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Hindustan Times
19 hours ago
- General
- Hindustan Times
Chandigarh top in school education ranking
The Union Territory (UT) ranked first among all states and UTs in the Performance Grading Index 2.0 report on school education for 2022-23 and 2023-24 released by the Union ministry of education on Thursday. The report assesses school education across various indicators including learning outcomes and infrastructure. The report is made across six domains and features data from Unified District Information System for Education Plus (UDISE +), National Achievement Survey (NAS), PM POSHAN portal, PRABAND portal and Vidyanjali Portal. Chandigarh's score is 703 out of 1,000, achieving Prachesta 1 grade as defined in the report for the 2023-24 session. It improved its score from 687.8 in the 2022-23 session. Other top performers include Punjab with 631.2 score and Delhi (623.7). Chandigarh leads in only two of the six domains which are infrastructure and facilities and equity. UT's director school education Harsuhinderpal Singh Brar said, 'At the heart of this success are our teachers and the encouragement by the UT administrator and chief secretary along with the integration between various departments. This interdepartmental teamwork anchored by a shared commitment to student success is what transformed plans into results.'
Hindustan Times
4 days ago
- Business
- Hindustan Times
CM Rangasamy seeks VP's intervention to grant statehood to Puducherry
Puducherry June 16 Chief Minister of Puducherry N Rangasamy has sought the intervention of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar to grant statehood to Puducherry, which is currently a Union Territory. Rangasamy presented a memorandum to the vice president on Monday during a meeting. Dhankar is currently on an official three-day visit to Puducherry to participate in functions at JIPMER and Pondicherry Central University. Rangasamy stated that successive elected governments, irrespective of their political parties, have time and again impressed upon the Centre for the need for statehood. The territorial Assembly had also adopted resolutions with the unanimous support of all political parties and more importantly the people of Puducherry for statehood, he pointed out in the memorandum. The chief minister emphasised that the elected government of the Union Territory of Puducherry is a limited government, not by the Constitution but by the decades-old law of the Parliament, through the Government of Union Territories Act of 1963 which is still in force. He stated in the memorandum that even though the government is elected democratically with a Council of Ministers and an assembly, it is unable to function and execute various developmental activities quickly because of a lack of powers at the level of the Council of Ministers. He also brought to the notice of the vice president that Puducherry is currently not included in the Finance Commission on the ground, resulting in improper devolution of funds for development. He also pointed out that if statehood is granted to the Union territory about ₹1,500 to ₹2,000 crores under additional devolution of funds as per the existing formula can be expected which will be helpful to take up various infrastructural activities to improve Puducherry as a fast-growing place as a tourism destination. "With limited powers now we are unable to attract investors for industrial development to generate employment opportunities," Rangasamy said. He requested the vice president to discuss the granting of statehood whenever possible at higher levels for enhanced tourism and for industrial development.
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Centre reviews J&K power, urban infra; 5 grid stations inaugurated, UT told to expedite smart metering
New Delhi: Union minister for power and housing & urban affairs Manohar Lal on Thursday reviewed the power and urban development sectors in Jammu & Kashmir during a meeting held in Srinagar, attended by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, senior officials of the Union Territory, Central Public Sector Enterprises and the Government of India. The UT administration highlighted the role of the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) in strengthening the power distribution network, particularly in remote areas, and thanked the Union Minister for approving revised cost estimates under the scheme. Issues related to upgradation of the power distribution and transmission system were raised by the UT, with a request for continued support from the central government. The Chief Minister thanked the Union Minister for his visit and underlined the UT's commitment to improving the sector. Union Minister Manohar Lal asked the UT administration to plan for capacity augmentation as per the Resource Adequacy Plan. He commended efforts to reduce the gap between power purchase cost and revenue and emphasised that such measures will help improve the financial health of power utilities and ensure reliable supply. He advised the UT to fast-track implementation of prepaid smart metering, beginning with government establishments and extending to commercial and industrial consumers. He added that the government should saturate prepaid metering for all government departments and colonies by August 2025. The Union Minister also highlighted the need to resolve pending issues in ongoing NHPC hydro projects to enable their early completion and called on the UT to consider waiving the water cess levied on hydro projects to reduce power costs. He said the UT should coordinate with the Centre to build skills among the local workforce for hydro projects. The Minister assured full support from the central government for the overall development of the UT. During the visit, the Union Minister inaugurated the following grid infrastructure augmentation works: 1. Augmentation of 132/33 kV Grid Station Awantipora from 145 MVA to 175 MVA. 2. Augmentation of Grid Station Wanpoh, including replacement of a 20 MVA, 132/33 kV power transformer with a 50 MVA transformer. 3. Augmentation of Grid Substation Amargarh from 135 MVA to 195 MVA. 4. Augmentation of Grid Substation Magam from 100 MVA to 130 MVA. 5. Replacement of a 50 MVA transformer bank at Kulgam Grid Station with an 80/100 MVA unit along with related upgrades such as bus strengthening and equipment replacement. The Union Minister stated that the visit was aimed at facilitating resolution of pending issues and identifying new initiatives to enhance services in the UT.
Indian Express
08-06-2025
- General
- Indian Express
Jyeshtha Ashtami and the Kheer Bhawani temple: A sacred spring's significance in Kashmiri Pandit heritage
Zyeth Atham (Jyeshtha Ashtami), observed on the eighth day of Shukla Paksha (the waxing phase of the moon) in the Hindu month of Jyeshtha (May–June), which fell on June 3, holds profound importance for the Kashmiri Pandit community. On this day, devotees honour Goddess Ragnya Devi, also known as Kheer Bhawani, at her temple in Tulmulla, in the Ganderbal district of Jammu and Kashmir. This year, visitors to the temple at the annual Kheer Bhawani Mela included PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, National Conference's Farooq Abdulla, and the Union Territory's L-G Manoj Sinha. The temple derives its distinctive name from kheer—a rice and milk pudding—which is offered to the goddess as the principal prasad. The Kashmiri Pandit community reveres Goddess Kheer Bhawani, an incarnation of Mata Durga, as their Kuldevi (family deity). Tulmulla is approximately 25 kilometers northeast of Srinagar. The temple, nestled amidst chinar trees and built over a sacred spring, finds mention in numerous ancient texts, including Kashmiri historian Kalhana's 12th-century chronicle Rajatarangini. 'Mention of this place is made in the last chapter of the Ragnya Pradurbhava which is a section of the Bhringish Samhita,' writes Kashmiri educationist and ornithologist Samsar Chand Kaul in his book 'The Mysterious Spring of Khir Bhawani'. The shrine features a hexagonal spring surrounding a marble temple that houses the idol of the presiding deity. The current marble structure was constructed by Dogra ruler Maharaja Pratap Singh in the early 20th century and was later renovated by Maharaja Hari Singh. Of guarding serpents and a Lanka connection According to a legend, Ragnya Devi was once worshipped in Lanka by King Ravana. Displeased with his tyranny, she left Lanka and, with the assistance of Lord Hanuman, relocated to Kashmir, choosing Tulmulla as her abode. '…the goddess, wrathful at Ravana's misdeeds, cursed him and ordered Hanuman to take her to Sad Sar (Kashmir) on her vehicle along with 360 Nags. Hanuman selected a spot in the northern side of the Valley within the space surrounded by the villages of Borus (Bhawanish), Ahatung (Tungish), Ladwun (Labdawan), Wokur (Bhageh). Here he installed the goddess with all her satellites. She was called Khirbhawani or Raji Ragyni, exclusively preferring milk, sugar, rice and all vegetarian forms of offerings,' Kaul writes. Sharing details about another legend attached with Goddess Ragnya Devi in his book, Kaul further states: '… Another version which is said to have brought the spring to light states that a Brahman Krishna Pandit saw a vision in which he was informed by a Deva (an angel) that the spring of Khir Bhawani lay among the swamps of Tulamulla. 'How shall I be able to find out the spring? He asked. 'Engage a boat as far as Shadipor (village in Kashmir), and from there a serpent will guide you. When you reach near the spring, the serpent will jump into it. That is the spring.' The spring: Changing colours and fortunes Waters of the sacred spring, known as 'Nag' in Kashmir, are known to change colour, and according to local belief, reflect the fortunes of the Valley. Light hues such as blue and green are considered auspicious, while darker shades, particularly black or red, are viewed as forewarnings of turmoil. 'For generations, locals have looked to the spring's waters as a mirror of the Valley's fate — when the water runs clear, it is taken as a sign of harmony, when it darkens, it is considered inauspicious,' says Jammu resident Girja Bhat, who has been attending the mela regularly and was 'happy' when she found that 'Nag pooyin ous saaf (spring water was clear)' this year. Kashmiri Pandits narrate that in 1990, around the time of their mass exodus, the spring reportedly turned black, a phenomenon that has since been etched into the community's collective memory. Quoting the then British Land Settlement Commissioner to Kashmir Walter Lawrence, in the research paper 'Manifestation of Goddess Kheer Bhavani: A Psychological Exploration', University of Delhi scholar Swati Tickoo states: 'In 1888, Lawrence wrote the following report about the temple of Mata Kheer Bhavani; '…perhaps the most sacred place in Kashmir is the Kheer Bhawani; spring of Kheer Bhawani at the mouth of the Sind valley… When I saw the great spring of Kheer Bhawani at Tula Mula, the water had a violet tinge, but when famine or cholera is imminent the water assumes a black hue.' 'Reaffirmation of faith' The mela at Kheer Bhawani Temple, managed by Jammu and Kashmir Dharmarth Trust, continues to draw thousands of devotees annually. 'To mark the Ashtami, devotees perform hawan in reverence to Mata Ragnya, accompanied by rituals such as offering milk and dropping Kaand (sugar cones) into the sacred spring, scattering flowers and aromatic leaves known as Vyna Patar. The festival serves as a reunion for the Kashmiri Pandit diaspora, a reaffirmation of faith, and a symbol of resilience,' says retired IFS officer Poshkar Nath Pandit.
Time of India
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Train links are a welcome now release prisoners on Eid to reduce Dil Ki Doori: Mirwaiz to Modi
Mirwaiz Umar Farooq addressed a gathering at Jama Masjid. He urged the government to release prisoners as a goodwill gesture for Eid. He emphasized the importance of human connections. Mirwaiz condemned the death of Zubair Bhat in Delhi. He expressed concern over the safety of Kashmiris living outside Jammu and Kashmir. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Srinagar: Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq on Friday said that if the Prime Minister truly seeks to reduce the ' Dil Ki Doori ' then humanitarian steps like release of prisoners need to be taken immediately. Mirwaiz while addressing a Friday gathering here at historic Jama Masjid in downtown Srinagar said that train links are a welcome, but it is the human links that truly matter and the eve of Eid-ul-Adha , Mirwaiz said that for thousands of families in J&K, the festival brings no joy. 'Their sons, husbands, fathers and brothers have been incarcerated for years—many without trial—in jails within and outside J&K. And each passing day, more of our youth are detained,' said Hurriyat chief said that all such prisoners, including political leadership, remain in the prayers and thoughts of the people. Mirwaiz urged Government of India that a goodwill gesture be made on the occasion of Eid , by releasing these prisoners.'If the Prime Minister truly seeks to reduce the 'dil ki doori' (distance of hearts) which he often mentions in his speeches, then such humanitarian steps are the real way forward. Train links are welcome, but it is the human links that truly matter and endure," said Hurriyat leader also condemned the tragic and inhuman killing of 30-year-old Zubair Bhat of Ali Kadal, Srinagar, who was working in New Delhi."The incident is deeply disturbing and unacceptable. Zubair's custodial-like death—allegedly at the hands of Delhi police as claimed by his family—has brought back haunting memories of such deaths and raised serious concerns regarding the safety and security of Kashmiris residing or working in different parts of India," said Hurriyat leader said that the killing has sent shockwaves through the community and added to the prevailing fear and anxiety among the thousands of Kashmiri students, professionals, traders, and labourers living outside J&K. 'After the recent Pahalgam incident, Kashmiris across the country are increasingly facing hostility. And now, an innocent young trader has been killed in cold blood. How long will this go on?' Mirwaiz Hurriyat leader urged the Government of India and the Union Territory administration to fulfill their constitutional responsibility and ensure the safety, security, and dignity of all Kashmiri citizens, especially those outside the region. 'The silence and inaction only embolden those targeting Kashmiris,' he also made a heartfelt appeal to civil rights organisations, writers, intellectuals, and conscientious citizens of India to raise their voice against "the growing onslaught on Kashmiris and to stand up in solidarity with the victims of such brutality."
