Jammu Jan 26 PTI Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Wednesday virtually unveiled a Charkha at the Srinagar International airport The charkha measuring 86 feet by 43 feet and weighing 71 kilograms has been installed by the Jammu Kashmir Khadi and Village Industries Board KVIB The LG on the occasion said charkha symbolises Mahatma Gandhis idea of self-reliance He said its installation at Srinagar Airport on Republic Day was a befitting tribute to Bapu and to all the great freedom fighters of India Charkha was made a symbol of economic self-reliance by Bapu in 1918 and became an important part of Swadeshi and Indian Independence movement like non-violence satyagraha and civil disobedience he said Calling the architecture historic Sinha said the installation will inspire the countrymen to work towards building a self-reliant JK and a self-reliant India He said the JK is making great strides in the revival and conservation of khadi rural arts and crafts and expanding their reach to the international market Praising the JK Khadi and Village Industries Board KVIB the LG said in the last three years 11978 units have been established under the Prime Ministers Employment Generation Program and 1803 units have been established under the Rural Employment Generation Program besides 4904 units established for the deprived sections and women Under all these schemes about 150000 people have been provided with viable employment opportunities he said PTI AB VN VN

Srinagar Oct 18 PTI The Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir Pandurang K Pole on Monday reviewed the arrangements for starting direct international flights to and from Srinagar airport from October 23 Pole held a meeting regarding operation of international flights from Srinagar international airport and necessary arrangements needed to put in place and management of passengers in view of Covid pandemic an official spokesman said He said the operation of international flights will start from October 23 which will connect Kashmir directly with the rest of the world The director the Airport Authority of India gave a presentation regarding layout plan for operation and regulation of activities at the airport the spokesman said He said a threadbare discussion was held over the management of passengers during arrival and departure of domestic and international flights keeping the sensitivity of the Covid pandemic in view Arrangements for immigration and customs were also discussed the spokesman said Pole directed officers to execute arrangements meticulously including the management and regulation of passengers segregation of domestic and international passengers conduct Rapid PCR at airport for international passengers besides mandatory RTPCR test for Covid before 48 hours The meeting also discussed the issue of brick kilns within the eight kilometer radius of the Srinagar International Airport and alternative approach road besides other issues the spokesman added PTI MIJ ANB ANB