JAMMU: The Housing and Urban Development Department, Jammu and Kashmir, has successfully wrapped up an impactful week-long campaign under the “SVANidhi Se Samriddhi” and “Main Bhi Digital” initiatives. Held from April 7 to April 12, 2025, the campaign was conducted across 17 Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), including Anantnag, Baramulla, Sopore, Kupwara, Pulwama, Handwara, Shopian, Budgam, Bandipora, Udhampur, Kathua, Rajouri, R.S.Pura, Bari-Brahmana, Poonch, Doda and Ramban.

The drive aimed at uplifting street vendors by linking them with central government welfare schemes and enhancing their access to digital financial services. Around 100 awareness camps were organized during the campaign period, benefitting over 1200 eligible street vendors and their families. Under the “SVANidhi Se Samriddhi” initiative, vendors were connected with key social security and welfare schemes like PMJJBY, PMSBY, Ayushman Bharat, PM Matru Vandana Yojana, Janani Suraksha Yojana, and Jan Dhan Yojana. The focus was on promoting holistic development and ensuring the financial and social inclusion of vendors into mainstream welfare mechanisms.

Simultaneously, the “Main Bhi Digital” campaign empowered street vendors with digital payment tools and training, in collaboration with banking institutions and digital aggregators. The initiative helped onboard vendors to digital platforms, enabling them to conduct secure, transparent transactions and improve their business efficiency in today’s increasingly digital economy.

Speaking about the success of the campaign, Mandeep Kaur, Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, said, “These initiatives mark a crucial step in building inclusive and resilient urban communities. By linking beneficiaries with welfare schemes and digital systems, we are not just supporting livelihoods but also preparing them for long-term financial sustainability.”

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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