UDHAMPUR: Deputy Commissioner Saloni Rai today visited Panchayat Battal Ballian and interacted with the local residents at the weekly Block Diwas program. The DC patiently listened to numerous public grievances and developmental demands raised by the local people. The event was attended by DDC Member Udhampur-1 Puran Chand; Additional District Development Commissioner,  Rajinder Singh;  Programme Officer Poshan Subash Dogra; General Manager District Industries Centre Kishore Singh Katoch along with other district officers, former Sarpanches, Panches and a large number of people from adjoining panchayats.

During the interaction, the local people highlighted several key issues and demands  including Education & Infrastructure,  Additional accommodation, construction of a boundary wall and an underground water tank at GHSS Battal Ballian,  installation of solar lights, addressing acute drinking water shortages, installation of transformers and electricity poles and repairing of hand pumps and the filtration plant,  blacktopping and upgradation of the local roads and the development of Balltal Chowk to ease traffic congestion,  bifurcation of ration cards, clearance of pending liabilities under MGNREGA, construction of playgrounds etc.

The DC assured the public that all genuine concerns would be addressed in a time-bound manner. She directed the concerned officers to work with dedication and commitment to ensure the timely resolution of public grievances, emphasizing that governance must reach the doorstep of every citizen for efficient service delivery.

She also informed the public about the PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, a government initiative encouraging households to install solar panels and reap the benefits of the schemes. The DC urged residents to take advantage of the scheme and directed the concerned departments to meticulously note all issues for necessary action.

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