JAMMU: Director Panchayati Raj Sham Lal on Thursday chaired a meeting to assess the progress of several key initiatives aimed at strengthening the Panchayati Raj system. The meeting focused on the status of Panchayat Ghars & CSC Co-location, the establishment of District Panchayat Resource Centres (DPRCs). Discussions were also held on the online enrolment and certification of Panchayat Accounts Assistants under the ICAI-ARF (Institute of Chartered Accountants of India – Accounting Research Foundation) initiative and the establishment of Panchayat Learning Centres (PLCs).

The meeting was attended by all Assistant Commissioners Panchayats (ACPs) of Kashmir and Jammu divisions and the SPRC/DPRC team.   Sham Lal emphasized the importance of speeding up the construction of new Panchayat Ghars. He urged ACPs to ensure timely completion of the ongoing projects to enhance local governance and service delivery in rural and remote areas.

Highlighting the need for collaboration, Sham Lal stressed that the co-location of CSCs within Panchayat Ghars would significantly improve access to digital services for rural communities. He further directed ACPs to closely monitor the establishment of District Panchayat Resource Centres (DPRCs) and Panchayat Learning Centres (PLCs), which are crucial for capacity building at the grassroots level.

Sham Lal highlighted the government's focus on transparency and accountability, with the introduction of the "Audit Online" system to track progress and utilization of resources in real-time.

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
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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