Jammu: In a significant administrative initiative, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has constituted a high-level committee for the verification and finalization of place names across the Union Territory, along with their accurate translation into Hindi and Urdu for official map preparation. As per Government Order No. 815-JK(GAD) of 2026 issued by the General Administration Department, the committee has been tasked with ensuring uniformity and consistency in the spelling and representation of place names in official records, maps, and notifications.
The committee will be convened by the director of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh Geographical Directorate, Survey of India, and includes key members such as Gulzar Ahmad Dar, JKAS, special secretary to the government (Planning, Development & Monitoring Department); Dr. Anju Sharma Thappa, professor of Hindi at the University of Jammu; and Dr. Mushtaq Hussain Magloo, assistant professor of Urdu at the University of Kashmir.
According to the terms of reference, the panel will examine and finalize standardized spellings of place names in Hindi and Urdu while maintaining consistency with existing official records. It will also verify the translation of descriptive content from English into Hindi and Urdu to ensure accuracy and uniform terminology.
The move is aimed at eliminating discrepancies in geographical nomenclature and enhancing clarity in administrative communication, cartography, and public usage. The standardized framework is expected to play a vital role in the preparation of official maps in Hindi and Urdu editions. The order has been issued with the approval of the lieutenant governor, reaffirming the government’s commitment to linguistic accuracy, administrative efficiency, and preservation of regional identity.