In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
  • Efforts on way to give voters better experience on Poll Day; status of AMF reviewed: CEO
  • Fixes responsibilities of departments to ensure AMFs, seeks Action Taken Report with Geo-tagged photos within a week's time

JAMMU: The J&K Election Department conducted a meeting of the Director level officers under the chairmanship of Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) J&K, Pandurang K Pole on Saturday at Nirvachan Bhawan, Rail Head Complex, Jammu. The CEO reviewed the overall preparations of the Polling Stations to ensure the smooth and hassle free conduct of the Assembly Election 2024 which are going to be held in 3 phases across the Jammu and Kashmir beginning 18 September 2024.

The officers from School Education Department, Higher Education Department, Public Works Department, Jal Shakti Department, Social Welfare Department, Forest Department, Agriculture Department; JPDL and KPDCL and others were present in the crucial meeting which was held to d6icuss the Assured Minimum Facilities to be made available at the Polling Stations.

CEO, Pandurang K Pole exhorted upon the officers present in the meeting to ensure the Assured Minimum Facilities (AMFs) across all the Polling Stations. He also directed the officers to send an Action Taken Report along with the Geo-tagged photos of the polling stations to the office of Chief Electoral Officer in a week’s time. Pertinently, there are 11,838 total Polling Stations including 2332 in urban and 9506 in rural areas with each polling station averaging 735 electorates.

The officers were also directed to ensure continuous drinking water and power supply including lighting facilities should be provided by the concerned department across all the Polling Stations which are going to poll on 18 September 2024 in Phase-1. Moreover, the sanitation and plantation drives should be taken well in advance in the premises of all the Polling Stations.

The availability of accessible approach roads at various Polling Stations located in remote areas and at the tough terrain and snow bound areas across J&K also came under the discussion and it was directed that both J&K Rural Development Department  (RDD) and J&K Housing and Urban Development Department will take required steps in this regard. 

Additionally, the officers must take care of ramp construction leading to a particular Polling Station to facilitate the Persons with Disability (PwDs) in voting and sufficient steps should be taken well in advance by the departments, the statement reads. The availability of Booth Awareness Groups (BAGs), Electoral Literacy Clubs (ELCs) and Voter Awareness Forums and their roles in attracting various voter groups in a particular Assembly Constituency were also discussed and deliberations were held to strengthen them at the Booth Level.

In the first phase, 24 Assembly Constituencies both in Jammu and Kashmir divisions are going to election on 18 September, 2024. The notification has been issued for Anantnag, Pulwama, Shopian, Kulgam districts in Kashmir Division; and Doda, Ramban and Kishtwar districts in Jammu Division.

In Kashmir Division, 16 Assembly Constituencies comprising Pampore, Tral, Pulwama, Rajpora, Zainapora, Shopian, DH Pora, Kulgam, Devsar, Dooru, Kokernag (ST), Anantnag West, Anantnag, Srigufwara-Bijbehara, Shangus-Anantnag East, Pahalgam; whereas in Jammu Division, 8 Assembly Constituencies including, Inderwal, Kishtwar, Padder-Nagseni, Bhadarwah, Doda, Doda West, Ramban and Banihal are scheduled to go for polls in the Phase-I of the Assembly Election.

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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