Voice Of People

21/09/2026

PRESS RELEASE
Citizen Rights Protection Council Opposes Additional Saturday Closure of Schools & Educational Institutions

Appeals for Rationalisation of Holidays to Protect Academic Time

Jammu & Kashmir: The Citizen Rights Protection Council (CRPC) has expressed concern over the practice of keeping schools and educational institutions closed on additional Saturdays, stating that the academic calendar already contains a considerable number of holidays and vacation periods.

Ishtiyaq Rasool, Additional Director State, Citizen Rights Protection Council, said that students already receive extended breaks during winter vacation, summer vacation, Sundays, festival holidays and other officially notified holidays. Adding regular Saturday closures, wherever applicable, further reduces the number of effective instructional days available to students.

The CRPC believes that every working day matters for education, particularly for students who need adequate classroom time to complete their syllabus, strengthen foundational learning and prepare properly for examinations.

The Council therefore appeals to the LG Administration, Government of Jammu & Kashmir, School Education Department and concerned authorities to review the existing holiday calendar and consider:

- Avoiding unnecessary additional weekly closures where they are not academically required.
- Rationalising the overall number of holidays and vacation periods.
- Ensuring adequate effective teaching days in the academic calendar.
- Giving priority to students’ learning outcomes and completion of the prescribed syllabus.
- Conducting consultations with teachers, parents and education experts before introducing additional closures.
- Maintaining a reasonable balance between staff welfare, administrative requirements and students’ academic needs.

“Our concern is not against legitimate holidays or the rights of teachers and students. Our concern is that the academic calendar should provide sufficient effective teaching days. Education requires continuity, discipline and adequate classroom time. We request the authorities to review the holiday pattern in the larger interest of students and the future of Jammu & Kashmir.”

The Citizen Rights Protection Council urges the Government to examine the matter objectively and take appropriate measures to ensure that students do not lose valuable instructional time unnecessarily.

Issued by:
Ishtiyaq Rasool
Additional Director State
Citizen Rights Protection Council (CRPC)
Jammu & Kashmir
Contact: 070065 02524

Information & PR, J&K
Office of LG, J&K
Office of Chief Minister, J&K
CRPC - Citizen Rights Protection Counc

20/09/2026

PRESS RELEASE

CRPC Calls for Regulation of Guest Conteol /Numbers and limit of Wazwan Dishs in Marriage Functions in Jammu & Kashmir

“Let marriages remain occasions of happiness—not a competition of expenditure, food wastage and social pressure.”

Jammu & Kashmir:
The Citizen Rights Protection Council (CRPC) has appealed to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, the Government of Jammu & Kashmir and the general public to initiate a serious public-policy discussion on regulating the number of guests and excessive Wazwan arrangements at marriage functions across the Union Territory.

Marriage is a sacred social occasion and should be based on simplicity, dignity, mutual respect and family happiness. However, the increasing trend of inviting very large numbers of guests and preparing unnecessarily large quantities of Wazwan is placing considerable financial and social pressure on ordinary families.

In many cases, families feel compelled to spend beyond their means merely to maintain social status or meet prevailing expectations. This can result in debt, unnecessary expenditure, food wastage and avoidable competition between families.

CRPC believes that a responsible and practical framework should be developed after consultation with religious scholars, civil society organisations, community representatives, caterers, marriage-hall owners and the general public.

CRPC Appeals for the Following Measures:

1. Introduce a reasonable guest-limit framework for marriage functions, particularly where large public venues are used.

2. Consider a practical limit on the number of Wazwan dishes/items served at marriage functions, while respecting Kashmir’s rich culinary and cultural traditions.

3. Discourage food wastage and promote responsible food preparation according to the expected number of guests.

4. Encourage families to avoid unnecessary social competition and extravagant expenditure.

5. Promote simple marriages and affordable celebrations, particularly for economically weaker and middle-class families.

6. Marriage halls and catering establishments may be encouraged to maintain basic records of expected guest numbers and food arrangements, where legally appropriate.

7. The Government may constitute a consultative committee involving community leaders, religious scholars, social organisations, food experts and administration to examine the issue and recommend a practical framework.

8. Any regulation should be implemented sensitively and reasonably, without unnecessarily interfering with cultural traditions or legitimate family celebrations.

Appeal to the General Public

CRPC appeals to every family in Jammu & Kashmir: Do not measure the success of a marriage by the number of guests, the quantity of Wazwan or the amount of money spent.

A dignified marriage does not require unnecessary extravagance.

Let us preserve Wazwan as our cultural heritage, while avoiding excessive food preparation and wastage.

Let us make marriages simple, respectable, affordable and socially responsible.

Appeal to the LG Administration & Government of J&K

CRPC respectfully requests the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor and the Government of Jammu & Kashmir to examine this matter in the larger public interest and initiate a broad consultation with stakeholders for developing an appropriate policy or advisory on guest management, food wastage and excessive expenditure in marriage functions.

Such an initiative should aim not at restricting culture, but at reducing social and financial pressure on families and promoting responsible celebrations.

“Simple Marriage — Responsible Celebration — No Food Wastage.”

Issued by:
Ishtiyaq Rasool
Additional Director State
Citizen Rights Protection Council (CRPC)

Information & PR, J&K
Office of LG, J&K
Office of Chief Minister, J&K
Jkp MediacentrePhq
Citizen Rights Protection Council JK Unit

18/09/2026

📢 PUBLIC INFORMATION NOTICE

Health Sector | Trauma Hospital Pattan & Our MLAs

A public discussion on the present status, challenges, facilities and future needs of Trauma Hospital Pattan, along with the role of our elected representatives in improving healthcare services.

🔴 Watch Me LIVE on Facebook Official Pages
📅 19 October 2026
⏰ 5:00 PM

Your Voice Matters — Together for Better Healthcare in Pattan.

Ishtiyaq Rasool
Social Activist

Information & PR, J&K
Sdpo Pattan
Office of Chief Minister, J&K
DC Baramulla

03/09/2026

Information & PR, J&K

Share please

REQUEST-CUM-RECOMMENDATION LETTER

To
The Hon’ble Minister for Railways
Government of India
New Delhi

Subject: Request for extension of Vande Bharat Express service up to Baramulla (North Kashmir) for the benefit of the general public of North Kashmir and Ganderbal District

Respected Sir,

I, on behalf of the Citizen Rights Protection Council, Jammu & Kashmir, respectfully submit this request-cum-recommendation for your kind consideration regarding the extension of the existing Vande Bharat Express train service, which is presently operating up to Srinagar/Budgam, to Baramulla in North Kashmir.

The introduction of Vande Bharat connectivity in the Kashmir Valley is a significant milestone for the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir. However, limiting the service to Srinagar/Budgam leaves a large population of North Kashmir without direct access to this modern and high-speed rail service.

Our Request

It is respectfully requested that the Ministry of Railways may kindly examine the feasibility of extending the Vande Bharat Express service from its present terminal at Srinagar/Budgam up to Baramulla, subject to operational and technical feasibility.

Such an extension would provide substantial benefits to residents of:

- Baramulla District
- Kupwara District
- Bandipora District
- Other adjoining areas of North Kashmir
- Ganderbal District and surrounding areas, through improved connectivity with the Valley’s railway network

Benefits to the General Public

Extension of the service to Baramulla would:

1. Provide better and faster rail connectivity to the people of North Kashmir.
2. Reduce travel time and improve access to Srinagar and other connected destinations.
3. Facilitate travel for students, employees, patients, traders, tourists and the general public.
4. Strengthen economic and commercial activity in North Kashmir.
5. Promote tourism and improve accessibility to important destinations of the region.
6. Provide modern railway facilities to a larger population of Jammu & Kashmir.
7. Ensure more equitable distribution of the benefits of Vande Bharat services across the Kashmir Valley.

The people of North Kashmir have a legitimate expectation that the benefits of modern railway infrastructure should reach their region as well. Baramulla, being an important urban and commercial centre of North Kashmir, would be a logical and highly beneficial terminal for the extended service, if operationally feasible.

I therefore respectfully request the Hon’ble Railway Minister to kindly direct the concerned Railway authorities to conduct a feasibility and operational assessment for extending the Vande Bharat Express up to Baramulla, and consider introducing the extended service at the earliest possible opportunity.

This initiative would be warmly welcomed by the people of North Kashmir and would further strengthen the Government of India’s vision of improved connectivity, inclusive development and modern transportation infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir.

With highest regards and hope for favourable consideration.

Yours faithfully,

Ishtiyaq Rasool
Additional Director State
Citizen Rights Protection Council
Jammu & Kashmir
MOB. 070065 02524

Information & PR, J&K
Office of LG, J&K
Office of Chief Minister, J&K
Ministry of Railways, Government of India
Northern Railway
Amit Shah

CRPC - Citizen Rights Protection Council

28/08/2026

Happy Raksha Bandhan! 🪢❤️

May the sacred bond of love, care and protection between brothers and sisters grow stronger with every passing year. Wishing everyone a joyful and blessed Raksha Bandhan!

Ishtiyaq Rasool
Social Activist

25/08/2026

Share for Public intrest..
Information & PR, J&K
Office of LG, J&K
Office of Chief Minister, J&K

PRESS RELEASE

Power Tariff Hike Is an Additional Burden on Common People: Citizen Rights Protection Council Demands Immediate Review

Srinagar/Jammu, Jammu & Kashmir | August 25, 2026

The Citizen Rights Protection Council (CRPC), Jammu & Kashmir, has strongly expressed concern over the recent revision of electricity tariffs in Jammu & Kashmir and termed the additional financial burden on ordinary consumers unfair and against the larger public interest.

The Joint Electricity Regulatory Commission (JERC) has approved an average 6.83% increase in electricity tariffs for J&K, with the revised rates scheduled to apply from September 1, 2026.

The Council said that at a time when common households are already facing increasing costs of essential commodities, education, healthcare, transport and other basic necessities, another increase in electricity bills will place additional pressure on families, particularly low-income households, middle-class consumers, farmers, small shopkeepers and economically weaker sections.

Government Must Put Public Interest First

Ishtiyaq Rasool, Additional Director State, Citizen Rights Protection Council, said that electricity is not a luxury but an essential public service and the affordability of power must remain a priority of the administration.

«“The people of Jammu & Kashmir cannot continuously be asked to bear the financial burden of systemic gaps in the power sector. Before increasing tariffs, the authorities must explore every possible avenue for reducing losses, improving collection efficiency, controlling wastage and strengthening the distribution system.”»

The Council acknowledges that JERC is the statutory regulatory authority responsible for tariff determination. However, the J&K Government has a significant responsibility to protect consumers through appropriate subsidy support, policy intervention and representation before the regulatory authority. The recent order itself factors in substantial government financial support to bridge part of the revenue gap.

CRPC DEMANDS

The Citizen Rights Protection Council calls upon the Omar Abdullah-led J&K Government to:

1. Immediately review the impact of the revised electricity tariff on ordinary consumers.
2. Take up the matter with JERC for reconsideration/review in the larger public interest.
3. Explore additional government subsidy/support so that the burden does not fall disproportionately on common households.
4. Protect low-consumption domestic consumers from further financial hardship.
5. Conduct a transparent review of power-sector losses, revenue collection, transmission and distribution efficiency before placing additional burden on consumers.
6. Ensure that consumers receive reliable and uninterrupted electricity supply corresponding to the charges being recovered.
7. Publicly disclose the government's roadmap for fulfilling its commitments concerning affordable electricity for the people of J&K.

CRPC ISSUES AN ULTIMATUM

The Citizen Rights Protection Council hereby gives the J&K Government a public-interest ultimatum to initiate a meaningful review and place a consumer-protection mechanism before the people without delay.

If the government fails to take meaningful corrective measures, the Council will be compelled to escalate the matter through lawful and democratic means, including representation before the competent regulatory authorities and other appropriate constitutional/legal forums, besides conducting a peaceful public-awareness campaign against the additional burden on electricity consumers.

This is not a political fight. This is a fight for the rights and economic well-being of the common people of Jammu & Kashmir.

The Council urges the administration to listen to the concerns of consumers and reconsider the financial impact of the tariff revision before ordinary families are forced to choose between electricity bills and other essential household expenses.

“Affordable Electricity Is a Public Necessity — Not a Luxury.”

Issued by:
Ishtiyaq Rasool
Additional Director State
Citizen Rights Protection Council
Jammu & Kashmir
Information & PR, J&K
Office of LG, J&K
Office of Chief Minister, J&K
Omar Abdullah

25/08/2026

14/08/2026

PRESS RELEASE

Independence Day 2026: Salute to the Brave Souls Who Sacrificed Everything for India’s Freedom

Jammu & Kashmir | 15 August 2026

On the proud and historic occasion of India’s 80th Independence Day, I, Ishtiyaq Rasool, Social Activist, Additional Director State, National Crime Investigation Bureau, and Additional Director State, Citizen Rights Protection Council, Jammu & Kashmir, extend my heartfelt greetings and warm wishes to every citizen of our great nation.

Today is not merely a day of celebration—it is a day of remembrance, gratitude, pride and responsibility.

With deep emotion and the highest respect, I salute and pay tribute to every freedom fighter and every brave soul who sacrificed their lives, families, dreams and everything they had for the independence of our motherland, India. Their courage, patriotism and determination gave us the precious gift of freedom that we proudly celebrate today.

The freedom we enjoy was achieved through immense struggle and sacrifice. Therefore, our true tribute to the heroes of our freedom struggle is to protect the unity, integrity, sovereignty and dignity of our nation and to work together for a peaceful, progressive and prosperous India.

On this joyous occasion, let us renew our commitment to justice, equality, brotherhood, communal harmony and the welfare of every citizen. Let us rise above differences and strengthen the spirit of “One Nation, One Pride.”

The Tricolour is not merely a flag—it is a symbol of our freedom, sacrifice, unity and national pride. Let every Indian respect it with pride and carry the values represented by it in their hearts.

May the spirit of patriotism fill every home, may happiness shine on every face, and may our beloved India continue to move forward with strength, peace and prosperity.

Jai Hind! 🇮🇳
Vande Mataram! 🇮🇳

Ishtiyaq Rasool
Social Activist
Additional Director State
National Crime Investigation Bureau
Additional Director State
Citizen Rights Protection Council, Jammu & Kashmir
President of India
Narendra Modi
Information & PR, J&K
Jkp MediacentrePhq
Chinar Corps - Indian Army
ADGPI - Indian Army
Office of LG, J&K

13/08/2026

Har Ghar Tiranga 🇮🇳

Let us come together to celebrate the spirit of our nation through the Har Ghar Tiranga movement.

This Independence Day, let the Tricolour fly proudly at every home and inspire every heart. Hoist the National Flag with respect, honour our freedom, and remind ourselves of the unity and strength of our great nation.

🇮🇳 One Flag • One Nation • One Pride 🇮🇳

Let the Tiranga fly high—in every home and in every heart.

Har Ghar Tiranga — 15th August and Beyond!

Ishtiyaq Rasool
Social Activist
📞 7006592524