NEW DELHI: Relief & Rehabilitation Commissioner (M), J&K, Dr. Arvind Karwani, today chaired a meeting with the Assistant Returning Officers and representatives of the prominent Kashmiri Migrant organizations at New-Delhi, to take stock of the arrangements being put in place with regard to conduct of upcoming General Elections to Legislative Assembly.

Dr Karwani emphasized on ensuring all requisite Assured Minimum Facilities(AMF)  at all designated Special Polling Stations at New-Delhi viz. permanent ramps, drinking water, toilet facilities as per norms of Election Commission of India. He emphasized on reaching out to the voters and ensuring all necessary facilitation, particularly keeping in view the scattered population of the migrants in the Delhi NCT region.

Pertinent to mention that the Election Commission of India Vide Notification No-3/J&K-LA/2024 dated 22-08-2024, has notified the scheme for Kashmiri Migrants to vote in person at notified Special Polling Stations and voting by means of postal ballots pertaining to the General Election to Assembly Constituencies falling in Kashmir Province of the UT of Jammu and Kashmir.

As per the notified scheme 19 Special Polling Stations in Jammu and 01 in Udhampur  have been mapped to the Camps/Zones individually, ensuring that every Zone has at least one special polling station. The intra-zonal jurisdiction for each such polling station has been earmarked keeping in mind the distance/ease of approach for each set of electors.

All electors within 07 days of the notification of the draft electoral roll extract, can approach the respective Assistant Returning Officers ( Migrant) at Jammu and Udhampur, or their respective Zonal Officers (Nodal Officers)/Booth Level Officers (BLO’s) , in case his/her name does not figure in the draft electoral roll extract, or in case any elector wishes to opt for voting through postal ballot or vote at original polling station in Kashmir valley. Further, Deputy Director Horticulture (P&M) and Deputy Secretary in the Office of Resident Commissioner, have also been appointed as the ARO for the receipt of applications, conduct of poll etc at the special polling stations provided in Delhi. Four special polling stations have been set up at New-Delhi. The requirement of filing M-Form in Delhi has also been simplified.

Any ā€˜notified voter’ who wishes to vote by post is required to make an application for postal ballot in Form 12-C appended to the Conduct of Election Rules, 1961 to any of the AROs at least 10 days before the date of poll in the in the Assembly constituency in which he is registered as elector.

The ARO Migrant at Jammu has been made solely responsible for handling these applications. The Form -12 C and M-form ( for migrants residing outside J&K) can also be sent through online mode through concerned ERO where the migrant is residing. Dr Karwani, appreciated the suggestions put forth by the representatives of prominent social organizations, regarding facilitation of migrant voters, and asked the concerned Assistant Returning Officers to involve them in SVEEP activities.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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