• Listens to public demands, assures early redressal, awareness on government welfare schemes

POONCH: District Development Commissioner (DDC) Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma today held a Public Grievances Redressal Camp at the border block Balakote to listen to the issues and demands of the residents of the area.

At the outset, SDM Mendhar, Imran Kataria, extended a warm welcome to the DDC and locals and public representatives, including Ex-Sarpanchs and prominent citizens from adjoining areas. He expressed gratitude to the DDC for reaching out to the locals and listening to their concerns.

During the public outreach programme, a large number of locals protected several key issues and demands, seeking adequate staff in local schools, deployment of Animal and Sheep Husbandry doctors, completion of JJM lift water schemes, improvement in mobile network connectivity, construction of bunkers, installation of an X-ray machine at Dargloon, construction of a Tehsil Office Building at Dhargloon, provision of public bathrooms and CSC centres, issuance of job cards and renovation of local roads.

Residents also demanded promotion of high density apple plantation and other horticulture projects in the block They sought the construction of new and improvement of existing roads, including Bhrooti–Basooni Road, Ziarat–Chapper Dhara Road, Basooni Village Road and Basooni Base–Pir Gali Road, among others.

The DDC gave a patient hearing to all grievances and assured that genuine demands will be addressed on priority. He directed the concerned officers to take immediate action to resolve pressing public issues. While addressing the gathering, the DDC urged people to avail the benefits of the government schemes, particularly in the agriculture, horticulture and banking sectors. He encouraged farmers to adopt mushroom cultivation, peanut farming and establish local produce-based processing units by availing the government subsidy support. He further encouraged them to install solar Panels under PM Surya Bijli Ghar scheme and other renewable energy initiatives.

The DDC further directed the stakeholder departments to intensify awareness campaigns to promote government schemes so that maximum number of people can benefit from welfare initiatives. He also made a strong appeal to parents to keep a close watch on their children and protect them from the menace of drug abuse, while encouraging youth to focus on education and career development instead.

On the occasion, the Lead District Manager (LDM) sensitized the public about the banking schemes and urged them to take advantage of financial inclusion and credit-linked subsidy programmes.  SE PWD, Rakesh Sharma, DFO, Mushtaq Ahmed, Tehsildar Balakote, Shahid Iqbal, executive engineers besides other district and sectoral officers were also present.

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