting on essential commodities,” the official said.

According to officials, the cabinet also gave its approval to the creation of 136 faculty posts – 27 Professors and 109 Associate Professors in Government Medical College Srinagar and Government Medical College Jammu.

The official said the cabinet has also given its consent for Ladakh to use the J&K Real Estate Appellate Tribunal as a joint Real Estate Appellate Tribunal.