• Emphasizes strengthening of Sanitation & Waste Management Systems

BUDGAM: A meeting on the implementation of Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and Swachh Bharat Mission Gramin (SBM-G) was held today under the chairmanship of District Development Commissioner Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat.  The meeting was convened by the Assistant Commissioner Panchayat Budgam, who briefed the meeting about the agenda and overall status of implementation.

The meeting was held to review physical and financial progress, assess infrastructure development, sanitation coverage, solid and liquid waste management components, and to identify constraints affecting the implementation of the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) 2025-26. Under RGSA, a detailed review was conducted on the progress of Panchayat Ghars for the financial years 2023-24 and 2024-25. The status of construction, completion, and operationalisation of Panchayat Ghars was assessed. 

On the occasion, the DC  emphasised that timely completion of Panchayat Ghars is essential for strengthening the institutional infrastructure of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and for improving grassroots governance. The DC reviewed the status of Co-location of Common Service Centres (CSCs) in Panchayat Ghar’s. He highlighted the importance of ensuring functional CSCs at Panchayat level for delivery of citizen-centric digital services and directions were issued to strengthen coordination for effective co-location.

The DC stressed the need for timely resolution of bottlenecks to ensure smooth execution of approved works. Under SBM-G, comprehensive review was undertaken of all sanitation and waste management components. The status of Individual Household Latrines (IHHLs) was reviewed, with emphasis on coverage, functionality, and sustainability to ensure continued usage and universal sanitation. The progress of Community Sanitary Complexes was also reviewed.

The DC directed  to ensure their timely completion and proper maintenance for public convenience. While reviewing the status of Segregation Sheds, the DC underscored importance of segregation at source and establishment of proper segregation infrastructure. The progress of Community Compost Pits was reviewed to strengthen biodegradable waste management at village level. The status of Community Soak Pits was reviewed, with emphasis on improving liquid waste and grey water management.

The progress of Decentralized Wastewater Treatment Systems (DEWATS) was reviewed in detail.  The DC emphasised the  establishment of DEWATS as an important component for decentralized treatment of wastewater and for improving overall village sanitation and environmental sustainability.

The status of Plastic Waste Management Units (PWMUs) was reviewed. The establishment and operationalisation of PWMUs was emphasized as a key requirement for scientific handling and processing of plastic waste in the district. The status of Faecal Sludge Treatment Plants (FSTPs) was also reviewed in detail. The  importance of FSTPs for safe treatment and disposal of faecal sludge was highlighted by DC as a critical sanitation infrastructure component. 

The meeting discussed in detail the constraints affecting implementation of the Annual Implementation Plan (AIP) 2025-26. The DC emphasized that all concerned departments and field functionaries must adopt a proactive, coordinated, and result-oriented approach to resolve land-related and legal issues at the earliest so that implementation of RGSA and SBM-G is not adversely impacted.

He stressed that focused efforts must be made to accelerate execution of approved works, ensure adherence to timelines, and maintain quality standards. The need for regular monitoring, timely reporting, and close supervision at field level was reiterated.

The DC further emphasized strengthening sanitation infrastructure, solid and liquid waste management systems, and institutional capacity of Panchayati Raj Institutions across the district. It was stressed that transparency, accountability, and effective implementation must be ensured to achieve the intended objectives of the flagship schemes.

The DC issued directions to all concerned officers to take immediate follow-up action on the identified constraints and to ensure that targets under Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan and Swachh Bharat Mission–Gramin are achieved in a timely, effective, and sustainable manner. 

Besides, GM DIC budgam, CPO budgam, SDM Beerwah, ACD budgam, ACP budgam , Exen REW, all BDOs, all Tehsildar’s and other concerned officers were present in the meeting.

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