• Sets deadline for smart metering & solar rollout

KISHTWAR: Deputy Commissioner Kishtwar Pankaj Kumar Sharma today chaired a meeting to review progress under the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS) and PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana in the district. At the outset, Executive Engineer JPDCL Abdul Hamid briefed the Deputy Commissioner on the prevailing power supply scenario and ongoing initiatives, including loss reduction measures and smart metering under RDSS.

The DC conducted a detailed assessment of infrastructure works such as installation of electricity poles, cable laying, smart metering and transformer augmentation. He also reviewed feeder-wise performance along with physical and financial progress under the schemes. The DC directed the concerned executing agencies to submit comprehensive feeder-wise reports covering both urban and rural areas.

Stressing timely execution, the Deputy Commissioner called for intensified efforts to accelerate smart metering, noting its critical role in improving efficiency and boosting rooftop solar adoption. Expressing dissatisfaction over the slow pace of work by M/S Genus in the smart metering sector, he directed the agency to immediately enhance manpower and speed up smart metering.

The DC further instructed Power Grid Corporation of India Limited (PGCIL) to begin advance ducting for underground cabling, particularly in areas slated for road blacktopping, to prevent future disruptions and safeguard infrastructure. The DC set clear timelines for completion of smart metering across the district and directed the JPDCL to ensure close coordination among all stakeholders. He also ordered daily progress monitoring and weekly review meetings.

Reviewing the status of rooftop solar installations under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, the Deputy Commissioner directed JPDCL   to expedite installations for all 2,902 registered consumers by ensuring timely vendor engagement and execution.

He also expressed concern over delays by executing firms, including Vijai Electricals Pvt. Ltd. and Genus Power Infrastructures Ltd., directing them to deploy additional workforce and accelerate project implementation across the district.

The meeting was attended by ADDC Vinod Kumar Behnal; CPO Akhil Thakur; SE JPDCL Anil Gautam; Executive Engineer JPDCL Abdul Hamid and other concerned officers and representatives from executing agencies.

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