KATHUA: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Dr. Rakesh Minhas today chaired a meeting of the Public Works Department (R&B) to review the progress of ongoing and proposed developmental works in the District. The review focused on the projects taken up under NABARD, CRIF, UT Capex, District Capex, City & Town and MPLAD.

While reviewing the physical and financial status of works in Billawar Sub Division, the DDC was informed that 16 schemes are being executed under the City & Town component, while 6 new projects have been identified for execution in the current financial year. “Under NABARD funding, 4 schemes were sanctioned—3 have been completed and work is in progress on the remaining one. In addition, 3 road projects are being executed under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), and 3 others under the District Capex Budget”, the meeting was told.

The DDC laid emphasis on expediting the pace of work on Sukrala Mata–Jourian Mata Road and the 100-bedded Community Health Centre (CHC) at Billawar. He directed the Executing Agencies to ensure strict adherence to quality standards and timelines.

Reviewing the road up-gradation and other infrastructure development projects in Basohli Sub Division, the DDC asked the functionaries to resolve bottlenecks to ensure timely delivery of public assets. He laid thrust on timely completion of the 50 Bedded Hostel at ITI Bani and Compound Wall of ITI Basohli.

Assessing the status of ongoing projects in Hiranagar Sub Division, the DDC was informed that 19 projects under the City & Town Scheme were completed in the last fiscal, while 11 new projects have been earmarked for the current year, for which the tendering process has been initiated. Similarly 6 NABARD funded projects and 2 bridge projects have been completed in the area. A detailed review of works under UT Capex, MPLAD, and the Health sector was also held.

Regarding the  Kathua Sub Division, the DDC was informed that all 24 previous year City & Town scheme works have been completed, while 22 new works are being taken up in the current fiscal. The Department has also completed 18 NABARD, 1 CRIF, 5 UT Capex, and 7 MPLAD works.

The Deputy Commissioner also took a detailed review of projects nearing completion, including the JPDCL Division Office, Polytechnic College Hostel, ADMO Office & District Drug Store, Poultry and Hatchery Buildings and Regional Cultural Centre of JKAACL. He impressed upon the executing agencies to speed up the pace of work and pursue forest and other mandatory clearances on a priority basis to prevent undue delays. â€ŽThe meeting was attended by ADDC Surinder Mohan, CPO Ranjit Thakur, XENs of Basohli, Billawar, Hiranagar and Kathua subdivisions and other concerned officers.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇

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