SRINAGAR, MAY 18: Minister for Food, Civil Supplies & Consumer Affairs, Information Technology, Transport, Youth Services & Sports, and Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, today highlighted government’s initiatives towards strengthening the digital infrastructure, promoting technological innovation and encouraging youth participation in sports and recreational activities across Jammu & Kashmir.
The Minister was speaking during a one day seminar organised by the Institution of Engineers (India), Jammu & Kashmir State Centre (IEI-JKSC) in observance of World Telecommunication & Information Society Day 2026 on the theme “Digital Lifelines – Strengthening Resilience in a Connected World.”
The seminar was attended by the engineers, policymakers, telecom professionals, experts and public representatives to deliberate upon the growing importance of resilient digital infrastructure, cybersecurity, broadband connectivity and inclusive technological development in an increasingly interconnected world.
Addressing the gathering, Satish Sharma said that robust digital connectivity has become the backbone of modern governance and socio-economic development. He stated that the Government is focused on ensuring equitable access to digital services and strengthening communication infrastructure across Jammu & Kashmir to bridge the digital divide.
The Minister emphasised the importance of adopting modern technologies and building secure and resilient digital systems capable of meeting future challenges. He appreciated the role of professional institutions like IEI-JKSC in promoting technical awareness, innovation and constructive dialogue on emerging technological issues.
Later, Satish Sharma also appreciated the successful organisation of an Indoor Games Competition by the Red Team aimed at promoting sportsmanship, youth engagement and healthy recreational activities among youngsters.
The competition witnessed enthusiastic participation from youth and sports lovers who took part in various indoor games including carrom, chess, table tennis, badminton and other recreational activities. The participants displayed remarkable talent, discipline and team spirit throughout the event.
The Minister said that sports play a crucial role in shaping the personality of youth by promoting discipline, confidence, leadership and teamwork. He stressed that both indoor and outdoor sports activities provide constructive avenues for youth engagement and contribute towards physical as well as mental well-being.
The Indoor Games Competition concluded with a prize distribution ceremony in which the winners and outstanding performers were felicitated for their achievements. The organisers thanked all participants, officials and supporters for making the event successful and memorable.
The programme commenced with a formal introduction by Er. Irfan Ahmad Reshi, MIE, Honorary Secretary, IEI-JKSC, who highlighted the significance of the occasion. He emphasised the transformative role of communication technologies in governance, education, healthcare, public service delivery and economic development.
Engineer Ferdous Ahad Bhat, FIE, Chairman, IEI-JKSC, underlined the importance of building resilient and inclusive digital ecosystems capable of supporting societies during emergencies and technological disruptions. He stressed the need for strengthening cybersecurity frameworks and expanding broadband accessibility, particularly in remote and underserved areas.
The technical session featured a keynote presentation by Engineer Feroze Jalali Malla, Data Protection Officer and Senior Expert, who spoke on the importance of data protection, cybersecurity and digital trust in the modern information society.
Engineer Masharib Gul Mufti, FIE, Principal General Manager, BharatNet Project, J&K and Ladakh, deliberated upon the ongoing expansion of digital connectivity infrastructure across rural and remote regions under the BharatNet initiative.
