• Focuses on grievances redressal, promotes Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan Campaign, Government Welfare Schemes

KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma today convened the weekly Public Outreach Programme (Block Diwas) at village Filler in Block Thakrie, reinforcing the administration’s commitment to direct public engagement, grassroots governance and effective Grievances redressal. At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner administered the Nasha Mukt pledge to participants as part of the ongoing 100 Day Nasha Mukt JK Abhiyan, launched by the Lieutenant Governor on April 11, 2026.

Highlighting the objectives of the campaign, the Deputy Commissioner urged local residents to actively spread awareness within their communities and contribute collectively towards building a drug-free society. SSP Naresh Singh also addressed the gathering, emphasizing the importance of community participation in combating drug abuse.

The programme witnessed active participation from Ex PRIs along with local residents from all eight panchayats, who raised several demands, seeking blacktopping of Shiv Nagar–Sranwan Road; establishment of an power grid station in the area; construction of a water reservoir under JJM; revival of JKRTC services for Thakrie/Shanna/Keshwan areas; provision of an ambulance service for the Block; development of the tourist site at Sharda Mata Mandir (an archaeological site) and installation of crash barriers along Kuriya to Keshwan, Shanna–Sranwan and Shivnagar–Sranwan roads and those  related to education, healthcare, water supply, power and road connectivity.

Responding to the public demands, the Deputy Commissioner redressed several issues on the spot and directed the concerned departments to ensure prompt and time-bound redressal of the remaining grievances. He assured the public that unresolved matters would be taken up with higher authorities and reiterated the importance of transparent, accountable and people-centric governance.

District officers present at the event replied to the public regarding the status of various issues pertaining to their departments. They also disseminated information regarding ongoing UT Government and Central Government welfare schemes and financial inclusion schemes, enabling citizens to better understand and avail themselves of available benefits.

The departments had set up stalls to provide detailed information on Government welfare schemes and developmental programmes, further strengthening public outreach and engagement. The Deputy Commissioner reiterated the administration’s commitment to reaching remote and underserved areas and encouraged citizens to actively participate in such platforms to voice their concerns and contribute to the district’s developmental process.

The programme was attended by ADDC Vinod Kumar Behnal; ADC Pawan Kotwal; CPO Akhil Thakur; PO ICDS Dr. Rishi Kumar Sharma; CEO KDA Kaiser Bhawani; ACR Idrees Lone; ACD Manoj Kumar; ACP Neeraj Sharma; DSWO Tariq Parveaz Qazi; ALC Mamta Sudershan; ARTO Tasleem Wani; AD Handicrafts & Handloom Pardeep Shan; CEO Sanjay Dogra; Executive Engineer Jal Shakti Rohit Wadera; Executive Engineer JPDCL Abdul Hamid; besides other district and sectoral officers and staff 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