JAMMU: Deputy Commissioner, Sachin Kumar Vaishya, chaired a District Level Committee (DLC) meeting to review the implementation of the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a flagship scheme of the Central Government aimed at promoting rooftop solar installations in residential households.

During the meeting, the DC emphasised the need for proactive awareness campaigns across all subdivisions, instructing SDMs, BDOs and Tehsildars to organise public outreach programs to educate citizens about the scheme’s benefits. He also directed BDOs to expedite approvals for rooftop solar installations and encourage government building owners to adopt solar power.

Stressing the importance of inter-departmental coordination, he asked officers to work closely with JPDCL to facilitate smooth implementation. The DC reiterated the administration’s commitment to promoting renewable energy and ensuring that the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana reaches maximum beneficiaries, contributing to the government’s vision of sustainable and self-reliant energy solutions.

As part of the initiative, villages have been identified and mobilised under the Model Solar Village Program, which aims to recognise villages demonstrating the highest adoption of distributed renewable energy. The selection process considers the total installed renewable energy capacity within a village’s revenue boundary. The district’s leading village will receive â‚č1 crore in Central Financial Assistance (CFA), with additional funding drawn from Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions, departmental budgets and district-level funds to enhance renewable energy deployment.

In Jammu district, five villages have been shortlisted for large-scale implementation under the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana- Kheri Village in Bishnah Block, Bhalwal village in Bhalwal Block, Shamachak in Marh Block, Phinder in Miransahib Block and Badyal Brahmna in RS Pura Block. The winning village will be declared the Model Solar Village and will receive the â‚č1 crore CFA grant.

The meeting was attended by Sher Singh, ADDC Jammu; Karm Chand, Superintendent Engineer (O&M Circle), JPDCL; Executive Engineers Ashok Chibber, Sanjeev Rohmetra, Avneet Gupta and Sanjay Gupta, along with other senior officials.

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