POONCH: Deputy Commissioner Poonch Ashok Kumar Sharma today reviewed the ongoing developmental activities under the Aspirational Block Programme (ABP) of the Government of India here at a meeting held in the Conference Hall of DC Office.

Focusing on Aspirational Block Mankote, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed key performance indicators across crucial sectors including health and nutrition, education, agriculture and allied services, basic infrastructure, sanitation, drinking water supply, tap water connectivity (Jal Jeevan Mission), housing under PMAY-G and social development.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized strict compliance with programme guidelines and called for timely data updates on official Portal for transparency and real-time monitoring. Special focus was laid on education sector, with the directions to Chief Education Officer to engage proactively with school heads to on improving student retention and transition rates.

The DC urged all line departments to bridge performance gaps with targeted and immediate interventions. He also highlighted the necessity of resource optimization and encouraged departments to make strategic investments aimed at the modernization and integrated development of the aspirational block.

The meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner, Pankaj Magotra; Chief Planning Officer Mohammad Iqbal Zargar; Assistant Commissioner Development Shakeel Ahmed; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan; Chief Education Officer Mukhtar Ahmed; Chief Agriculture Officer, Yog Raj Salathia; XEN JPDCL Aftab Ahmed; XEN Jal Shakti, Lead District Manager (LDM) Banks; Deputy CEO, Block Development Officers (BDOs), Aspirational Block Programme Fellow, Ajaz Ahmed as well as concerned Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs), Junior Engineers (JEs), TSWO, Veterinary Assistant Surgeons (VAS) and other 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