Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Dec 31: The Government today announced restoration of Short Messaging Service (SMS) in entire Kashmir valley and the broadband operations in all the Government hospitals of Kashmir from midnight.
Annoucing this at a press conference here today, Principal Secretary Planning, Development and Monitoring Department, Rohit Kansal, who is also the Government spokesperson said that from midnight of December 31, the SMS service is being fully restored in Kashmir.
He said on December 10, some Short Messaging Services were enabled on mobile phones in order to facilitate students, scholarship applicants, traders and others. It has now been decided to fully restore the service throughout Kashmir. In Jammu Division, it has already been restored, Kansal said.
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He further declared that broadband (Internet service) is also being restored from December 31 midnight in all the hospitals across Kashmir valley.
Responding to a question on restoration of mobile internet service in J&K, Kansal said Government takes the review of such issues, and when it feels appropriate, the mobile Internent service will also be restored in phased manner in the J&K UT.
On the release of three former J&K Chief Ministers, Kansal avoided to give direct reply but maintained that such cases are generally reviewed by local Administration keeping in view the law and order situation and when they feel appropriate, the detained leaders will also be released like five political persons released yesterday.
Kansal further claimed that the Government remained committed to the development of a vibrant, modern and competitive industrial and manufacturing sectors in Jammu and Kashmir.
He disclosed that the Government has decided to set up a High Powered Committee under the chairmanship of Advisor, KK Sharma to interact with various stakeholders and to suggest measures to improve the competitiveness of local industry.
The Principal Secretary further added that around 6 lakh persons like students, tour operators, businessmen, contractors, etc were facilitated at 900 internet touch points established by the Government at various places in each district headquarters of the Valley.
Kansal further informed that the procurement period of apples in Jammu and Kashmir under NAFED Market Intervention Scheme for the season 2019 has been extended up to March 31, 2020. With this apple growers/ traders of Kashmir will be benefitted in a big way.
To another question of 50,000 jobs to J&K youth as announced by the Government few months ago and offering jobs in J&K to the youth of all the States despite strong opposition by locals, Kansal said recruitment is on going process and it will be completed in due couse of time. On the issue of jobs in J&K to locals, he said Government can review its decision any time.
Director Information and Public Relations, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar was also present during the press conference.
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