KATHUA: The 5th District Cooperative Development Committee (DCDC) meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Kathua, Surinder Mohan. The meeting was convened by the Deputy Registrar Cooperative Societies and attended by the officers from line departments and representatives of cooperative societies.

The meeting reviewed key components of the cooperative development roadmap in the district, with focus on the establishment of Food Processing Units (FPUs), support to Primary Agricultural Credit Societies (PACS), implementation status of the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan, observance of the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC) 2025 and strengthening inter-departmental coordination.

The Committee approved the establishment of four Food Processing Units by MPCS Bakhta, MPCS Chack Sona Nupa, MPCS Basantpur and MPCS Narianpur. These initiatives are aimed to boost the rural economy and promote self-reliance among cooperative societies through value addition and agro-based entrepreneurship.

Besides, the ADDC directed the Assistant Director CAPD to grant Public Distribution System (PDS) centres to Bakhta MPCS and Salore MPCS, thereby enhancing the reach of essential commodities to rural populations through the cooperative network.

The Deputy Registrar Cooperatives briefed the Committee on the progress of the World’s Largest Grain Storage Plan underway at Rajbagh. He also shared updates on other departmental initiatives, including the installation of Cooperative Mandaps at the designated Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra camp sites in Hiranagar and Lakhanpur to provide services during the ongoing yatra season.

The ADDC emphasized the need for proactive convergence among departments for the effective implementation of cooperative development schemes, skill-building programmes, and subsidy-based interventions. He stressed on building the capacity of PACS and other cooperative institutions to serve as engines of rural development. â€Ž

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