In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today called on Hospitality & Protocol Department to focus on the optimal utilization, upgradation, and renovation of departmental assets both inside and outside Jammu and Kashmir. He stated this while chairing a review meeting of the Hospitality and Protocol (H&P) Department here at Civil Secretariat today.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Dheeraj Gupta, Commissioner Secretary H&P Rashmi Singh, Director H&P, and other concerned officers. During the meeting, Commissioner Secretary Rashmi Singh gave a detailed presentation on department’s assets, including those located outside Jammu & Kashmir, such as properties in Delhi, Chandigarh, Amritsar, and Mumbai.

 The Chief Minister reviewed the functioning and status of prominent properties, including those in Chanakyapuri, 5-Prithvi Raj Road and Rajaji Marg in Delhi, emphasizing the need to fully utilize these assets and upgrade facilities to enhance their utility. The chief minister Omar Abdullah also directed focused efforts on properties at Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Srinagar, Udhampur, and Jammu, ensuring these are used efficiently and maintained to high standards.

 Discussions during the meeting covered revenue realization, rate revision, and facelifting of prized properties, particularly 5-Prithvi Raj Road in New Delhi. The Chief Minister called for the creation of new assets at strategic locations within and outside J&K to meet future needs and generate additional revenue.  Abdullah also directed immediate renovation and upgradation of the Banquet Hall in Srinagar, including improvements to the audio system, furniture, bathrooms, and other amenities.

He stressed the importance of fire safety measures and fire audit in properties especially heritage sites where invaluable items are stored, ensuring these assets are protected against potential risks.

The meeting also addressed the augmentation of existing assets, strengthening manpower to fill up various categories of posts and revisiting recruitment rules to improve efficiency and operational capabilities of the department. The Chief Minister reiterated the importance of maximizing the potential of H&P assets while ensuring their upkeep and modernization to reflect the government’s commitment to efficiency and resourcefulness.

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). “His article, ‘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.”.  Read the message here
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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