BUDGAM: A Mega Block Divas programme was today held at Government Higher Secondary School Pakherpora, where the Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, presided over a public grievances redressal camp aimed at ensuring doorstep delivery of services and direct interaction with local communities of Block Pakherpora. 

The event witnessed active participation of residents, senior citizens, youth delegations and representatives from several adjoining villages. A number of delegations from Futlipora, Tilsara, Kanidajan, Malpora, Chraripora, Shankerpora and other neighbouring areas met the DC and submitted their demands, concerns and developmental requirements pertaining to their respective villages. The public raised several pressing issues requiring administrative attention and intervention from the departments concerned.

Among the major demands projected by the locals included fencing of the primary school, upgradation of the Family and Welfare Centre, dredging and clearing of irrigation canals, improvement and widening of roads, development of a playground for youth, creation of a dedicated parking facility at Pakherpora Ziyarat Sharif, and construction of a water reservoir for Charipora village to address drinking water scarcity.

After patiently hearing the delegations, the DC on-the-spot redressed several public grievances and assured that all other genuine and pending demands will be taken up promptly for early resolution. The DC emphasised that speedy disposal of public matters remains a top priority for the district administration, and every department has been instructed to adopt a proactive and responsive approach in grievance handling.

The DC reiterated that public outreach programmes such as Block Divas act as vital platforms for bridging the gap between people and administration, enabling the government to understand grassroots challenges and deliver services effectively. He stressed that departments must stay committed to ensuring better service delivery and redressal of citizen concerns without delays.

While addressing the gathering, the DC also laid strong emphasis on maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in rural areas. He urged the locals to strictly avoid dumping garbage on roadsides, drains or open areas, and cooperate with the Rural Development Department to ensure proper utilisation of dustbins, segregation of waste and scientific disposal practices.  The DC noted that cleanliness is a collective responsibility and community participation is essential for keeping the surroundings healthy and hygienic.

The programme also featured interaction between the public and officers of various departments, enabling villagers to raise individual issues related to power supply, water availability, revenue matters, RDD works, education, health, irrigation and more. Field officers provided on-the-spot responses and guidance for multiple service-related queries. Concerned officers closely noted the demands raised by the public and assured necessary follow-up action as directed by the DC.

The DC said that District administration is committed towards ensuring transparent governance, citizen-focused service delivery, and consistent outreach to remote and rural pockets of Budgam. The Block Divas was attended by JD Planning, Javaid Ahmad; SDM Chadoora, Executive Engineers of all engineering wings, Tehsildar, BDO, District and Sectoral Officers, field officials and representatives from various departments. 

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇

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