JAMMU: A one day block level workshop cum awareness programme on Awas Plus 2.O (Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna Gramin) was today organized by the Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj at Block HQ Bhalwal to provide people valuable insights into the features, benefits and implementation strategies of the scheme (AWAS Plus 2.0).

The Workshop was jointly inaugurated by Chairman District Development Council Bharat Bhushan and Member Legislative Assembly Jammu North Sham Lal Sharma. Ex PRI members of Block Bhalwal and a large number of PMAY-G beneficiaries of Block Bhalwal participated in the workshop.

  Block Development Officer, Dr Sunil Sharma, in his welcome address informed that 221 PMAY-G houses have been constructed in Block Bhalwal upto 31 March 2025 and 931 households in all the 24 Panchayats  of Block Bhalwal have been surveyed by the surveyors (Panchayat Secretaries & Panchayat Account Assistants). Assistant Commissioner Development Jammu, Dr Vikas Sharma presented a detailed overview of PMAY-G of District Jammu in general and Block Bhalwal in particular and informed the participants that April 30, 2025 is the last date for registration under AWAS Plus 2.O (Both Self & Assisted Survey).

MLA Sham Lal Sharma, who was guest of honour, in his address congratulated 221 PMAY-G beneficiaries of Block Bhalwal for getting their houses constructed and also thanked Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi for providing huge funds for homeless households.  The MLA stressed upon the holistic development of the rural areas by providing them benefits under SBM-G, LPG under PMUY and provision of functional tap water (Har Ghar Jal) under Jal Jeevan Mission. He appealed to the Ex PRIs to involve themselves for identification of eligible PMAY-G beneficiaries in their respective Halqa Panchayats and no houseless person should be left over.

He also applauded the working of officers and officials of Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj District Jammu in general and Block Bhalwal in particular. Chairman District Development Council Bharat Bhushan, who was the chief guest, highlighted the initiatives of Government Of India. He said poor and downtrodden households are being provided financial assistance for construction of houses, toilets.  He also appealed Ex- PRIs to assist field functionaries of Department of Rural Development & Panchayati Raj to identify all the eligible PMAY-G beneficiaries.

Ex- PRI members and PMAY beneficiaries also spoke on the occasion and described the event as a great platform for dissemination of information regarding registration of AWAS Plus 2.0 among houseless families. Tehsildar Bhalwal Monika Sharma presented the vote of thanks.

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