Editorial

Are you looking for how to change photo on Driving Licence? Read the article to know how to change photo on driving licence. According to the Motor Vehicles Act of 1988, driving without a licence is a penal offence. It is essential to keep your driver’s licence up to date. If you relocate to another state, make sure your new location is reflected on your driver’s licence by requesting a change photo on driving licence and update driving licence photo.

Documents Required for Change Photo on Driving Licence?

The following are the documents required for change photo on Driving Licence: –

1. Aadhar Card
2. Passport sized Photograph
3. Driving Licence
4. Duly filled form

Upload a new photo on Driving Licence

Steps to update driving licence photo and a Signature to a License: –

1. Go to https://sarathi.parivahan.gov.in/.
2. Put your state name.
3. Select “Upload Document” from the menu.
4. 
5. From the “Upload Documents” option.
6. Select “Upload Photograph and Signature.”

Please keep in mind that this service is only available in states that have chosen to customize it.

How to change photo on driving licence procedure?

Only at a Regional Transport Office (RTO) centre can update driving licence photo. The form can be obtained via the state RTO website or from the centre itself. The procedure is as follows:

Update driving licence photo Offline

1. Visit your local RTO to obtain the form.
2. If you have already completed the downloadable form, bring it along with the aforementioned documents and your image.
3. The superintendent will check your paperwork and inform you of the charge for making the modifications (Rs 200).
4. Pay the appropriate amount to your RTO superintendent and keep the receipt.
5. Keep the receipt handy because it will serve as your driving licence until the revised card comes.
6. The driving licence will be mailed to your new address in 30 days.

However, the procedure for how to change photo on driving licence is mentioned.

Update Driving Licence Photo Online

We can update driving licence photo and signatures on our driving license.

1. Visit the website https://parivahan.gov.in/.
2. Choose from a variety of driving license-related services.
3. Choose a state.
4. Choose the services on DL.
5. Enter your driver’s license number and birth date.
6. If you want to update the address, you can do so as well. Select the Get Details button.
7. We are able to see our driving licence.
8. Enter the RTO information.
9. You can easily change photo on driving licence
10. Enter your phone number, blood group, and qualification.
11. Submit your application. We’ll be given an acknowledgment slip.
12. Upload a photo and your signature.
13. You must pay Rs 460 plus a service charge of Rs 45.

Present your application and fee receipt to a motor vehicle inspector at your RT office. A licence will be sent by post. This procedure helps you for how to change photo on driving licence.

How to check the status of update driving licence photo?

Applicants can check the progress of their applications of update driving licence photo by following the steps outlined below.

Step 1: Go to Sarthi Praivahan’s official website (https://parivahan.gov.in/ )

Step 2: From the homepage, select ‘Online Services.’

Step 3: From the menu, select ‘Driving Licence Related Services.’

Step 4: Choose the state from which you want to perform the service.

Step 5: Enter your application number, date of birth, and captcha code, and the status of your application will be displayed on the screen.

The preceding section explains in detail how to change photo on driving licence on your driving licence. Read these instructions attentively and apply for change photo on driving licence without delay.

Conclusion

A driver’s licence is a vital document. It enables you to drive without difficulty. However, you may need to change its photo from time to time. So, how to change photo on Driving Licence?

The first and preferred option is to do it online, while the second is to go to the local RTO to make the change. To begin, go to Parivahan official website. Choose driving license-related services.

Choose a state. Choose the services on DL. Enter your driver’s licence number and birth date. Select the Get Details button. You can see our driver’s licence here. Enter RTO information. Change your biometric DL. Send in your application. You’ll be given an acknowledgement slip. Update driving licence photo.

Now Get Driving License without any Physical Driving Test: The Union Road and Transport Ministry has amended the rules for getting a driving license. The new rules have been implemented from 1 July 2022. Under this, now people will not have to wait in long lines to go to RTO and get their DL made.

Drivers driving two-wheeler or four wheelers will no longer need to go to the Regional Transportation Office (RTO) to get their driving license made. In a major relief to the common man, the Center has made new rules for obtaining a driving license, where the driving test is no longer mandatory.

The Union Road and Transport Ministry has amended the rules for getting a driving license. The new rules have been implemented from 1 July 2022. Under this, now people will not have to wait in long lines to go to RTO and get their DL made. Now this work will be done through the Driver Training Center run by the State Transport Authority or the Central Government. The government has now given the right to take the test for driving license to the recognized driver training center.

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This will be the process

People applying for their DL will have to enroll themselves in any of these driver training centers and pass the test conducted by them. Once the test is cleared, the center will issue a certificate. After getting the certificate, the candidate can apply for the driving license, which will be issued on the basis of the training certificate without any test at the RTO.

The thing to note is that the dedicated training centers will be equipped with simulators and will have driving test tracks. These centers can provide training for light motor vehicles (LMV) and medium and heavy vehicles (HMV). The total duration of training for LMV will be 29 hours, to be completed within four weeks.

In DL also, like Aadhaar, address can be changed sitting at home.

To change the address in the driving license, earlier an application had to be made to the Regional Transport Office (RTO). However, now there is no need to go through such a long process. There is also an easy way for this. For this, the mParivahan app of the Government of India can be used. With this, the home address on the driving license will be changed while sitting at home.

A driving licence is a card showing that you are qualified to drive because you have passed a driving test. A driving licence allows you to legally drive your vehicle on the road. It is a relevant permit from the government of India and hence driving without one is illegal. The first one is for light vehicles and the second is for heavy vehicles.

You need to be minimum 18 years of age to avail a permanent driving license in Karnataka. You must first procure a learning license. You can apply for a learning license at the age of 16/18 years. You can apply for a permanent driving license 30 days after getting learner’s license.

Types of Driving Licence (DL) in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)

Based on the type of vehicle you plan to drive, you can apply for the DL at an RTO in your location

• Driving license for motorcycles without gear: You should obtain a DL of this type if you plan to use a two-wheeler that don’t have gear.
• Driving license issued for light motor vehicles: This is the type of DL you need to obtain in case you plan to use a two-wheeler with gears or a private motor vehicle (cars, SUVs, MPVs).
• Driving license issued for transport vehicles: If you want to drive heavy motor vehicles for transportation of goods or passengers, you should obtain this DL.

Jammu and Kashmir Driving License – Eligibility Criteria

The following conditions are needed to be met by an applicant if he or she wants to obtain a driving licence in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)-

• Should be a minimum of 18 years old
• Should already have a learner’s license
• Should apply for a permanent DL after 30 days or within 180 days of obtaining a learner’s license.
• Should know of all the traffic rules and regulations.
• In the case of a commercial driving license, one should be at least 20 years old.

Documents Required for Driving Licence in Jammu and Kashmir

For applying for a driving licence in Jammu and Kashmir, the applicant should submit the following documents to the RTO

One of the following for the Age proof-

• High school passing certificate
• Birth certificate
• Attested copy of the passport
• Certificate issued from the employer if you are working for state/ central government or a local body.

One of the following for Address Proof

• Voter’s ID
• Ration card
• LIC policy bond
• Valid passport
• Employers certificate issued by local/central or state government

Other documents:

• Application form 4
• Application form 5 in case of applying for a commercial driving license
• Original learner’s license
• Three passport size photographs

How to Apply for Driving Licence Offline in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K)?

If applying for a permanent driving license offline in Jammu and Kashmir, you are required to go through the following procedure:

• Step 1: Visit the nearest RTO and get the application form. Alternatively, you can download the form from the official website of the RTO
• Step 2: Next, fill the following details in the form:
  • Full Name
  • Father’s Name
  • Residential Address
  • Educational Qualification
  • Date of Birth
  • Place of Birth
  • Blood Group
  • Identification Mark
• Step 3: Submit address proof, passport-size photos, etc.
• Step 4: You will be given a time slot for the first round of the test. The RTO officers will test your knowledge of traffic rules and regulations through an online test.
• Step 5: After passing the tests, a learner’s license will be issued to you. For obtaining a permanent driving licence, you should hold a learner’s licence for a minimum of 30 days and a maximum of 180 days.

How to Apply for Driving Licence Online in Jammu and Kashmir?

In case one wishes to apply for a permanent DL online in J&K, he or she is required to go through the below steps-

• Step1 : Visit www.jaktrans.nic.in and download the form
• Step 2: Fill all the details in the printed copy of the form and submit it at the local RTO
• Step 3: Provide all the necessary documents
• Step 4: Get a slot for the driving test
• Step 5: Once you have passed the test, you will get your license in 2 to 3 weeks
• Step 6: The form can be also submitted and uploaded online by following the below steps-
  • Step 1: Visit sarathi.nic.in
  • Step 2: Click on ‘Application for new DL’.
  • Step 3: Click on ‘New driving license’
  • Step 4: Enter all the required details and submit all the documents
  • Step 5: You will be given an application number
  • Step 6: You can also schedule your driving license test
  • Step 7: Appear for the test on the given day
  • Step 8: If you pass the test, you will receive your driving license in a few days

Steps to check driving licence status online through State Transport Department website:

Anyone who has applied for a driving licence can check the status of their driving licence application online either on the State Transport’s official website or on the official website of Ministry of Road Transport and Highway. Below are the steps for the former procedure-

• Step 1: Visit the official website of the State Transport Department of Jammu and Kashmir
• Step 2: Select ‘DL and LL registration’ option.
• Step 3: In the new page that loads, click on ‘Know your application status’.
• Step 4: Enter the application number
• Step 5: Click on ‘Submit’ and the page will then display the status of your driving license.

Steps to check driving licence status online through Ministry of Road Transport and Highways official website:

• Step 1: Visit parivahan.gov.in.
• Step 2: Click on ‘Driving license-related services’.
• Step 3: Select the state you reside in.
• Step 4: On the new page that loads, click on ‘Verify status’ option
• Step 5: Enter your application number and date of birth.
• Step 6: Fill in the correct captcha code.
• Step 7: You will be shown the status of your driving license.

How to Apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence in Jammu and Kashmir?

Documents required while applying for a duplicate driving license in Jammu and Kashmir

If applying for a duplicate DL in J&K, the applicant is required to submit the below documents to the RTO-

• Application form LLD
• FIR copy, in case the license is stolen
• Challan clearance report issued from traffic police. This is required in case of commercial driving license.
• Form 1
• Age and address proof documents.
• Original license copy
• License number if the license is stolen
• The applicant will have to get the documents photocopied and attested by a gazetted officer or notary public.

Steps to apply for a Duplicate Driving Licence in Jammu and Kashmir

Once the applicant has all the above documents, he or she can apply for a duplicate DL in Jammu and Kashmir through the following steps-

• Step 1: Collect the form LLD, fill it and submit it at the RTO along with the above-mentioned documents.
• Step 2: Submit a fee of Rs. 200
• Step 3: After successful verification of the documents, a duplicate driving license will be provided

If you don’t remember your licence number, you need to apply for a new driving licence. Also, the request for a duplicate DL has to be made within 30 days from the loss of the document.

How to Renew Driving Licence in Jammu and Kashmir?

A driving licence that has been issued in Jammu and Kashmir has a validity of 20 years. That said, if the applicant turns 50 years of age before the completion of 20 years, the renewal is required immediately.

Documents required for renewal of driving license in J&K

• Application form 9
• A copy of the expired DL
• Form 1 A with the medical certification of driver’s fitness in case he is more than 40 years of age.
• 2 passport size photographs.
• Self-attested copies of age proof and address proof.
• Receipt of application fee of Rs.200/-

Steps to apply for a Duplicate Licence in Jammu and Kashmir

• Step 1: Visit the RTO website and press the option for renewal
• Step 2: Apply for the renewal and pay the fees of Rs.200/- for the smart card driving licence issued in Jammu and Kashmir
• Step 3: Submit the necessary documents to expedite the request quicker. As soon as the documents will be verified, you will be issued the new driving licence.

Offline Procedure:

• Step 1: Collect the relevant form from the RTO
• Step 2: Submit the filled form along with the relevant documents to the RTO
• Step 3: The applicant will receive the renewed license as soon as the documents are verified

Online Procedure:

• Step 1: Visit Jammu and Kashmir Government’s transport website- www.jaktrans.nic.in
• Step 2: Download the form online and print it
• Step 3: Fill it and submit it along with the relevant documents at the RTO office.

How to apply for an International Driving Licence in Jammu and Kashmir?

International DLs can be taken from any of the RTOs in Jammu and Kashmir. They have a validity of 1 year. While there is no test for getting an international permit to drive, having a permanent driving licence is mandatory.

Documents required for getting an International Driving License in Jammu and Kashmir

Below-mentioned documents are to be provided to the RTO for application of an international driving licence-

• Proof of nationality
• Attested copy of the permanent driving license
• Attested copy of the passport
• Attested copy of the visa
• Attested copy of a valid residence proof
• Five passport-sized photos
• Medical Form 1-A

Steps to apply for a Duplicate Licence in Jammu and Kashmir

• Step 1: Visit the RTO website and select the option to request the renewal.
• Step 2: Apply for renewal and pay Rs.200/- fee for the smart card DL issued in J&K
• Step 3: Submit the required documents

Driving Test Procedure in Jammu and Kashmir

As is the case in other parts of the country, even in Jammu and Kashmir, the driving license test is conducted under the supervision of a Motor Vehicle Inspector. Irrespective of whether the candidate has applied online or offline, one needs to visit the RTO to give a test. He or she is also required to take along a vehicle of the same class for which the test will be conducted. For this, a vehicle can be borrowed from the driving school.

Test for Two-Wheeler & Three-Wheeler

For the test for two-wheeler and three-wheeler driving licence, the applicant needs to ride the vehicle within a boundary and he or she is required to make ‘Eight’ figure without touching the feet to the ground. The applicant is also needed to show smooth gear change, vehicle control while speed shifts, bending corners or reversing, and making ‘figure of eight’ without the feet touching the ground. If the inspector finds that the applicant can do all the above, he gives approval for a road test, where the applicant must show correct riding skills for a certain distance.

Courtesy: Cars24.com

The situation of NEET aspirants in Jammu and Kashmir is a topic that requires urgent attention. The region has a high demand for medical professionals, and hence, most families in the area want their children to pursue a career in the medical field.

This trend is understandable, considering the critical need for medical care in the region. In the absence of adequate medical facilities and qualified professionals, the people of Jammu and Kashmir have suffered for years. The lack of medical infrastructure has led to a shortage of doctors and other medical staff in the region, which further exacerbates the problem.

However, the situation is further complicated by the challenges faced by NEET aspirants in the region. Jammu and Kashmir are considered a conflict zone, and the region has been affected by militancy and political unrest for years. The constant disruption of normal life in the area has resulted in significant academic disruptions, which have had a severe impact on the education of NEET aspirants.

The problem is compounded by the fact that the NEET exam is highly competitive, and students from Jammu and Kashmir face several disadvantages. For instance, the region has a poor internet connectivity, which makes it difficult for students to access online study materials and attend online classes. Additionally, the lack of proper guidance and coaching facilities in the region further worsens the situation.

In light of these challenges, it is imperative that the government takes steps to support NEET aspirants in Jammu and Kashmir. This can include providing better internet connectivity, establishing coaching facilities, and setting up additional examination centers in the region. Additionally, the government must also address the underlying issues that have led to the shortage of medical professionals in the region, such as the lack of proper infrastructure and facilities.

It would not be accurate to say that MBBS is just a showoff business in Jammu and Kashmir. Pursuing a career in medicine is a serious matter, and it requires a significant investment of time, effort, and resources. Medical professionals play a crucial role in providing healthcare to people, and there is a high demand for qualified doctors in Jammu and Kashmir, where there is a shortage of medical professionals.

However, it is true that there has been an increasing trend among families in Jammu and Kashmir to encourage their children to pursue a career in medicine. This is partly due to the high social status and financial rewards associated with the profession. In many cases, families see medicine as a way to achieve upward social mobility and financial stability.

Nevertheless, it is essential to remember that pursuing a career in medicine is a challenging and demanding path that requires dedication, hard work, and a genuine interest in the field. While the desire to enter the medical profession for social status or financial gain may be a motivating factor, it is not sufficient on its own.

NEET (National Eligibility cum Entrance Test) is a highly competitive entrance exam for admission to undergraduate medical and dental courses in India. NEET aspirants face several challenges in their preparation and attempt to clear the exam. Some of the common problems faced by NEET students are:

1. High level of competition: NEET is one of the most competitive entrance exams in India, with a large number of students appearing for the exam every year. This puts significant pressure on students to perform well and secure a high rank.
2. Extensive syllabus: NEET covers a vast syllabus, including physics, chemistry, and biology. Students need to have a comprehensive understanding of all these subjects, which can be challenging, especially for those who have not studied some of these subjects in their school curriculum.
3. Time management: Students need to manage their time efficiently to complete the vast syllabus and revision before the exam. Many students find it difficult to balance their preparation for NEET with their school or college studies.
4. Lack of proper guidance: Many students struggle to find the right guidance and mentorship for their NEET preparation. There is a vast array of study material and coaching centers available, making it difficult to choose the best one for their needs.
5. Stress and anxiety: The high level of competition and pressure to perform well can lead to stress and anxiety among NEET aspirants. This can affect their concentration and performance during the exam.
6. Technical issues during the exam: Students may face technical issues during the online exam, such as slow internet speed, computer malfunctions, and power outages. These technical issues can be frustrating and affect their performance.

NEET aspirants face several challenges in their attempt to clear the exam, including the high level of competition, extensive syllabus, time management, lack of proper guidance, stress and anxiety, and technical issues during the exam. It is essential to address these challenges to support the aspirations of students who want to pursue a career in medicine.

Cow hugging has been gaining popularity in recent years as a form of animal therapy and a way to connect with nature. Proponents of cow hugging argue that cows are gentle, peaceful creatures that can help reduce stress and promote relaxation. By spending time with cows and forming a bond with them, they say, individuals can improve their mental and emotional health.

However, it’s important to remember that cows are still livestock and can be unpredictable in certain situations. While they may be calm and docile in some instances, they can also become agitated or defensive if they feel threatened. As such, it’s important for anyone who engages in cow hugging to be well-informed about the behavior and body language of cows, and to always approach them with caution and respect.

In addition, cow hugging may raise concerns about animal welfare, as some people may be inclined to hug cows without considering their safety or well-being. If cows are hugged too often or in inappropriate ways, it can lead to stress and discomfort for the animals, which can in turn impact their health and productivity.

In conclusion, cow hugging can offer many benefits to those who engage in it, but it’s important to approach it with caution and consideration for the animals involved. Whether you’re a farmer, animal lover, or simply seeking a connection with nature, cow hugging can be a unique and rewarding experience, as long as it’s done with respect and care.

World Cancer Day is an international observance that takes place on February 4th every year. The day is dedicated to raising awareness about cancer, its causes, and how people can work together to prevent, treat, and beat this disease. The main goal of World Cancer Day is to encourage people to take action and join forces in the fight against cancer.

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with millions of people being diagnosed with this disease every year. It is estimated that by 2030, the number of new cancer cases will increase to 22 million annually. This is why it is essential to take a stand and work together to raise awareness about the impact of cancer and the steps that can be taken to reduce its spread.

One of the ways to do this is by educating people about the importance of early detection and treatment. Regular check-ups, screening tests, and healthy lifestyle choices can help reduce the risk of cancer and ensure that people get the treatment they need as soon as possible. The earlier cancer is detected, the better the chances of survival, which is why it is essential to educate people about the importance of early detection and treatment.

In addition to early detection, another key factor in the fight against cancer is research. Scientific research has made significant advances in the development of new cancer treatments and therapies, and this work is continuing. Through funding and support of cancer research, people can help bring new treatments and therapies to those who need them most.

Another important way to support World Cancer Day is by advocating for better access to cancer care and treatment for everyone. This means advocating for increased funding for cancer research and treatment, and for better access to care and support for people with cancer, no matter where they live.

In conclusion, World Cancer Day is an important opportunity to come together and raise awareness about cancer and its impact on people’s lives. By working together and advocating for better access to care and treatment, we can help prevent, treat, and beat this disease. So, let us all join forces in the fight against cancer and make a difference in the lives of those affected by this disease.

Another way to raise awareness about cancer is by participating in local events and activities, such as walks, runs, and other fundraising events. These events not only raise funds for cancer research but also bring people together to show their support for those affected by this disease.

World Cancer Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the progress that has been made in the fight against cancer. Despite the challenges and obstacles, the scientific and medical communities have made significant advances in the treatment and care of cancer patients. The discovery of new drugs and treatments, as well as improvements in diagnostic tools and techniques, have helped improve the lives of millions of people with cancer.

Moreover, it is crucial to recognize and support the people who have been affected by cancer. Whether they are patients, survivors, caretakers, or loved ones, they all play a critical role in the fight against cancer. By showing our support and compassion, we can help them feel less isolated and more empowered as they navigate their cancer journey.

In conclusion, World Cancer Day serves as a reminder that cancer is a global health challenge that affects us all. By taking action and joining forces, we can help prevent, treat, and beat this disease. Let us all work together to make a difference in the lives of those affected by cancer and make a world where cancer is no longer a threat.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the rate of cancer cases has been on the rise in recent years. The region has seen a significant increase in the number of people diagnosed with cancer, and this trend is expected to continue in the coming years.

One of the main reasons for the high rate of cancer in Jammu and Kashmir is a lack of awareness about the disease and its causes. Many people in the region do not understand the importance of early detection and treatment, which leads to a high number of advanced cases. Additionally, the region faces challenges in accessing quality healthcare, which makes it difficult for people to get the treatment they need.

Another factor contributing to the high rate of cancer in Jammu and Kashmir is the prevalence of risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, and exposure to environmental pollutants. These risk factors increase the likelihood of developing cancer and make it more challenging to prevent and treat the disease.

The government of Jammu and Kashmir has taken steps to address the high rate of cancer in the region. This includes increasing funding for cancer research and treatment, as well as working to improve access to care and support for those affected by cancer. Additionally, the government is working to educate the public about the importance of early detection and the role that lifestyle choices can play in reducing the risk of cancer.

In conclusion, the high rate of cancer in Jammu and Kashmir is a serious concern that requires the attention and action of both the government and the public. By working together to raise awareness, improve access to care and treatment, and reduce risk factors, we can help reduce the impact of cancer in the region and improve the lives of those affected by this disease.

(Saqib Hafiz is a Blogger and Writer from Kashmir Valley)

DISCLAIMER: The views and opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author.

The facts, analysis, assumptions and perspective appearing in the article do not reflect the views of JKYouth Newspaper.

Sonam Wangchuk, an engineer-innovator is currently on a five day climate fast from 26 January in Ladakh. He earlier said that he would sit on a five-day Climate Fast at Khardungla pass which is 18,000 ft where the temperature is -40°C. He further updated that as roads to Khardungla is blocked due to heavy snowfall, he is on a fast from HIAL. However, he also later clarified he is under house arrest and the UT administration has restricted his fast to HAIL campus and is not allowed for Khardung La top citing threats to my life and so on.

Born in 1966, Sonam Wangchuk is a mechanical engineer and Director of the Himalayan Institute of Alternatives, Ladakh (HIAL). He was a recipient of the Magsaysay Award in the year 2018. Wangchuk’s personality inspired the fictional character of Phunsukh Wangdu essayed by Aamir Khan in the 2009 film ‘3 idiots’. The Ladakh-based engineer is known for setting up his innovative school, the Students’ Educational and Cultural Movement of Ladakh (SECMOL), whose campus runs on solar energy and uses no fossil fuels for cooking, lighting, or heating.

He set up the SECMOL in 1988 with the aim of supporting Ladakhi children and youth and to train the students whom the system termed as failures. In 1994, Wangchuk launched Operation New Hope to bring reforms in the government schools’ system. He has also been instrumental in designing the low-cost solar heated buildings made of mud to maintain a formidable temperature in Ladakh winters. Ice Stupa has been yet another pioneering invention towards solving the water crisis facing mountain regions. In 2021, he also built an eco-friendly solar heated tent that Army personnel can use in extremely cold places like Siachen and Galwan valley in the Ladakh region. In November 2022, he was awarded the seventh Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios Award by former Vice President Venkaiah Naidu. The the award is given every alternate year in the memory of the first Metropolitan of Delhi Diocese and renowned philosopher Dr Paulos Mar Gregorios.

Why is he on a climate fast in Ladakh?

On 23 January, Wangchuk sent an SOS to PM Modi. He made an appeal to the prime minister to take action since “all is not well in Ladakh”.

From a military perspective, Ladakh is essential and played a role in the Kargil and other conflicts. Wangchuk expresses worry about the potential for corporate expansion in the union territory, which is anticipated to add to the already severe shortage of resources like water. Mining and other comparable activities may cause glaciers to melt.

In the video, he explained, “Ladakh, also known as the “third pole” of the earth, is dealing with serious issues as he mentions the 6th Schedule and protests related to it. To promote total economic development and decision-making autonomy, locals have been calling for the inclusion of Ladakh under the 6th Schedule. The topic has also previously been brought up in Parliament.”

The Constitution requires 50 percent of a region’s population to be tribal for the 6th Schedule to apply. Ladakh, with over 95% of its population as tribal, was expected to be added soon, it was believed, Wangchuk says in the clip. Arjun Munda, the Minister of Tribal Affairs, has also provided assurances, Wangchuk added.

The people of Ladakh are perplexed as to why the government that has listened to their 70-year-old demand for a union region is not paying attention to this demand, Wangchuk said in the 13-minute video.

In order to address issues like climate change, people need to adjust their lifestyles rather than contributing money to the globe, Wangchuk previously stated. In December, he utilised recent occurrences in the mountainous region of the north, such as flash floods, to demonstrate the effects of climate change and said that individuals in major cities throughout the world are to blame for these changes.

In Kashmir winters, when the temperature plummets to minus seven degrees and everything freezes to a halt, Gulmarg is the most happening place in the valley. The road to Gulmarg from Tangmarg is frequently jammed by the rush of locals and tourists. All the hotels are packed. When  you reach the main Gulmarg bowl, here’s what you are likely to see on any typical day in this season: tourists driving sledges down snow slopes; young children from different schools of the valley learning to ski; pony wallahs in large numbers taking tourists to different spots on their horses and adventurous skiiers leaving for backcountry skiing. A small, serene church at the centre of it all completes the landscape to perfection.

In this merry setting, a grim-looking young hotelier is standing outside his hotel.  He refuses to talk, fearing any word from him could jeopardise his hold on the hotel constructed by his grandfather in the 1980s after getting one kanal of land on lease from the government in 1978 for 40 years.

“I fear any sentence from me could offend the government and I will be the first one to be evicted from my hotel,” says the young hotelier, pleading anonymity.

The hoteliers in Gulmarg and Pahalgam who had taken lands on lease in 1978 will soon be hit by an order issued by the Lieutenant Governor’s administration in December last year asking them to “hand over the possession of the land taken on lease, failing which the outgoing lessee shall be evicted.” The government rolled out new rules under the Jammu and Kashmir Land Grant Rules-2022 legislation. For the past four years hoteliers of Gulmarg and Pahalgam have been asking for extensions on their leases.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha maintains that new land lease rules notified by the administration will benefit the common people. He dismisses political outrage in Jammu and Kashmir over a government directive to land leaseholders, saying the new laws would hardly affect 400 to 500 people. He is certain that it will not impact the poor.

On January 11, the J&K administration issued another order directing all the Deputy Commissioners to ensure 100 per cent removal of encroachments from state land, including roshni and kahcharai (grazing land) by the end of January 31. The order has created panic all across Jammu and Kashmir, with political parties seeking its withdrawal.

Under the Roshni Act, 2001, the transfer of ownership rights on state land was approved for 33,345.35 kanals (1 kanal= 0.8 acre) in the valley as against 3,14,810.18 kanals in Jammu. The approving committee fixed the total price of these lands at Rs 317.55 crore but only Rs 76.46 crore was deposited.

The Hoteliers In Gulmarg And Pahalgam Who Had Taken Land On Lease In 1978 Will Soon Be Hit By An Order Issued By The Lieutenant Governor’s Administration In December Last Year Asking Them To Leave.

However, the high court of J&K on 9 October, 2020, made all the transfers of land under the law as illegal, declaring the Roshni Act “unconstitutional.” Though there are review petitions pending before the Supreme Court and Jammu&K high court against the 2020 Roshni judgment of the High Court, the government has started eviction drives leading to protests in Jammu.

While it remains to be seen whether the government will budge under pressure in the case of the taking over of ‘grazing land’ and ‘state land’, the government is certain about auctioning properties in Gulmarg and Pahalgam whose leases have expired. Hoteliers were not expecting this blow.

Years ago, the late veteran journalist, BG Verghese, was the first to suggest that Gulmarg could become the Davos of South Asia. Later, when tourism started picking up in J&K, former chief minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, reiterated the idea during then Prime Minister, Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s, visit to Kashmir in 2003. Economist Swaminathan S Anklesaria Aiyar on January 29, 2005 in his article “Get Ready for Davos 2035” pictured Gulmarg as apt for the annual economic forum meeting. There was optimism all around.

But then things can change at any moment in the valley. In the days leading up to 5 August, 2019, when the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government abrogated Article 370, it ensured that all tourists vacated hotels from Kashmir, including those in Gulmarg. At midnight, tourists and all non-locals were forced out of their hotel rooms and asked to leave Kashmir. Soon after the abrogation of Article 370, the only life in Gulmarg was that of stray dogs frantically moving from one hotel to another in search of food.

At present, there is relative peace in Kashmir with no incident of stone-throwing and protests taking place. Tourists are reportedly visiting Gulmarg in hordes.

A local politician of the Tangmarg area says that between 1990 to 1997, tourists were not visiting Gulmarg. In 1996, when Dr Farooq Abdullah took over as chief minister after a long spell of Presidential rule in J&K, he began encouraging tourism, asking those who had taken a 40-year lease in 1978 to construct hotels. However, real progress in the tourism sector started after 2002, when Mufti Mohammad Sayeed took over as chief minister, says a local politician.

The Jammu and Kashmir Bank was generous in giving loans to Kashmiri businessmen who started constructing hotels. Around 20 hotels have come up in Gulmarg since 2004.  Till 2008, the tourism flow continued but after the mass protests of 2008, Kashmir witnessed a dip in tourism once again. In the protest years of 2010 and 2016 and during the lockdown of 2019, tourism was at an all-time low. “Yes, we had a lease for 40 years but we have availed less than 15 years of it in reality due to the turbulent situation. I am telling you with all honesty that since the government came up with an order not extending the leases and putting us on notice, I am taking anti-depressants,” says the hotelier. “I will have to sell my house to repay the loan that I have taken against my hotel in Gulmarg. Like others, I will be on the road,” he adds.

Gulmarg Was The Summer Retreat Of The British Punjab Elite. Its First Exploration As A Destination Is Credited To The Last Kashmiri Independent King, Yousuf Shah Chak, Who Gave The Place Its Name: Gul-Marg—The Meadow Of Flowers.

Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party leader and former MLA from the Tangmarg-Gulmarg area, Ghulam Hassan Mir, says the eviction drive in Gulmarg will be the biggest across India. “When the government says they have brought Kashmir at par with the rest of the country after August 5, 2019, the government should also apply the same rules as are in place elsewhere in the country,” says Mir, who was the tourism minister in the PDP-Congress government in the erstwhile state of J&K.

“In the rest of the country after the expiry of the lease, the leaseholder has the right to freehold. Why is it not being adopted in Kashmir?,” he asks. “I can feel the pain of these hoteliers who have brought tourism to Kashmir after taking loans from banks to raise infrastructure for tourists when no one was visiting Kashmir,” the former tourism minister adds.

Former chief minister, Mehbooba Mufti, was the first to criticise the government order on the grounds that the BJP was snatching land from locals and giving it to outsiders. Mufti went further, arguing that the government was adopting the Israel model in Kashmir­—divesting locals from land and giving it to the outsiders, making locals “strangers in their own land.”

Altaf Thakur, spokesperson of the BJP, says that hoteliers obtained land on lease in Gulmarg and Pahalgam and other places of Jammu and Kashmir because they had political affiliations with parties such as National Conference, PDP and Congress.  “Now it will be the common Kashmiri who will benefit from the auction. Political parties are creating an impression that Gulmarg will be given to outsiders. It will not,” says Thakur.

The government argues that under the Jammu Development and Srinagar Development Authorities, around 25,000 people have got land on lease. “Why is there so much fuss over 245 people whose leases have expired?” asks a senior official.

Mir takes a different view. “In the original Land Grants Act, 1960, there is a rule to extend the lease upto 90 years and these hoteliers have invested in the land taking that clause in the law into consideration,” he adds. “Otherwise why should they have invested their money  if they knew the government was not going to extend the lease,” he argues.

In Srinagar, businessman and PDP leader, Mohammad Iqbal Tramboo, says the elected government in the 1970s gave the land on lease after a proper auction. “All these hotels are not illegal but have tourism registrations,” he adds.

He concedes that among the hoteliers in Pahalgam or Gulmarg, some might have political connections but not everyone. “Majority of the leaseholders have nothing to do with politics or political parties. They invested in Gulmarg after taking loans from banks,” he adds.

In 1990, bank-borrowing in J&K was to the tune of Rs 700 crore. “Today it is Rs 60,000 crore in Kashmir and Rs 40,000 crore in Jammu. All these people who have land leases have taken loans against their running business properties. The day the government auctions their hotels, they will have to sell their homes to repay the loans,” Tramboo says. 

Gulmarg was once the summer retreat of the British Punjab elite. Its discovery is credited to the last Kashmiri independent king, Yousuf Shah Chak, who gave the place its name, Gul-Marg—the meadow of flowers. Until then, it was just another pasture. During the Raj, there were summer lodges and a civil surgeon stationed there. It has the second oldest golf club after Calcutta, east of the Suez.

This year, as many of the developed properties in Gulmarg will be up for grabs as there lease have expired, it will be seen to whom the Davos of Kashmir goes.

(This appeared in the Online edition of Outlook India, written by Naseer Ganai)