JAMMU:  Director Panchayati Raj J&K Sham Lal on Wednesday chaired a meeting to strategize the arrangements for holding special Gram Sabha cum-orientation program scheduled on November 15. This nationwide initiative, marking the 150th birth anniversary of tribal leader Birsa Munda, aims to strengthen local governance in tribal areas and promote the implementation of the Forest Rights Act (FRA).

This marks the prelude to the anticipated "Janjatiya Gaurav Varsh" celebrations in 2025. Speaking at the meeting attended by Assistant Commissioners of Panchayat, Sham Lal emphasized the importance of organizing the training program in 393 Panchayats on November 15, noting that the Ministry of Tribal Affairs and the Ministry of Panchayati Raj are collaborating on this large-scale capacity-building campaign.

He said that Assistant Commissioners of Panchayat (ACPs) have been appointed as district-level nodal officers to manage the program across identified Gram Panchayats and villages in their respective areas. The Director asked these officers to coordinate directly with village-level authorities to ensure all arrangements are in place for the scheduled Gram Sabha sessions.

He said that the planned sessions will cover various activities designed to educate and empower Panchayat members, and village functionaries. Training topics include FRA guidelines, the localization of Sustainable Development Goals (LSDGs), and the Panchayat Development Index (PDI).  Additionally, each Gram Sabha will feature a resource person to guide the orientation, who could be a Rural Development Department trainer, a self-help group leader, or an Anganwadi worker.

Sham Lal underscored the importance of ensuring broad participation at each training session. "You have to ensure active engagement, attendance, and the scheduling of the training on the TMP portal,” he said, directing officials to upload completed session details to ensure transparency and accountability.

The day-long events will feature various activities like tree-planting activities under the theme "1 Ped Maa Ke Naam," pledges on cleanliness and anti-drug initiatives, and the National Anthem. Additionally, a Gram Sabha meeting will discuss the GP’s PDI score and the Gram Panchayat Development Plan for 2025-26. The Ministry of Panchayati Raj and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs have collaborated to launch this capacity-building campaign, focusing on strengthening Gram Sabhas and effectively implementing Forest Rights Act (FRA).

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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