BANDIPORA: As part of the ongoing 100-Day Mission Mode Campaign under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, District Administration Bandipora on Sunday organised an interaction and awareness programme with Panchayat-level Mahila Samitis under the “Maa se Guftagu” initiative, aimed at strengthening grassroots efforts against drug abuse.

The programme witnessed participation from District Programme Officer ICDS Bandipora, Yaar Ali Khan; Assistant Commissioner Revenue, Shabir Ahmad Wani; CDPOs, Mahila Samitis, ICDS Supervisors, Anganwadi Workers (AWWs), Anganwadi Helpers (AWHs), NRLM representatives and other stakeholders. During the programme, the functioning of Mahila Samitis across all 151 Panchayats and 43 Municipal Wards of the district was reviewed, with special focus on their role in strengthening grassroots implementation of the anti-drug campaign.

District Programme Officer ICDS Bandipora, presented a detailed strategy and action plan outlining the responsibilities of Panchayat Mahila Samitis. The presentation highlighted six core mandates, including awareness generation, counselling support, community vigilance, convergence, rehabilitation, and reporting mechanisms at the Panchayat level.

A comprehensive 100-day action plan focusing on training programmes, awareness drives, identification of addicts, home visits, and follow-up assessments was also shared. Addressing the gathering, Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, underscored the vital role of women in building a drug-free society and called upon Mahila Samitis to serve as “change agents” at the village and ward levels.

She stressed the need for intensified door-to-door awareness campaigns, mohalla meetings, community vigilance, and timely identification of vulnerable youth. The Deputy Commissioner observed that parents have a crucial role in safeguarding children from addiction and noted that substance abuse often contributes to domestic violence cases. She urged participants to counsel affected individuals while strengthening preventive awareness at the grassroots.

The meeting also deliberated on a multi-pronged strategy involving ASHA workers, Anganwadi workers, Self Help Groups (SHGs), and PRI institutions. Directions were issued to organise awareness drives, school rallies, and nukkad nataks, besides facilitating counselling and rehabilitation support through the District De-addiction Centre.

Representatives of Mahila Samitis also shared challenges related to social stigma and increasing peer pressure among adolescents. Emphasising a compassionate approach, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the need to support rehabilitation and reintegration of drug addicts into society to help them lead dignified lives.

The programme concluded with a pledge administered by the Deputy Commissioner, wherein participants resolved to continue collective efforts toward building a drug-free society under the Nasha Mukt Jammu & Kashmir Abhiyaan, reaffirming that “change begins at home.

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