POONCH: District Development Commissioner Vikas Kundal today reviewed the physical and financial progress achieved under various developmental initiatives undertaken by the Rural Development Department (RDD), besides status of PMGSY projects here at two separate meetings. The DDC evaluated progress of RDD initiatives including works under MGNREGA, construction of houses under PMAY-G, BDC/PRI/DDC Works, CD Panchayats works, SBM works, Panchayat Ghars and execution of Aspirational Block Development Plan.

The RDD officials presented a comprehensive overview of ongoing projects via a PowerPoint presentation. DDC Kundal inquired about project execution, delays, compensation status, social audit reports, geotagging and payment statuses across all blocks in relation to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He urged officers to enhance the execution of works under this vital act and directed the preparation of a line listing of pending cases under the Aadhar Based Payment System, ensuring no delays in ABPS across all blocks.

The DDC also reviewed targeted work plans for the fiscal year 2025-26, instructing all Block Development Officers (BDOs) to initiate project execution promptly. He emphasized the need for improved physical performance under the convergence scheme. Highlighting the importance of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) housing projects, the DDC encouraged BDOs to expedite works to benefit beneficiaries as soon as possible.  

Meanwhile:  The DDC convened a meeting with key functionaries from the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)  to assess the progress of ongoing projects in the district. The meeting focused on both physical and financial progress of the works. Executing officers provided detailed updates on project-wise advancements, including blacktopping of roads, drainage construction, protection works, and constructing bridges across multiple road projects.

The Deputy Commissioner evaluated the status of significant road projects such as Bufliaz to Mandi Phagla, Chandimarh to Dogrian, Sailian to Mahara, KM 7th of T01 to Behramgalla and Bankhet to Chanansar. He emphasized the importance of expediting the tendering processes and directed the authorities to complete all ongoing and new works within the financial year 2025-26 to benefit the general public.

Reviewing the progress of work on bridge projects, the DC stated that he will personally visit the sites to inspect the progress and ensure quality standards are met. Furthermore, he urged officers to resolve any outstanding issues promptly to facilitate the completion of these essential projects. The meeting was attended by Executive Engineer PMGSY Poonch/Mendhar, as well as all Assistant Executive Engineers (AEEs), Assistant Engineers (AEs), and Junior Engineers (JEs) from the PMGSY Department.

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