J&K UT Foundation Day celebrated with fervor, enthusiasm

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 31: The UT Foundation Day was celebrated across Jammu and Kashmir with great fervor by different Government departments and other organizations.
Principal Secretary Forest, Ecology & Environment, Dheeraj Gupta, today chaired a function organized as a part of the UT Foundation Day by the Forest Department, at Environment Park, Raika. Suresh Kumar Gupta, PCCF and Director Social Forestry Department; Sarvesh Rai, PCCF & Chief Wildlife Warden; Sanjay Kumar Sinha, Director SFRI; Vasu Yadav, Chairman J&K Pollution Control Committee; Sandeep Kujur, Director FPF; J Frankoi, APCCF Jammu, other Regional Heads and senior officials participated in the event. BDC Chairperson Bajalta, Rehmat Ali, also participated in the event.
Dheeraj Gupta, while addressing the event, highlighted various policy initiatives of the Government in ensuring transparency and accountability as well as welfare of the staff. During the event, various publications highlighting achievements of Forest, Wildlife and Social Forestry Departments were released by Dheeraj Gupta. Later, a Nature Trail Walk inside the Environmental Park was flagged off by the Principal Secretary and students from Higher Secondary School Bahu Fort participated in the excursion.
Commissioner Secretary Science and Technology, Saurabh Bhagat, presided over a Public Darbar besides chairing UT foundation day and Rashtriya Ekta diwas celebration here today.
Commissioner Secretary e-inaugurated various development projects including Health & Wellness Centre at Ichgoze costing Rs 55 lakh and double-storey building at Wakharwan, constructed with a project cost of Rs 52 lakh. He also laid foundation stone for Rs 4.30 crore Water Supply Scheme at Banoora which will benefit a population of 6500 souls.
He also released a compendium and NHM evaluation report which will provide valuable insights into the district’s progress and healthcare initiatives.
On the occasion, cultural programmes were held wherein students presented colourful programmes.
The Public Darbar received an overwhelming response from all sections of the society.
Local residents and community members had the opportunity to interact with Commissioner Secretary, conveying their concerns and issues, seeking intervention for redressal.
Saurabh Bhagat emphasized the Government’s commitment towards serving the public and fostering transparency, accountability and integrity in public service. He highlighted that this event was a platform for local residents to interact directly with government officials. He assured the public that their concerns and issues would be duly taken into account by the government for solutions.
Jammu and Kashmir State Taxes Department celebrated 4th UT Foundation Day and Rashtriya Ekta Diwas here.
Speaking on the occasion, Commissioner State Taxes, J&K, Dr Rashmi Singh, congratulated the team of officers and stakeholders for achieving remarkable milestone in last four years. “Number of registered taxpayers in year 2017-18 was only 72000 under GST which is now increased to more than 1.42 lakhs. Moreover, from a modest average monthly collection of around 300 crores, the collection in the current financial year (2023-24) has crossed 683 crore while return filing percentage also shown remarkable achievement with 97 percent dealers filing returns,” she remarked.
Highlighting on other major accomplishments of the department, Dr Rashmi said, “GST revenue collections from J&K (SGST) have shown 33.20% growth, surpassing the National average of 15% for the current financial year. Upto the end of October 2023, a total GST revenue (SGST & IGST) of 4811.09 crores has been realized, showing an overall growth of 20.31 percent”.
On the concluding day of calendar of events organized by Relief Organization (M) J&K to mark the UT Foundation Day, a prize distribution function was organized at Surya Bhawan Jammu wherein Secretary, DMRR&R, Nazim Zai Khan, distributed prizes among the winners of various competitions. A total of 200 prizes and certificates were distributed among the winners. Also 6 wheel chairs were given to the winners of Wheel Chair Race through Social Welfare Department.
Among the offices, office of Camp Commandant Muthi was awarded the Prize of “Swachh Premises” and among the schools, Government Mixed Higher Secondary School Purkhoo, was awarded the prize of “Swachh School” by the Secretary, who while speaking, assured that the Government is committed towards welfare of migrants and shall support all the initiatives in this regard. Relief and Rehabilitation Commissioner, KK Sidha sensitized all towards the initiatives of the Department and appealed all Kashmiri Migrants to take benefit of the same.
To celebrate the Day, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Jammu organized a program at District Court Complex, Janipur (Jammu). The program was presided over by Sanjay Parihar, Principal District & Sessions Judge Jammu (Chairman DLSA) and attended by Secretary DLSA Jammu Dr Smriti Sharma, Secretary HCLSC Prem Sagar, LADCs Jammu, Panel Lawyers of DLSA Jammu and students as well as faculty of Law schools and colleges.
The welcome address was given by Dr Smriti Sharma while Sanjay Parihar delivered a powerful address that shed light on the remarkable transformation in various laws in J&K since the year 2019. He discussed different perspectives of Re-Organization Act 2019. It was also emphasized that 106 Central Act laws have been assimilated into J&K after Re-Organization Act, ensuring a unified legal framework. The developments in the field of law made in J&K post reorganization were also discussed. The program concluded with vote of thanks presented by Dr Smriti Sharma.
The UT Foundation Day of J&K was celebrated in Health Institutions and offices across Jammu division as per the plan discussed by the Administrative Secretary, J&K Health & Medical Education Department, Bhupinder Kumar with all stakeholders including Director Health Services Jammu. The Day was celebrated with great enthusiasm and active participation of all health employees led by Director Health Services Jammu Dr Rajeev Kumar Sharma.
The celebration started with illumination of Health institutions on the eve of UT foundation day. Unity Day Pledge was taken in every health institution and office by all staff. CHC and HWCs Melas under Ayushman Bhav campaign were also organized across Jammu division. Intensified cleanliness drives were conducted for clean environment, clean toilets, and proper disposal of e-waste and to achieve the target of junk free health institutions.
Jammu and Kashmir Academy of Art, Culture and Languages today celebrated UT Foundation Day at KL Segal Hall Jammu. Various events like Mushaira, Folk dance, Dogra musical ensemble and Folk songs were presented in the event. Dr Shanawaz Editor cum Cultural Officer Gojri presented welcome address. On the occasion, Veteran artists of J&K Gokal Dembi and Ravinder Jamwal were felicitated by Prof Lalit Mangotra and Rajinder Tikku for their contribution to the field of Visual Arts and Sculpture. Amar Chouhan conducted the proceedings of the event in a professional manner.
On the eve of UT Foundation Day, the Excise Department organized a painting competition at the Excise and Taxation Training Institute in Nagrota. “Students from various schools actively participated in the painting competition, using their creativity to convey powerful messages against drug misuse. A Nukkad Natak was also performed by the theater group Natrang, providing students and the audience with a dynamic and educational perspective on the consequences of drug addiction within society. Excise Commissioner Pankaj Kumar Sharma, underscored the significance of such events in cultivating awareness among the youth regarding the detrimental effects of drug abuse.
In a spirited commemoration of the Day, PHC Kotichandyar of Block Bani in district Kathua, witnessed a series of community-centered activities. Led by Dr Rameshwar Singh, the entire staff of PHC Kotichandyar engaged in a whole-hearted celebration. In collaboration with the Forest Department, a tree plantation drive was organized within the PHC Kotichandyar premises. The day also saw a robust cleanliness initiative, ensuring the hospital’s environment remains conducive for patients and staff alike. A patient check-up camp was also organized and medicines were distributed free of charge to the attending populace.