Srinagar, Sep 25: The School Education Department (SED) has issued strict instructions to all the government and private schools besides the coaching centres for adopting preventive measures to control the substance abuse in and around the educational institutions.

The circular instructions in this regard have been issued by the Secretary SED, Ram Niwas Sharma stating that the grave menace of drug abuse was alarmingly spread across the society.

“Even school going children are falling victims to this destructive practice. Such involvement not only endangers the health and future of our students but also strikes at the very foundation and purpose of education,” the circular reads.

Secretary SED said that schools and coaching centres as places of learning and character formation, bear the crucial responsibility of shielding young minds from these harmful influences and in nurturing them into responsible healthy citizens.

In view of this, the administrative department has recommended deterrent measures mandatorily for implementation in all government and private schools besides coaching centres across J&K UT.

“Teachers and other staff members shall conduct frisking of students at the time of entry into the school premises to prevent the carrying of any prohibited substances,” SED circular reads.

In addition, random frisking must be carried out during school hours to ensure constant vigilance.

“Schools shall frame their own drug free school policy, clearly mentioning prohibitions, reporting mechanisms and consequences for violations. Disciplinary committees shall be constituted in each school comprising teachers, parents and student representatives to ensure drug free and safe atmosphere in schools,” it reads.

Secretary SED has said that besides monitoring of suspicious teaching as well as non teaching staff shall also be put in place.

“Mandatory installation of CCTV cameras shall be ensured in all schools and coaching centres. Identification of vulnerable areas such as canteen and secluded corners in and around schools and coaching centres to be placed under strict and continuous monitoring,” the SED circular reads.

It reads that close vigilance over nearby establishments including tuck shops and other outlets located in the vicinity of schools and coaching centres must be ensured as they may act as “potential source of harmful supplies.”

Secretary SED has issued strict instructions for all the schools to designate at least one teaching official as a trained counselor to deal with cases related to drug abuse besides having a counseling cell in schools as well.

As per the circular instructions, both the directorates have been asked to organise training programmes besides establishing a drug prevention helpline at Directorate level as well.

“Cases of student abuse and negligence by school authorities shall be reported directly to the helpline which will in turn forward such cases to concerned agencies for immediate action,” it reads.

“Schools must strengthen sports, cultural and extracurricular activities channelise student energy in constructive directions,” it reads.

The heads of the schools have been asked to maintain close liaison with the local police authorities to ensure vigilance around school premises and curb the availability of drugs near schools.

“HoIs must send monthly compliance reports to the cluster heads who in turn shall report to CEOs for inward submission to the Directorate,” it reads.

As per the SED circular, all the CEOs and ZEOs have been asked to ensure strict implementations of preventive measures in letter and spirit.

“Any laxity found on part of schools and coaching centres will invite disciplinary action against all staff members. In case of private schools, such lapses may also lead to de-recognition of the schools,” it reads.

The directions have been issued in the “best interest of safeguarding health, education and future of students.”

Srinagar, Sep 25: Minister for Education, Social Welfare Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo today chaired a meeting at Civil Secretariat here to review the performance and functioning of Jammu and Kashmir Board of School Education (JKBOSE).

The meeting was attended by Chairman JKBOSE and Additional Chief Secretary Higher Education, Shantamanu; Secretary School Education, Ram Niwas Sharma; Director School Education Kashmir, Dr. G.N Itoo; Director School Education Jammu, Naseem Javid Chowdhary; Secretary JKBOSE, Ghulam Hassan Sheikh and other senior officers of JKBOSE and School Education department.

During the meeting, the Education Minister took comprehensive assessment of overall performance, examination mechanism, evaluation, curriculum development, digitisation services as well as ongoing reforms aimed at strengthening school education across Jammu and Kashmir.
Addressing the officers during the meeting, the Education Minister emphasized on timely conduct of examinations and strengthening of grievance redressal mechanisms for the facilitation of students. She further asked the officers that any updation related to curriculum updation should be done timely and before the onset of new academic session.

The Minister also directed the JKBOSE authorities that the textbooks should be made available by the end of November so that there is no hindrance in supply position before the start of new session. She asked the JKBOSE authorities and School Education department to devise a proper mechanism for dispatching of textbooks to schools well in time.

The Minister appreciated the JKBOSE for some student centric initiatives which will make the registration process as well as examination mechanism smooth. She asked the officers to establish proper mechanism for evaluation so that the results can be declared timely.

Highlighting the importance of accountability and efficiency, the Minister underscored the need for continuous upgradation of infrastructure, capacity-building of staff, and closer coordination with schools to address challenges on the ground related to examinations.

“Education is the foundation of our future. The role of JKBOSE is pivotal in shaping a transparent, modern, student-friendly examination and evaluation system. Our priority is to strengthen institutions so that every child in Jammu and Kashmir can benefit from quality education”, Sakeena Itoo stated.

The Education Minister further called the JKBOSE authorities to issue date sheet for 10th and 12th classes well in time so that the students can prepare accordingly for their respective examinations.
During the meeting, Secretary JKBOSE gave a detailed presentation on the action plan for forthcoming examinations as well as other aspects of the Board.

Srinagar, Sep 25: In response to a news article published in a local Urdu daily on September 24, a spokesperson of the Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom, Kashmir, has reiterated that the Government is undertaking a series of concerted measures for the revival and promotion of languishing crafts, with special focus on the traditional Namda craft.

The spokesperson stated that Namda has recently been accorded Geographical Indication (GI) registration under the Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999, a landmark achievement that safeguards the authenticity of the craft while strengthening its competitive standing against cheaper, machine-made alternatives. The GI tag is expected to serve as a catalyst in revitalizing this centuries-old tradition and enhancing its market visibility at both national and international levels.

In pursuit of this objective, the Directorate has intensified its outreach by encouraging master artisans to avail the benefits of the Department’s flagship Karkhandar Scheme, aimed at capacity building, skill development and knowledge transfer to younger generations. District offices have also been directed to actively engage pass-out trainees to strengthen the grassroots implementation of the scheme. At present, the Department is running nine Elementary and two Advanced Training Centres for Namda, creating a strong framework for skill development and knowledge transfer.

Redoubling its efforts for revival of the craft, under the CAPEX Budget 2025–26, an amount of ₹26.50 lakh has been earmarked for the repair and restoration of the Carding Machine at the UNDP facility, a step that will guarantee uninterrupted availability of quality raw material and thereby reinforce the production base for Namda artisans.

The spokesperson appealed to the public to support the Government’s “Vocal for Local” initiative by buying felted Namdas, emphasizing that collective patronage is essential to provide a level playing field to Namda artisans and to ensure the revival of this unique craft, which forms an integral part of Kashmir’s cultural heritage.

Srinagar, Sept 24: The Jammu and Kashmir government issued an order confirming the probation of directly recruited Deputy Superintendents of Police (DySPs) from the 2011 to 2020 batches.

An order issued by home department J&K, the officers whose names figure in the annexure to the order have been “deemed to have completed their probation satisfactorily” under Rule 22(1)(a) of the J&K Civil Services (Classification, Control and Appeal) Rules, 1956, read with Rule 7 of the J&K Police (Gazetted) Service Recruitment Rules, 2024.

From the 2011 batch, Shabir Ahmad Khan, Naeem Ahmad Wani, Syed Yasir Qadri, Furqaan Qadir, Sandeep Bhat. Zahoor Ahmad Pir, Sachin Gupta, Sajad Ahmad Sheikh, Vishal Manhas, Vinod Kumar. Ajay Sharma, Hilal Khaliq Bhat, Fahad Tak, Imtyaz Ahmad Rather, Shah Umar. Baljit Singh, Ghulam Mohd Bhat, Aejaz Ahmad Malik, Shukat Rafiq Wani, Ruhail Mircha. Pardeep Kumar, Syed Majeed Mosavi, Musadiq Majid Basu, Salim Jahangir Lone, Showkat Ahmad Dar. Manish Kumar Sharma, Imtiaz Ahmed, Farhan Jehanzeb Naqash, Sunil Kumar Kesar, Pranav Mahajan. Ashok Sharma, Prithgal Singh, Zaheer Abbas, Shafat Mohd Najar, Fayaz Hussain Shah. Zafar Iqbal Nawaz, Bashir Ahmad, Mir Murtaza Hussain Sohil, Iftkhar Ahmed, Syed Javeed Ahmad.

Basharat Hussain, Peerzada Aijaz Ahmad, Nisar Ahmad, Mohd Irfan Khan, Aumer Iqbal. Syed Sajad Hussain, Mumtaz Ali, Regzin Sandup, Shivali Kotwal, Arvnider Singh Kotwal. Altaf Ahmad Naik, Wajahat Hussain, Mohd Muzaffar Jan, Ishtyaq Ahmad Kacho, Mohd Shafiq. Gh Hassan Sheikh, Rashid Younis, Rajinder Singh, Mohd Shafi Sheikh, Syed Zaheer Abbas Jafari. Mohd Aslam, Chhabil Singh, Ravinder Singh, Mohan Lal, Mohd Aftab Awan. Zahid Aziz Samoon, Atoog Ahmad Wani, Mohammad Usman, Nawaz Ahmad, Govind Rattan. Bikram Kumar, Garu Ram, Nihar Ranjan, it reads.

From 2012 Batch-I, Rameez Rashid, Raies Ahmed Mir, Abid Rashid Mir, Mohd Saleem Bhat, Shivender Singh Jamwal. Rameez Raja, Nikhil Rasgotra, Amit Kumar Sharma, Mubashir Rasool, Ravinder Singh. Sunny Gupta, Tariq Mahmood, Devinder Singh Bandral, Owaise Rashid, Sarfaraz Bashir Ganai. Gh Mustafa Bhat, Shahzada Kabir Mattoo, Ashish Gupta, Ab Raqeeb Malik, Shwetambri Sharma. Hamid Ali Banday, Abdul Maajid Magray, Mir Burhan UI Haq Kanth, Sajad Sarwer, Mudasser Ahmed Tramboo. Vaseem Mehmood, Suresh Kumar Sharma, Nissar Ahmad Darzi, Varun Jandial, Raja Majid Batt. Owais Ahmad Wani, Mohammad Yesser Parrey, Sahil Sharma, Preeti Verma, Dr Showkat Ahmad Bhat.

Mohsina Sebtain, Ajaz Ahmad, Ashaq Hussain Dar, Swati Sharma, Abdul Ghafoor. Mehraj Ud Din Raina, Sachit Mahajan, Sourabh Prashar, Junaid Wali, Mohd Ameen Bhat. Javaid Iqbal Tabassam, Bhupinder Kumar, Tussif Ahmed, Tahir Amin Sheikh, Raiz Ahmed. Sajad Ahmad Malik, Asgar Ali Malik, Imtiaz Ahmed, Pankaj Soodan, Parul Bhardwaj. Jaswant Singh, Albeena Malik, Afrat Hussain Shah, Faraz Hussain Shah, Irshad Ahmad Ahanger. Junaid Hakeem, Shaid Nahiem Ahmed, reads the order.

Order further reads, Aftab Hussain Shah KPS125829, Aishaq Hussain Malik KPS125807, Satish Bhardwaj KPS125695, Hilal Ahmad Hilal KPS125720, Shamsher Singh KPS125723, Ms. Amara Naseem KPS125825, Shahjhan Choudhary KPS125688, Dheraj Singh Katoch KPS125836, Ms. Shazia Akhter KPS125707, Sheikh Mudasir Ahmad Farooqi KPS125831, Kosheen Koul KPS125733, Nikhil Gogna KPS125752, Mansoor Ayaz KPS125685, Zafar Mahdi KPS125738, Altaf Ahmad Khan KPS125683, Ahmad Shaafi Zargar KPS125735, Tanweer Ahmed Jeelani KPS125816, Mohd Nawaz Khandey KPS125736, Imran Malik KPS125694, Mudassar Hussain KPS125805, Pardeep Singh Sen KPS125750, Sheezan Bhat KPS125690, Ajaz Ahmed KPS125830, Neeraj Kumar KPS125824, Lov Karan KPS125799, Rohit Chadgal KPS125823, Jigmet Lhundup KPS125711, Manzoor Ahmad KPS125794, Khalid Ashraf KPS125722, Manoj Kumar KPS125689.

From 2012 batch-II, Zohaib Hassan KPS127948, Syeed Peerzada Mujahidulhaq KPS127911, Ms. Mansha Beg KPS127787, Sunil Singh KPS127947, Surinder Singh KPS127945, Shoket Ali KPS127949, Satish Kumar KPS127950, Mohd Hussain KPS127946.

Feom 2013 batch, Parupkar Singh KPS135822, Sachit Sharma KPS135821, Imtiyaz Ahmad Mir KPS135824, Dr. Azhar Rashid KPS135823, Mohammad Idress Wani KPS135819, Vikram Singh KPS135826, Majad Mehboob KPS135825, Arvind Kumar Badgal KPS135820.

From 2015 batch, Sahil Mahajan KPS155780, Sharad KPS155774, Dr. Bhishm Dubey KPS155779, Javaid Ahmad Lone KPS155778, Ms. Syed Sleet Shah KPS156159, Rahul Nagar KPS155777, Surinder Mohan KPS155786, Dr. Sunniya Wani KPS155787, Ummer Rashied KPS155782, Saqib Ghani KPS155784, Mohd. Rafee Rather KPS155771, Viqar Younus Batt KPS155783, Adil Hussain KPS155785, Ms. Priyanka Kumari KPS165606 (Appointed vide Government Order No.128-GAD of 2016 dated 16.02.2016), Arif Hussain Malik KPS155773, Majad Ali KPS155776, Shammi Kumar KPS155775, Aakash Kohli KPS155781.

Feom 2018 batch, Latief Ahmad Khan KPS185681, Faizan Ali KPS185682, Rohit Kumar KPS185683, Mohammad Ashrif KPS185687, Ishan Gupta KPS185678, Mohd Anzer KPS182334, Ms. Farha Nishat KPS185688, Ms. Nilza Angmo KPS185675.

From 2019 batch, Dheeraj Kumar KPS196911, Ms. Anubuti KPS196912.

From 2020 batch, Adnan Ul Haq KPS205928, Saheel Iqbal KPS205946, Gagan Deep Singh KPS205927, Ms. Sonali Kohli KPS205948, Naseem Akram KPS205938, Faisal Arif Rishu KPS205935, Rajeev Raina KPS205950, Naveed Shoket KPS205951, Shivam Jaggi KPS205949, Rohit Gupta KPS205932, Vikram Nag KPS205953, Ms. Kubra Nazir KPS205944, Ms. Mamta Sharma KPS205945, Mubashar Niaz KPS205947, Umer Urfan KPS205943, Ms. Anam Zahoor Manhas KPS205955, Shakir Hassan KPS205940, Ms. Nidhi Kotwal KPS205939, Faisal Hussain KPS205942, Khadim Hussain KPS205934, Asif Mustafa KPS205952, Sayed Aqeel Shah KPS205931, Rouhan Farooq KPS205941, Ms. Kunzes Dolma KPS205929, Vikram Sarmhal KPS205930, Rajesh Chandan KPS205936, Sumit Bhagat KPS205954, Ms. Anjana KPS205933, Ms. Rukhsana Choudhary KPS21546, reads the order. (KNC)