POONCH: Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma today chaired a meeting of the District Telecom Committee (DTC) to review telecommunication services, network connectivity issues and the progress of mobile tower installations across the district.

The Deputy Commissioner conducted a project-wise review of mobile tower installations being executed under various saturation projects aimed at enhancing mobile and broadband coverage, particularly in remote and underserved areas.

Detailed deliberations were held on the Amended BharatNet Programme (ABP), with progress updates presented by PIA/BSNL. Key issues discussed included Right of Way (RoW) permissions, utilization of local street furniture for BharatNet connectivity and the need for centralised application and billing mechanisms for electricity connections in Gram Panchayats.

The committee also reviewed the availability of space for BharatNet equipment in Panchayat Bhawans or alternative locations, along with matters related to the safety and security of installed infrastructure. Local rollout challenges highlighted by PIA/BSNL, maintenance support issues and the importance of adopting CBuD (Call Before You Dig) protocols were also discussed. Emphasis was laid on ensuring broadband connectivity to village-level government institutions through BharatNet.

 The meeting was  attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Poonch, Tahir Mustafa Malik, SE PWD (R&B), DIO NIC, Parvinder Singh, Dysp Hqr. Neeraj Sharma, CMO, Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan, Executive Engineer JPDCL, Aftab Ahmed, DFO(T), Mushtaq Ahmed, CEO Municipality, Khalil Ahmed Banday, District Pollution Control Board Officer, SDO BSNL besides others .

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