SRINAGAR: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today held a series of meetings with various public deputations and individuals at Srinagar, during which they apprised him of issues and grievances. A deputation of the Jal Shakti Contractors Welfare Association, Kashmir submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting the acute financial distress being faced by contractors owing to the non-release of work-done liabilities under the Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM).

The Association informed the Minister that contractors have executed works strictly in accordance with approved estimates and technical specifications, but payments have remained pending for a prolonged period, adversely impacting their financial stability and ability to continue ongoing projects. A delegation of Range Officers Grade-II also called on the Minister and presented a comprehensive representation seeking early redressal of issues related to their promotions.

The delegation urged the Government to expedite the promotion process, citing long-standing stagnation that has affected morale, career progression, and overall efficiency within the department. Another deputation, comprising employees working in water testing laboratories, apprised the Minister of challenges related to low remuneration and inadequate financial support for water quality monitoring activities.

They emphasized that strengthening laboratory infrastructure, providing adequate resources, and ensuring fair compensation are essential for maintaining prescribed drinking water quality standards under various water supply schemes. Additionally, a delegation sought their re-engagement in the Sindh Forest Division, highlighting their past contributions and experience.

Besides these, several other deputations and individuals raised issues of public importance concerning development works and civic amenities in their respective areas, seeking the Minister’s intervention for timely resolution. The Minister gave a patient hearing to all the delegations and assured them that their genuine concerns would be examined sympathetically in consultation with the concerned departments. He reiterated the Government’s commitment to addressing public grievances and assured that appropriate steps would be taken for their redressal at the earliest.

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