PULWAMA: Chairperson District Development Council, Pulwama, Syed Abdul Bari Andrabi today chaired the General Council Meeting at the mini-secretariat Awantipora.

At the outset, Chief Planning Officer Pulwama, Aashiq Hussain Khanday, delivered a comprehensive presentation outlining sector-wise progress, physical and financial status under District Capex Budget 2025-26, status of works under the Area Development Fund (DDC/BDC/PRI), and the achievements and pending interventions across key departments.

Speaking on the occasion, the DDC Chairperson highlighted the importance of the Panchayati Raj Act in strengthening grassroots democracy and ensuring responsive local self-governance. He stressed the need for conducting regular and meaningful Gram Sabhas, noting that they serve as crucial platforms for participatory planning and identifying development priorities in rural areas.

The Chairperson urged all departments to complete pending works in a time-bound manner, avoid any lapses of funds, and maintain strict adherence to prescribed timelines and quality parameters. He further called upon officers to work in close coordination to ensure seamless service delivery, effective monitoring and improved field-level responsiveness.

During the meeting, the Chairperson also reviewed the status of Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) in the district and directed concerned officers to accelerate efforts, strengthen sanitation outcomes and address gaps at the earliest. A detailed assessment of winter preparedness was also carried out, wherein the Chairperson and the members of council reviewed the power supply scenario, readiness of restoration teams, and the stock position of ration, LPG and fuel. 

The council also assessed the functioning of healthcare facilities, availability of essential drugs, and the arrangements put in place for timely snow clearance to ensure hassle-free movement of ambulances, vehicles and essential services during snowfall.

Among others, the meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioners of Pulwama, Awantipora and Tral, Chief Education Officer, Pulwama; Assistant Commissioner Development, Pulwama; Chief Medical Officer, Pulwama; DDC Members and officers from line departments.

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