In its endeavour to saturate all educational institutions with the sophisticated technologies and implement proper hygienic practices, the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Baramulla, Dr Syed Sehrish Asgar today distributed Incinerators and vending machines, Tabs, IT Gadgets and other equipment under Aspirational District Programme among various Educational heads during a function organized at Government Boys Higher Secondary School Baramulla.

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The programme which was organized by the Education Department Baramulla was attended by Joint Director Planning,  M.Yousuf Rather, Chief Education Officer Baramulla and other distinguished members of the District Administration.

After distributing equipment, Dr. Sehrish asserted that the Incinerators and Vending machines are poised not only to streamline waste disposal but also instill a culture of cleanliness and sanitation, thereby fostering an environment conducive to learning. 

Pertinently, these modern incinerators will find their place in 27 already identified secondary and senior secondary schools, marking a pivotal step towards enhanced hygiene standards.

Furthermore, Dr. Sehrish distributed IT gadgets to 7 block resource centres across the district for the advancement of the educational landscape. These high-tech facilities will empower teachers at the BRC level, enabling them to develop IT pedagogical competencies and deliver effective digital instructions.

In a bid to address the critical issue of Out-of-School Children, Tabs were distributed to the Zonal heads. These devices will serve as a beacon in identifying and connecting with children who may have been left out of schools, ensuring they are not deprived of educational opportunities and enabling their seamless integration into the formal education system.

Further, the DC emphasized that these initiatives are part of a phased plan to gradually extend these essential facilities to every school in the district through a structured approach towards the success of the Aspirational District Programme.

Later, the DC visited IT, Robotic Lab and held a brief interaction with the students.

In a significant development, the District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (DCDRC) Baramulla has ruled in favor of Irshad Ahmad Sheikh, who had filed a complaint dating back to 2015 under Section 12 of the Consumer Protection Act, 1987.

The complaint related to the purchase of a Samsung Galaxy 7262 mobile phone from Sopore Electronics, Main Chowk Sopore, with a cash memo dated 07/07/2014, for Rs 5,900. However, the phone malfunctioned after a few days of purchase.

The complainant then approached Samsung Galaxy Center in Baramulla on 20/07/2014, but the phone remained unrepaired instead they formatted the memory card. Subsequently, the Complainant moved to the service center on 25/07/2014 which yielded no better results, and he was left with a non-functional phone.

Stating that, the issue disrupted his academic pursuits as a student at Kashmir University, rendering him unable to afford a replacement.

The Consumer Forum found the opposite parties, in this case, guilty of unfair trade practices, specifically selling a defective phone and failing to rectify the issue. As a result, they have been ordered to replace the phone and provide Irshad Ahmad Sheikh with Rs 30,000 in compensation within thirty days. Failure to comply will result in an annual interest rate of 9% applied to the compensation amount until it is paid.

This ruling sets a criterion in favor of consumers, emphasizing the importance of accountability and fairness in the sale and servicing of consumer electronics. It underscores the significance of the Consumer Protection Act in safeguarding the rights and interests of consumers, ensuring they receive the quality products and services they rightfully expect.

An 85-year-old man died after being struck by a speeding vehicle in Lachipora village of Rajwar in north Kashmir’s Handwara on Wednesday.

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According to eyewitnesses, a speeding Sumo vehicle coming from Upper Rajwar hit the man identified as Ali Mohammad Dar, a resident of Lachipora. They said that shortly after the accident, the injured man was transported to the Associated Hospital Handwara, where on-duty doctors declared him brought dead.

An official at GMC Hospital Handwara confirmed that the man was brought dead to the hospital, and after completing the necessary legal formalities, the deceased’s body was handed over to his legal heirs.

Meanwhile, the police have also registered a case and initiated an investigation. A senior police official also confirmed the accident and stated that an investigation in this regard has been initiated.