Jammu, June 3, 2025: A meeting of the United School Teachers Association was recently held under the leadership of Provincial President Sh. Pardeep Singh Jamwal. During the meeting, members discussed the recently issued order concerning summer vacations.  The Directorate of School Education, Jammu (DSEJ), has issued a summer vacation vide Order No. 186-DSEJ of 2025 dated 31-05-2025), for government and private schools in the Jammu division, declaring a 35 day holiday period starting from June 7, 2025 to July 16, 2025. However, this decision has sparked strong reactions from various teachers' associations and political representatives across the region, who are calling for an extension of the vacation to at least 60 days. Background and Comparison with Kashmir Division In previous years, summer vacations in the Jammu Division typically lasted around 60 days. Over time, their duration was gradually reduced to 45 days, keeping in mind the region's intense heat and monsoon challeng...

J&K Govt Notifies HRA for Employees Across Union Territory Srinagar, October 03, 2025: The Government of Jammu and Kashmir has issued a notification regarding the House Rent Allowance (HRA) for government employees across the Union Territory. As per the notification (S.O. 246), issued by the Finance Department under the directions of the Lieutenant Governor, the HRA will be applicable with effect from January 1, 2024, in the revised pay structure as per the classification notified by the Central Government. The HRA rates have been fixed as follows: All Metropolitan Cities (X Class Cities): 30% of Basic Pay Srinagar UA/Jammu UA (Y Class Cities): 20% of Basic Pay Other Places (Z Class Locations): 10% of Basic Pay The order was issued by Santosh D. Vaidya, IAS, Principal Secretary to the Government, Finance Department. This move is expected to bring financial relief to employees serving in different parts of Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K United School Teachers Association Convenes Key Meeting to Address Teachers’ Grievances Jammu, May 4: The Jammu and Kashmir United School Teachers Association held a crucial meeting today under the leadership of its President, Sh. Pardeep Singh Jammwal, to deliberate on the growing concerns of the teaching community across the Union Territory. In the meeting, President Jammwal patiently listened to the grievances of the teachers and assured them of timely redressal. The discussion focused on several critical issues impacting the efficiency, morale, and welfare of school teachers. Key issues raised during the meeting included: 1. Timely Distribution of Free Textbooks: Urgent need for the complete and timely supply of free textbooks for students from Class 1 to 8. 2. Appointment of Aayas in Pre-Primary Sections: Demand for the engagement of helpers (Aayas) in all schools having more than five students enrolled in nursery sections, from the begi...

Budgam Police Arrest Two Drug Peddlers, Contraband Recovered Budgam, October 3, 2025: In a major success against drug trafficking, Budgam Police arrested two drug peddlers and recovered contraband substances in the Soibugh area. Acting on specific information, a police team from Police Post Soibugh, led by ASI Nazir Ahmed, established a checkpoint at Hakermulla near a Chinar tree. Two suspects attempting to flee were intercepted and apprehended. During the search, 7.63 grams of a heroin-like substance along with two mobile phones were recovered. The accused were identified as Mohd Yaseen Rather, son of Ghulam Nabi Rather of Nasrullapora, and Muzaffar Ahmad Malik, son of Nazir Ahmad Malik of Soibugh. A case has been registered under FIR No. 273/2025 at Police Station Budgam under relevant provisions of the NDPS Act. Further investigation is underway. Police have urged the public to support efforts in curbing drug abuse by reporting any suspicious activities.

District Magistrate Kathua Imposes Ban on Tobacco Product "Cool Lip" Kathua, October 03: In a significant step towards safeguarding public health, the District Magistrate Kathua, Rajesh Sharma (JKAS), has issued an order banning the storage, sale, display, and distribution of the tobacco-based product "Cool Lip" across the district with immediate effect. The order comes in response to growing concerns over the increasing use of "Cool Lip" among youth, children, and students, particularly its easy availability in local shops. Reports from educational institutions highlighted that children consuming this product experience intoxication, posing a grave threat to their physical and mental well-being and adversely impacting the educational environment. Citing Clause 2.3.4 of the Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restriction on Sales) Regulations, 2011, and SRO 68 dated 06.03.2013, which prohibit the use of tobacco and nicotine in food produ...

USTA Holds Detailed Meeting at Kathua SK Farm, Forms Ad-hoc Committee to Address Teachers’ Issues Kathua, June 13, 2025 — A significant meeting of the Jammu and Kashmir United School Teachers Association (USTA) was held today at SK Farm Kathua under the chairmanship of USTA President Sh. Pardeep Singh Jamwal. The session focused on a comprehensive discussion of the current educational scenario and the various pressing issues faced by the teaching community. During the meeting, an Ad-hoc Committee for District Kathua was constituted to streamline the local functioning of the association. The newly appointed office bearers include: President: Sham Lal Secretary: Sher Ali Cashier: Dharm Paul Members: Rakesh Sharma, Prashant Khajuria, Netar Chand, and Shamsher Singh Several other prominent members attended the meeting, including Roop Chand, J.A. Malik, Sunil Thapa, Sonia Jamwal, Hari Singh, Kishori Lal, and Rajiv Kumar, among others. The meeting witnessed an in-depth discussion...

USTA Submits Memorandum to DEPO Kathua; Highlights Urgent Educational and Teacher Welfare Concerns Kathua, August 1, 2025: A high-level delegation of the United School Teachers Association (USTA), led by its President Sh. Pardeep Singh Jamwal, met with the DEPO Kathua to submit a comprehensive memorandum addressing several long-pending issues affecting the teaching fraternity and the overall education system in the district. The delegation included General Secretary Roop Chand, District President Sham Lal, and senior members Hari Singh, Rakesh Sharma, Parshant Khajuria, Dharmpal, Parvez Mohd., Netar Chand, among others.  Key Demands and Issues Raised: 1. Exemption from Non-Academic Duties: The USTA delegation strongly emphasized the need to exempt school teachers from non-academic responsibilities such as survey duties, Booth Level Officer (BLO) assignments, and census-related work. According to the association, such tasks drastically reduce the time teacher...

CM Omar Abdullah Launches “The Land of Souls” by 15-Year-Old Author Laranya R. Kumar Jammu, April 17: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah officially launched the book “The Land of Souls”, a captivating literary debut penned by the remarkably talented 15-year-old author, Laranya R. Kumar. The launch event marked a celebration of young voices in literature, showcasing the creativity and depth of storytelling emerging from Jammu and Kashmir. “The Land of Souls” is a powerful tale woven with themes of courage, compassion, and boundless imagination. Laranya’s narrative brilliance and emotional depth have already begun to capture the hearts of readers, positioning her as a promising literary star on the rise. Speaking at the launch, CM Omar Abdullah praised the young author’s achievement, calling the book "a proud testament to the rich and growing literary talent in our region." He further encouraged young minds to express themselves and contribute to the cultural and intellec...

MP Yugal Kishore Sharma Visits Devsthan Birpur, Seeks Blessings of Daatashree Ranpat Dev Ji Birpur, Jammu – Member of Parliament Yugal Kishore Sharma today visited the revered Devsthan of Daatashree Ranpat Dev Ji in Birpur. During his spiritual visit, he offered prayers and sought divine blessings from Daatashree for the welfare and prosperity of the people. MP Sharma emphasized the importance of preserving cultural and religious traditions and expressed his deep reverence for the spiritual heritage of the region. The visit was well-received by local devotees and community members, who appreciated the MP's connection with grassroots spiritual and cultural values.

Radhika Devi and Shivam Gupta Shine in District-Level Round of State Children's Science Exhibition Samba, May 20, 2025 — Radhika Devi, a student of PM Shri Government Higher Secondary School, Sumb, and Shivam Gupta, a student of Government Model Higher Secondary Boys School, Samba, secured first place in the district-level competition held under the State-Level Children's Science Exhibition. The competition was organized today, May 20, 2025, by the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET), Samba. Radhika Devi, a resident of Dunai village in block Sumb, gave a presentation on the topic “Millets for Health”, where she effectively highlighted the benefits and role of millets in maintaining good health. Shivam Gupta, on the other hand, prepared a model using low-cost materials and showcased its role in mathematics education, which was highly appreciated by the judges. At the end of the competition, both talented students were honored with Achievem...