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JAMMU: Girdhari Lal Raina former MLC and spokesperson of J&K BJP has asked the NC government headed by Omar Abdullah to address all pending issues related to differently abled persons in the Union Territory of Jammu Kashmir. These issues must be taken as a priority and handled sensitively.

Girdhari Lal Raina, Spokesperson, J&K BJP accompanied by Balbir Ram Rattan, Spokesperson, and Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, Media Incharge, J&K BJP, was addressing media persons in a press conference at party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu. It is unfortunate that so called popular government now in place for around four months has no time to listen to this vulnerable and reliant section of our population and they have to stage protests to be heard, GL Raina expressed.

These differently abled persons are demanding what is their right under the constitution, he added. Recalling how the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPWD Act 2016) was implemented after a long delay post 2019, Raina elicited that the Rules for this law were notified by the Lieutenant Governor on March 15, 2021.

The law ensures equal opportunities, care, protection, maintenance, welfare, training and rehabilitation of the persons with disabilities and prescribes to constitute a dedicated fund meant for the Persons with Disabilities (PwDs). The UT government has failed to constitute that fund, GL Raina pointed out.

Asking for enhancement of the Integrated Social security pension which in various states and union territories is 5000 to 15000 but in J&K the ISSS is just Rs 1000 for past one decade. The rising prices have decreased affordability for high support needs and Psychiatry and epileptic medicines, he added. Unfortunately, this meagre amount is being denied to disabled persons from the Displaced community, Raina informed.

Pleading for immediate opening of a special school for mentally challenges and autistic kids after ASHA – run by Army Wives Welfare Association stands closed. Parents of such kids have to face a lot of difficulties in educating and making their children independent in such a situation.

In spite of the fact that J&K has 4 percent reservation for physically challenged persons, the recent 6 provisional selection and final selection lists looks to have ignored them. The RPwD Act provides for reservation in jobs as well as promotions and needs to be implemented in true spirit of the law, BJP spokesperson asserted.

Demanding that the Government shall ensure that persons with disabilities enjoy the right to equality, life with dignity and respect and for this it is important to address the issue of accessibility in buildings, public places, and transport etc. Painfully it needs to underline that even public toilets are not Disable friendly.

Assuring BJP’s full support to persons with disabilities, Raina appealed people to appreciate the problems faced by these noble human beings. He further appealed people to join the Mela for Disabled being organized by the Department of Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities in Gulshan Ground from 14th February.

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