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

JAMMU: A preliminary enquiry was conducted by J&K ACB to look into the allegation that  accused public servant namely Abdul Rashid Dar, the then Mid-day-Meal incharge at ZEO office Mawar, S/o Abdul Gani R/o Shanoo Langate District Kupwara in league with officers/ officials  of the Zone illegally & fraudulently credited Lakhs of rupees  meant for MDM to his own account in J&K Bank Qalamabad and misappropriated same etc . 

The probe conducted has revealed that National Programme of Nutritional Support to Education (popularly known as Mid Day Meal Scheme) was launched across country and in the J&K State in September 2004 with an objective to give a boost to Universalization of Primary Education by increasing enrollment, retention and attendance.

The programme has been universalized in J&K  & at gross root level, the scheme is being implemented under the supervision of PRIs, School Management Committees & Village Education Committees .The food grains are lifted from the FCI by the Directors of Consumer Affairs and Public Distribution Department on behalf of the Education Department .Necessary expenses on account of implementation of the Mid-day Meal Scheme were being met out of the funds in the ratio of 90:10 as Central Share and State Share.  

The probe conducted also reveal that during  the year 2017, to  2019, an amount of Rs 73,66,335/- was allotted by the Govt. through Chief Education Officer Kupwara vide different orders to then ZEO's of Education Zone Mawar Langate  under Mid-day meal scheme. On receipt of funds the then MDM incharge Zone Mawar  Abdul Rashid Dar S/o Abdul Gani R/o Shanoo Langate District Kupwara dishonestly and fraudulently managed to transfer an excess amount of Rs 7,07,495/- into official accounts of 14 schools covered under MDM Scheme in Education Zone Mawar District Kupwara .  

The accused managed the release of excess payment in favour of schools by resorting to escalation of amount in different advices and later on received the amount back from MDM incharges of schools in cash on pretext of depositing it back into the official account but instead misappropriated & embezzled same. 

That accordingly on the culmination of preliminary enquiry a case FIR No 14-2024 U/S 5(1) (c), 5(1) (d) r/w section 5(2) of JK PC Act Svt. 2006 was registered at P/S ACB Baramulla against the accused public servant Abdul Rashid Dar S/o Abdul Gani R/o Shanoo Langate District Kupwara the then incharge Midday Meal Education Zone Mawar District Kupwara and investigations were set into motion. 

That immediately after registration of case search warrants were obtained from the Hon’ble court & in pursuance to which searches are being conducted simultaneously at three different locations in Handwara in presence of executive magistrates & independent witnesses. 

Further investigations are going on.

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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