POONCH: Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Vikas Kundal today chaired a meeting to review the progress of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) in the district. The meeting focused on assessing ongoing strategies aimed at enhancing rural income through sustainable livelihood initiatives.

During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner conducted a comprehensive review of targets and achievements for the financial year 2025–26. Key focus areas included the formation and strengthening of Self-Help Groups (SHGs), promotion of farm and non-farm livelihood activities, SHG–bank linkages, financial inclusion, operationalization of Van Dhan Vikas Kendras, community-managed training centres and overall physical and financial progress across all blocks.

The District Nodal Officer NRLM informed that the district currently has 4,563 active SHGs comprising 33,243 members, along with 342 Village Organizations and 29 Cluster-Level Federations, indicating a strong foundation of community mobilization and participation.

Discussions also emphasized the need for a well-defined income-generation roadmap with a particular focus on women empowerment through SHGs and flagship initiatives like the “Lakhpati Didi” scheme.

The Deputy Commissioner underlined the importance of coordinated efforts among all stakeholders to diversify livelihood options and ensure inclusive, sustainable rural development across the district.

The meeting was attended by the Assistant Commissioner Development, Assistant Commissioner Panchayat, District Panchayat Officer, Headquarter Assistant, District Nodal Officer NRLM, Block Programme Managers and other concerned 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