• Calls for targeted outreach, strengthened bank-department coordination

BUDGAM: A detailed review meeting was today convened under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-Ud-Din Bhat at the DC Office Complex, Budgam. The meeting aimed to evaluate the implementation of schemes such as PM Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY), Pradhan Mantri Suraksha Bima Yojana (PMSBY), Pradhan Mantri Jeevan Jyoti Bima Yojana (PMJJBY), and Atal Pension Yojana (APY) for the financial year 2024–25, along with a focused review of the Financial Inclusion Campaign held from July 1–22, 2025.

During the meeting, it was informed that Budgam district has achieved over 75% of its annual target under PMSBY, enrolling more than 21,000 individuals, while PMJJBY has crossed the 8,100 mark, achieving close to 58% of the target. Under PMJDY, 8,536 new accounts have been opened, reflecting nearly 57% target completion. Atal Pension Yojana (APY) witnessed 1,388 enrollments out of the 4,770 target in the district.

Cumulatively, since the national rollout of these schemes, Budgam has enrolled over 1.14 lakh individuals under PMJDY, 59,000 under PMSBY, 22,000 under PMJJBY, and 5,000 APY. Also, focused Financial Inclusion campaign was conducted in the district from 01 July to 22 July 2025, aiming to extend coverage under the four flagship schemes in mission mode.

As per the data, 21 beneficiaries were enrolled under APY against a target of 1,357. Under PMSBY, 833 enrolments were recorded out of 6,991, while PMJJBY and PMJDY achieved around 7% and 11% respectively. Addressing the participants, DC highlighted the importance of financial protection schemes in ensuring safety nets for the most vulnerable sections of society. He expressed concern over limited outreach, especially in rural belts and uncovered populations.

DC directed stakeholders to intensify awareness campaigns, and adopt a targeted and block-level mobilisation strategy, especially for APY and PMJJBY schemes in the district. He also directed the concerned to organise village-level camps and enrolment drives involving BDOs, AWWs, CSCs, and SHGs. He further directed for improved door-to-door IEC efforts to mobilize beneficiaries in unbanked and underbanked areas.

He called for weekly monitoring of scheme-wise progress through the LDM office, with performance updates shared with the DC office. DC directed for building interdepartmental convergence between banks, Social Welfare, Labour, ICDS, and Rural Development for coordinated action. Emphasised that no eligible beneficiary should remain outside the financial safety net, he directed that the achievement of targets be treated as a priority governance deliverable.

He stressed on renewed momentum through collaborative execution, reiterating that the District Administration remains committed towards ensuring full saturation under all centrally sponsored financial protection schemes in the district. The meeting was attended by CPO, LDM Budgam, DSWO, ALC Budgam, representatives from ICDS, and branch managers from all public and private sector banks operating in the district.

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