Advisory Committee
More than ten months after the Jammu and Kashmir Government announced the constitution of a multi-stakeholder Advisory Committee for tourism, its continued absence raises uncomfortable questions about intent and execution. Tourism is not a peripheral sector in the Union Territory; it is an economic lifeline. When such a crucial reform mechanism remains unconstituted, the gap […]
DEEPENING DISTRESS
The recent meeting between the Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha underscores the urgency of addressing the deepening distress in Kashmir’s tourism sector. Tourism remains the backbone of the Kashmir’s economy, supporting thousands of livelihoods directly and indirectly. Any prolonged disruption, therefore, has wide social and economic consequences. […]
SIGNIFICANT STEP
The recent decision empowering Lieutenant Governors and administrators of five Union Territories to authorise searches and seizures against misleading medical advertisements is a significant step toward protecting public health. By extending the powers under the Drugs and Magic Remedies (Objectionable Advertisements) Act, 1954, the Centre has closed an administrative gap that often delayed enforcement in […]
CONTINUED FOCUS
The recent visit of Union Home Secretary to Jammu and Kashmir signals the Centre’s continued focus on maintaining a firm grip over the evolving security landscape in the Union Territory. His detailed discussions with Lieutenant Governor and comprehensive reviews with the leadership of the Army, police, paramilitary and intelligence agencies underline the seriousness with which […]
COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW
The recent comprehensive review chaired by the Chief Secretary highlights Jammu and Kashmir’s steady march towards inclusive, outcome-oriented governance, with social welfare and agri-based livelihoods emerging as twin pillars of development. The Social Welfare Department’s performance reflects a strong institutional push towards empowering women, protecting children and ensuring nutrition security for vulnerable sections. The near-universal […]
TRIBAL HERITAGE
“Mapping Tribal Heritage” workshop recently held at IIT Jammu underscores a crucial truth often overlooked in policy discourse: tribal heritage is not a static relic but a living, evolving knowledge system rooted in language, belief, and everyday practice. His emphasis on participatory, community-driven research marks a progressive shift away from top-down models of cultural […]
CORRECTIVE STEP
The drafting of a fresh Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for investigation and prosecution under the NDPS Act marks a crucial corrective step in Jammu and Kashmir’s fight against the growing drug menace. The move acknowledges a hard truth: stringent laws alone are insufficient if procedural lapses repeatedly weaken cases and allow offenders to walk free. […]
SUSPENSION OF IWT
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s latest remarks on proposed projects over the Jhelum and Chenab mark a significant political and strategic moment for Jammu and Kashmir. The scrapping of the Indus Water Treaty (IWT) has reopened a long-suppressed debate on equitable water use, power generation and regional development issues that have historically constrained J&K despite being […]
REGULATORY FRAMEWORK
The draft Pesticides Management Bill, 2025 marks a significant and much-needed overhaul of India’s pesticide regulatory framework, replacing the decades-old Insecticides Act of 1968. At a time when agriculture faces mounting challenges from climate change, pest resistance, and food safety concerns, updating the law to reflect present-day realities is both timely and necessary. The […]
Comprehensive Review
Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s dedication of development works worth over Rs 11.58 crore in Kathua, along with a comprehensive review of progress in both Kathua and Samba districts, reflects a renewed emphasis on grassroots development and administrative accountability. The projects inaugurated and foundation stones laid span critical sectors rural enterprise, agriculture, education and infrastructure signalling […]
