The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com

JAMMU: Minister for Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmad Rana, today said that the construction work of Rs. 168. 25 lakh 50 bedded ST (G&B) Hostel at Mahore is nearing completion. The Minister was replying to a question raised by MLA, Khurshied Ahmed in the Legislative Assembly.

The Minister informed the House that the work was started in the year 2009-10 at a cost of Rs. 96.13 lakh which was further revised to Rs. 168.25 lakh in the year 2017-18 and the work continued till 2018-19. He said that the remaining works like construction of boundary wall and other allied works have also been completed during the financial year 2022-23. The Hostel has a capacity of accommodating 50 inmates/students, he added.

However, the Minister said that since the building has remained in possession of security forces for a considerable period, it needs some more repairs and renovation to make it worth for utilization. The Minister said that no compensation has been paid to the land owner, so far, and the acquisition proceedings have already been initiated for determining the compensation amount payable, which is under active consideration of concerned authorities.

He further informed that an amount of Rs. 40.00 lakh, approved under the UT Capex Budget 2023-24, has already been released and is available with the Collector Land Acquisition (SDM), Mahore. However, SDM Mahore has demanded additional funds amounting Rs. 1.30 crore total aggregating to Rs. 1.70 crore approximately for payment of compensation to the land owner (s) under the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013, he added. The Minster said that there is no staff sanctioned, so far, for making the said hostel functional, however, the matter is under active consideration of the government.

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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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