Valley Observer

KU’s DTHLS concludes national conference on geographical indications, tourism and destination identity

VO News Report

Srinagar Sept 18: The Department of Tourism, Hospitality and Leisure Studies (DTHLS), University of Kashmir (KU), successfully concluded a two-day national conference on “From Heritage to Hospitality: Geographical Indications, Tourism and Destination Identity” at the Main Campus.
Organised in collaboration with Property Pro Legal and Hastin Research, the conference aimed to examine the role of Geographical Indications (GIs), traditional products and cultural heritage in strengthening tourism, supporting local livelihoods and shaping distinctive destination identities.
Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor KU Prof. Nilofer Khan said, “Our heritage and traditional products are not only part of our cultural identity but also have the potential to create opportunities for local communities and strengthen sustainable tourism.”
She emphasised the need for greater academic and industry engagement to understand how heritage resources and GI-tagged products can be effectively connected with tourism and local economic development.
Dean Academic Affairs KU, Prof. Shariefuddin Pirzada said that the conference provided an important platform for discussing the relationship between heritage, tourism and regional development.
Dean, School of Business Studies KU, Prof. Mushtaq A. Darzi, highlighted the economic and entrepreneurial dimensions of GI products and the need to connect traditional knowledge and local products with contemporary markets.
Sanjay Bafna, Collaborating Partner and Founder & Director, Property Pro Legal and Hastin Research, noted the importance of protecting, promoting and effectively communicating the identity and value of geographically distinctive products.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Head, DTHLS KU, Dr. Reyaz Ahmad Qureshi, said that the conference sought to bring together academic, industry and field perspectives on the ways in which heritage and GI products can contribute to tourism development and destination identity.
The two-day conference featured plenary sessions, panel discussions, technical sessions and research paper presentations covering various aspects of Geographical Indications, heritage tourism, destination branding, traditional products, community participation and sustainable tourism. It also included field visit tracks to the Pampore Saffron Fields, Kanihama Village for Kani Shawl heritage, the Downtown Craft Heritage Trail and Dal Lake, allowing participants to engage directly with the region’s cultural and tourism resources.
Dr. Shahnawaz Ahmad Dar, faculty, DTHLS KU, proposed the formal vote of thanks.

DC inspects progress of work on GMC Udhampur campus

Sets Sept 25 as deadline for completion of Hostels in all respects

VO News Report

UDHAMPUR, SEPTEMBER 18: Deputy Commissioner Udhampur, Minga Sherpa today conducted an extensive visit to inspect the ongoing construction works on the Government Medical College campus coming up here at Bailey.

During the visit, the DC inspected various components of the project and assessed the progress of the ongoing works. He emphasized the need to identify and address bottlenecks, if any, affecting the timely ex*****on of the project. He directed for completion of all pending works of the boys’ and girls’ hostels by September 25, 2026.

Further, the DC urged the executing agency to adopt a double-shift work schedule with renewed focus, enhanced coordination and effective resource mobilization to ensure completion of the project within the stipulated time-frame.

The Executing agencies were directed to expedite development and maintenance of approach roads and ensure their timely completion as per the approved schedule.

MLA Vijaypur, DHJ flag off Farmers’ exposure visit under MIDH

VO News Report

SAMBA, SEPTEMBER 18: Member Legislative Assembly (MLA) Vijaypur Chander Parkash Ganga along with Director Horticulture Jammu (DH) Gul Sayed today flagged off a group of 90 farmers for an Inter-District Training-cum-Exposure Visit under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH).

The exposure visit aims to provide farmers with practical exposure to modern horticultural technologies, scientific cultivation practices, high-density plantation, improved orchard management, efficient irrigation and fertigation, nutrient and pest management, post-harvest handling, value addition and successful horticultural models.

During the visit, farmers will visit Government horticultural farms, orchards, nurseries, demonstration plots and other relevant institutions. They will interact with departmental experts, technical specialists and progressive farmers to gain first-hand knowledge and assess the suitability of modern practices for adoption in their own farms. Speaking on the occasion,

MLA Chander Parkash Ganga emphasized the importance of farmer-oriented exposure and capacity-building programmes. He encouraged the participating farmers to actively observe the technologies demonstrated during the tour and adopt suitable practices for improving productivity and farm income.

The Director Horticulture highlighted the important role of horticulture in strengthening the rural economy and improving farmers’ livelihoods. He urged farmers to avail maximum benefit of the Central and UT Government-sponsored horticulture schemes, particularly interventions under MIDH for developing new orchards, high-density plantation, quality planting material, rejuvenation of old orchards, protected cultivation, irrigation, post-harvest management, processing and value addition.

The Director advised farmers to maintain close coordination with the field functionaries of the Department and seek technical guidance before undertaking new horticultural activities, so that the benefits of departmental schemes are effectively delivered at the grassroots level.

The programme was organized under the supervision of Chief Horticulture Officer Anil Gorkha, with the active coordination of DL-SMS Samba, Raivati Raman Sharma; HDO Vijaypur Extension, Dr. Manmohan Lal and HDO Purmandal, Rakesh Kumar along with other officers and officials of the Department.

DC Kathua chairs DSC meet on Green India Mission

Committee proposes Rs 4.55 Cr combined micro plan for current, next FY

VO News Report

KATHUA, SEPTEMBER 18: A meeting of the District Steering Committee for implementation and monitoring of activities under the Green India Mission (GIM) was held today under the chairmanship of the District Development Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma here at DC Office complex.

The meeting focused on deliberations and approval/ recommendation of the Green India Mission Micro Plans for the years 2026–27 and 2027–28 for Kathua District.

While deliberating on the modalities of the plan, the DC emphasized the need of coordinated implementation across the Forest Divisions of Kathua, Billawar and Basholi.

The concerned Divisional Forest Officers and Social Forestry Division made detailed presentations on the objectives of the Green India Mission, the landscapes allotted to the respective divisions and the progress of advance and creation works undertaken since 2023–24.

The Committee also reviewed the progress of eco-restoration of degraded open forests. Giving details of achievements, the meeting was informed that ₹15.37 lakh were spent on restoration of 20 hectare forest area at Koli Kopper falling in the Kathua Forest Division. Billawar Forest Division reported works covering 75 hectares with a financial achievement of ₹6.11 lakh, while Basholi Forest Division reported works covering 6 hectares with a financial achievement of ₹2.88 lakh.

The Committee examined the resolutions of the Village Forest Committees (VFCs) from across Kathua, Billawar and Basholi Forest Divisions, besides plantation works along NH-44 and the railway track proposed by the Social Forestry Division, which were placed before it for consideration.

After detailed deliberations, the Committee recommended around ₹4.55 crore (₹454.78 Lakh) Micro Plans for 2026–27 and 2027–28 for submission to UT level Steering Committee for further consideration.

The proposal comprises ₹167.90 lakh for advance works during 2026–27 and ₹286.88 lakh for creation works during 2027–28.

The meeting concluded with directions for coordinated follow-up and timely submission of the recommended Micro Plans to the UT Steering Committee for further necessary action.

The meeting was attended by the District Programme Officer, ICDS/Nodal Officer, Tribal Affairs, Kathua; Divisional Forest Officer, Kathua, who is also the Member Secretary of the District Steering Committee, along with the DFO, Billawar; DFO, Social Forestry Division, Kathua; DFO, Basholi; ACD, DPO; Chief Agriculture Officer, Kathua; District Officer, JAKEDA, Kathua and Representative of the Conservator of Forests, East Circle, Jammu.

One-day PM-Vishwakarma awareness programme held at Kathua

DC pushes for effective hand holding of artisans

VO News Report

KATHUA, SEPTEMBER 18: A one-day awareness programme on the PM-Vishwakarma scheme and other government schemes for artisans and traditional craftsmen was organised today in the conference hall, DC Office Kathua. The programme was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma.

Addressing the participants, the Deputy Commissioner said the aim of organising such awareness programs was to sensitise artisans and prospective beneficiaries about the benefits available under PM-Vishwakarma and other government initiatives.

“Eligible artisans and traditional craftsmen shall be adequately informed about government support schemes to enable them to avail the benefits without facing procedural difficulties,” he emphasised. He also underscored the need for effective branding, packaging and marketing of locally produced goods to enhance their market reach and improve income opportunities for artisans.

During the interactive session, participants raised queries regarding PM-Vishwakarma registration, eligibility, toolkits, credit support, branding and marketing, which were addressed by the resource persons and concerned officials.

The programme was attended by Chief Planning Officer Ranjeet Thakur; Assistant Director MSME Jammu D.K. Tyagi; FM DIC Surya Bhagat; Lead District Manager Aman Jasrotia; Assistant Professor Jammu University Campus Kathua, Dr. Surekha, besides officials from concerned departments and a large number of artisans and prospective beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, an awareness session on PM-Vishwakarma and other government schemes was also held at the Government Degree College Kathua Auditorium, providing participants with detailed information about the scheme provisions, implementation process and avenues for availing government support.

ADC Ramban reviews Youth Empowerment Programme implementation

Directs stakeholder departments to upload action plan

VO News Report

RAMBAN, SEPTEMBER 18: Additional Deputy Commissioner Ramban Varunjeet Singh Charak today chaired a meeting to review the implementation of the Youth Empowerment Programme (YEP) in the district. He is the Chairperson of the District Level Committee for the Program.

The programme envisages a comprehensive framework for empowering youth in the age group of 15 to 35 years by bringing the services and initiatives of more than 18 Government departments onto a single platform. It seeks to ensure convergence, transparency, efficiency and targeted outreach through coordinated youth-centric interventions.

The meeting was attended by the Chief Planning Officer, General Manager District Industries Centre, Chief Agriculture Officer, District Social Welfare Officer, Assistant Labour Commissioner, Tehsildar Headquarters, Principal Government Polytechnic, Block development Officers, besides officers and officials of concerned departments.

The ADC directed the stakeholder departments including Education, Higher Education, Technical Education, Youth Services & Sports and other departments, to upload their respective action plans on the portal and ensure registration of eligible youth within the prescribed timeline.

“Engagement plans shall focus on sports, entrepreneurship in agriculture and allied sectors, skill development, employment generation, volunteerism and social development, the ADC stressed.

The Assistant Director Employment, the Nodal Officer for Youth Engagement was asked to personally monitor the progress of all stakeholder departments, ensure achievement of targets and facilitate strategic interventions for effective youth participation.

DC Poonch reviews implementation of ‘One District One Product’ initiative

VO News Report

POONCH, SEPTEMBER 18: Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma, today chaired a meeting to review the implementation of the One District One Product (ODOP) initiative in District Poonch.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Tahir Mustafa Malik; General Manager DIC Naheem Un Nissa Bhatti and district officers from District Industries Centre, Agriculture, Horticulture, Handicrafts/Handloom, Fisheries, Employment, J&K Bank, SICOP, NRLM and other concerned departments.

During the meeting, detailed discussions were held on promoting Rajma as the identified ODOP product of the District Poonch, with particular focus on strengthening its cultivation, production, processing, branding, packaging and market linkages.

The meeting also discussed the potential of Rajma cultivation in various areas of the district, particularly Mandi, Loran, Sankot, Buffliaz and other Rajma-producing pockets, with emphasis on identifying local production clusters and improving the livelihood opportunities of farmers associated with the crop.

The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned officers to work towards developing a comprehensive roadmap for strengthening the Rajma value chain, from production to processing and marketing, so that the unique agricultural produce of Poonch gains wider recognition and provides enhanced economic benefits to local farmers and entrepreneurs.

Jammu Expo 2026 commences at Gole Market-Gandhi Nagar

VO News Report

JAMMU, SEPTEMBER 18: Jammu Expo 2026 – A Celebration of Craft, Culture & Cuisine commenced today at Gole Market, Gandhi Nagar, Jammu, providing a vibrant platform to local entrepreneurs, artisans, MSMEs, women-led enterprises, startups and businesses to showcase their products and connect directly with consumers and wider markets.

The three-day exhibition, organised by the Jammu & Kashmir Trade Promotion Organisation (JKTPO), under the aegis of the Department of Industries & Commerce, Government of Jammu & Kashmir will continue till September 20, 2026.

The first edition of Jammu Expo provides a vibrant platform for local entrepreneurs, artisans, MSMEs, women-led enterprises, startups and businesses to showcase their products, engage directly with consumers and explore new market opportunities. The Expo is being organized under the tagline “Discover Local, Experience Dogri Cuisine, Connect with Markets”- highlighting the rich cultural heritage, local products and entrepreneurial potential of Jammu.

The Jammu Expo follows the recently concluded Kashmir Expo 2026, organised by JKTPO at Zabarwan Park, Srinagar, from September 11 - 13, which brought together artisans, entrepreneurs, businesses and other stakeholders to showcase Kashmir’s products, craftsmanship and cultural heritage. Together, the two initiatives reflect JKTPO’s efforts to create regular, market-oriented platforms across Jammu and Kashmir for promoting local enterprises and connecting them with consumers and wider markets.

A key attraction of the Expo is the dedicated “Taste of Jammu” Food Corner, showcasing traditional and popular local cuisines, snacks, beverages and value-added food products. Cultural Evenings featuring local cultural performances will further enhance the visitor experience and celebrate Jammu’s rich cultural heritage.

The exhibition also provides dedicated space for ODOP and local-product showcases, participation by rural women Self-Help Groups, startups and emerging enterprises, along with branded exhibition stalls and opportunities for direct consumer interaction, networking and market exposure.

The event took off in presence of Managing Director JKTPO Sudershan Kumar; Director Handicrafts and Handloom Jammu Mr. Mohammad Nazir Sheikh; Managing Director, J&K Handicrafts and Handloom Corporation Pradeep Singh Manhas.

The Managing Director informed that the Jammu Expo has been designed as a consumer-oriented and experience-driven platform combining enterprise promotion with Jammu’s cultural and culinary heritage. “JKTPO remains committed to organising regular editions of such exhibitions across Jammu and Kashmir to strengthen market linkages, promote local brands and provide our entrepreneurs, artisans and emerging enterprises greater opportunities to connect with consumers, buyers and markets,” he add,.

The JKTPO has invited the people of Jammu and visitors to come, explore and experience Jammu Expo 2026, support local entrepreneurs and artisans, discover unique local products and savour the rich flavours and cultural heritage of Jammu.

The Expo will remain open to the general public from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM on all three days.

Udhampur hosting 21.5-km half marathon on September 27

ADC reviews arrangements; stresses seamless coordination among stakeholders

VO News Report

UDHAMPUR, SEPTEMBER 18: District Administration Udhampur is hosting 21.5 Km half marathon- UDHM 2026 on September 27, 2026.

For its smooth and successful conduct, Additional Deputy Commissioner Prem Singh today convened a meeting of officers from the line departments to review and finalize the arrangements.

Threadbare discussions were held on various aspects of the preparations, including security, sanitation, healthcare, traffic management, drinking water supply and route management.

The ADC emphasized the importance of seamless coordination and close collaboration among all concerned departments to complete necessary arrangements well in advance.

Executive Engineer Jal Shakti Department was directed to make available adequate drinking water supply along the marathon route. The Chief Executive Officer Municipal Council was asked to deploy civic workers to carry out proper cleanliness and sanitation along the entire marathon route, while the Chief Medical Officer was asked to deploy a team of doctors along with an ambulance to provide first aid and immediate medical assistance in case of medical emergency.

District and Traffic Police were directed to deploy adequate personnel to ensure foolproof security and smooth regulation of traffic during the event.

Census-2027

ADC flags off Van to generate public awareness about Population Enumeration

VO News Report

UDHAMPUR, SEPTEMBER 18: District Census Officer (Additional Deputy Commissioner) Prem Singh today flagged off a publicity awareness Van to generate awareness among the general public regarding the Phase-II Population Enumeration of Census-2027 in the district.

The LED mounted Publicity Van will disseminate information regarding the Census-2027 exercise and encourage maximum public participation in the Population Enumeration being conducted in different Charges of the district.

The public will be sensitized about the importance of providing complete and accurate information during Population Enumeration.

Additional District Census Officer DSEO Darshan Kumar and District Coordinator for Census 2027, Ajit Raj were present on the occasion.