The Kashmir Pulse

PULWAMA — The three-day J&K Science Congress 2026 on “Science, Innovations and Emerging Technologies for Sustainable and Viksit J&K” concluded at the Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST) on Thursday, with participation from scientists, researchers, academicians, innovators, students and experts.

The valedictory session was held at the Nund Reshi Auditorium of IUST, where Minister of School and Higher Education Sakina Itoo stressed the importance of knowledge creation and empowering young people in shaping the future of Jammu and Kashmir.

“The future of Jammu and Kashmir will not be defined merely by infrastructure but by the knowledge created and the young minds empowered,” Itoo said while addressing the gathering as chief guest.

She also emphasised the need to prepare young people not only to seek employment but to become “creators of employment”.

“While talent is everywhere, opportunity must also be made available everywhere,” she said.

Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, who attended the session as guest of honour, appreciated IUST and the Jammu and Kashmir Science, Technology and Innovation Council (JKSTIC) for providing a platform for scientists, researchers and students.

IUST Vice Chancellor Prof. Shakil Ahmad Romshoo said the Science Congress had brought together scientists, researchers and students to deliberate on issues including climate change, disaster vulnerability, sustainability and emerging technologies.

“The enthusiasm of young students, scientists and researchers gives us immense hope for a sustainable and Viksit J&K driven by Science and innovation,” Romshoo said.

He said the Congress had served as a confluence of ideas, innovation and responsibility, highlighting discussions ranging from climate challenges in the Upper Indus Basin to the creativity displayed by school students.

“Our vision for a Viksit J&K can only be realised when we empower our youth to think scientifically and act for a sustainable future,” he said.

Dean Research, IUST, Dr Aabid Hussain Shalla presented a report on the Congress, stating that about 700 researchers and 4,000 participants took part in 26 technical sessions covering 14 themes, besides five plenary sessions and two panel discussions.

The best oral and poster presenters were felicitated by the dignitaries during the valedictory programme.

Dean Academic Affairs IUST Prof. Ajaz Bashir delivered the welcome address, while Dean Outreach IUST Dr Ruheela Hassan proposed the vote of thanks.

Earlier, the day featured the fifth plenary lecture delivered by Romshoo on “Climate Change, Cryosphere Depletion and Emerging Glacial Hazards in the Upper Indus Basin: Implications for Water Security and Infrastructure”. The session was chaired by Prof. Vinod Kumar Gaur, former Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences.

The Congress also featured a dedicated School Students’ Science Programme conducted in collaboration with the National Children’s Science Congress. Students from 20 schools took part, with more than 80 participants presenting posters, models and projects.

SRINAGAR — The Directorate of School Education Kashmir (DSEK) has directed all government and government-recognised private schools across Kashmir division to conduct summative assessments and annual examinations up to Class 8 strictly in accordance with the prescribed government framework and approved academic planner.

The directions were issued by the Inspection and Monitoring Wing of DSEK through a circular reiterating the requirements under relevant School Education Department orders and the academic planner for the current session.

The Directorate has emphasised competency-based assessment in line with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, along with remedial teaching, supplementary attempts and implementation of the Holistic Progress Card (HPC).

The circular also calls for PARAKH-aligned assessment practices, proper management of assessment data and strengthened Parent-Teacher Meetings.

Chief Education Officers, Cluster Heads, Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) and Heads of Institutions have been directed to ensure strict compliance with the approved academic calendar and assessment framework.

Chief Education Officers have been asked to oversee implementation in their respective jurisdictions, while ZEOs and Cluster Heads have been tasked with monitoring compliance at the zonal and cluster levels.

Heads of Institutions have been specifically instructed to ensure the timely and proper conduct of summative assessments and related academic activities without deviating from the approved schedule.

Employees or workers working in construction, manufacturing and other industries are highly prone to workplace accidents. These accidents can result from sheer negligence, operational errors, machinery faults, etc.

However, in any of these cases, providing a quick medical response to injured employees is necessary. This not only helps employees access quality medical treatment but also streamlines the workmen's compensation insurance claims process. In this guide, we will understand how delayed emergency responses affect workmen's compensation claims.

Understanding Delayed Emergency Response

Delayed emergency response refers to a situation where help during a medical emergency is delayed for the injured person for any reason. After a workplace accident, medical help or a first responder team needs to arrive on scene within a stipulated time.

However, medical help is often delayed due to traffic congestion, employer delays and other factors. This can worsen the injured employee’s health.

This not only complicates the claims process for business insurance, such as workers' compensation, but also adds to the operational and financial burden on employers.

Consequences of Delayed Emergency Response in Workmen Compensation Insurance

There are various consequences of delayed emergency response in workmen compensation insurance.

Financial Burden

One of the consequences of delayed emergency response in workmen compensation insurance is financial burden on employers. Employers need to pay injured employees' medical bills and other expenses out of their own pockets.

Claim Delays or Disputes

If employers fail to provide timely medical attention or do not follow the required reporting procedures, it may lead to claim disputes, prolonged investigations, or delays in claim settlement. In some cases, it may also lead to a claim being rejected or denied.

Legal Penalties

Employers have a legal obligation to provide timely medical attention and care to injured employees. Failure to do so may result in legal penalties for the employer under applicable labour laws.

Employee Dissatisfaction

Delayed emergency response can also reduce employees' trust in organisations to ensure workplace safety. This lowers employee morale, increasing dissatisfaction and further affecting employee efficiency.

Steps to File Workers' Compensation Claim After Emergency Response

Filing a workers' compensation claim on time is crucial to a successful claim. Here are the steps you need to follow to file the workmen compensation insurance claim.

Step 1: Get Medical Attention

After an accident, the first thing employers need to do is call medical help or the emergency number. Getting prompt medical treatment for injured employees is crucial.

Step 2: Inform Insurance Provider

Once the injured employee is taken to the hospital, employers need to inform the insurance provider of the workplace accident or incident.

Step 3: Complete Claim Form

Injured employees or their relatives need to complete the workers' compensation claim form correctly. Provide all the necessary information about the accident in the form.

Step 4: Submit Documents

Employers need to submit the claim form and other relevant documents to the insurance provider. Ensure all the submitted documents are correct.

Step 5: Wait for Claim Review

After the claim is submitted, the insurance provider will review the claim form and other documents in accordance with the policy conditions. They may also review the surveyor report.

Step 6: Claim Settlement

Upon claim approval, the compensation amount will be settled in accordance with the policy terms and applicable legal provisions.

Protect Workers with TATA AIG Workmen Compensation Insurance

Providing timely emergency medical assistance is one of an employer's key responsibilities after a workplace accident. Delays in responding to an emergency can worsen an employee's injuries, increase medical expenses, and complicate the workers' compensation claim process.

By investing in TATA AIG workmen's compensation insurance, businesses can protect their employees against work-related injuries. With strong claim assistance, timely response, a variety of add-ons, etc, their plan keeps your workforce protected all the time.