• Source:JND
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A long-closed government primary school in Kewal, Rajouri, Jammu and Kashmir, has opened after it was shut in 2000 owing to a land dispute. The building was locked by the landowner, and the school, which was set to function in that building, was running in a rented space with a limited area to carry out day-to-day functions. 

The issue was resolved by Deputy Commissioner Abhishek Sharma, who directed the Chief Education Officer (CEO) Mohammad Hafeez to visit the site and resolve the longstanding issue on priority. Sharma further said, “Acting promptly on the direction given, the CEO visited the location, held consultations with the various stakeholders, and resolved the matter amicably.”

Furthermore, the official said that with the issue now resolved, the students have returned to the school, and all classes have resumed in the three-room building. The reopening of the school has been praised by the locals, who thanked the district administration for taking swift action to provide education to the children of Kewal.

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Jammu And Kashmir Hikes DA For Government Employees

In a separate development, the Jammu and Kashmir government has announced an increase in dearness allowance (DA) for government employees, pensioners and family pensioners, providing financial relief amid rising costs. The decision was formalised through four separate orders issued by the Finance Department.

According to the latest order, employees working under the recommendations of the Seventh Pay Commission will receive a three per cent hike in DA. The current rate of 55 per cent on the basic pay has been raised to 58 per cent, with effect from July 1, 2025. The arrears for the additional DA from July to September will be paid in cash and will be included in the monthly salary for October.

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Pensioners and family pensioners of the Union Territory will also benefit from the increase. The government has enhanced its DA by three per cent as well, in line with the Cabinet order dated October 15. As per the order issued by Santosh D. Vaidya, Principal Secretary of the Finance Department, the DA on basic pension and family pension has been raised from 55 per cent to 58 per cent. The arrears for July to September will be paid in cash in October, after which the revised DA will form part of the monthly pension from October onwards.

In addition, government employees covered under the Sixth Pay Commission will see a five per cent increase in their DA. The rate, which earlier stood at 252 per cent of the basic salary, has now been raised to 257 per cent, effective from July 1, 2025. Similar to Seventh Pay Commission employees, the arrears from July to September will be paid in cash and reflected in the October salary.

(With inputs from PTI)

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