KATHUA: As a part of Dharti Aaba Abhiyan 2.0, an Awareness and Benefit Saturation Camp was today held at Panchayat Mahichak of Barnoti Block to extend the benefits of government schemes to the tribal population residing in the area. Deputy Commissioner Dr. Rakesh Minhas presided over the camp. Addressing the gathering, the DC said that the outreach initiative under Dharti Aaba 2.0 is a dedicated step to saturate all components of development, ensuring comprehensive welfare of the tribal communities in the district. He added that the camp showcases schemes and services of more than 17 departments, providing a unified platform for delivering benefits and raising awareness among the tribal population.

The DC highlighted that departmental stalls are disseminating information regarding welfare schemes specially designed for the tribal populace, offering them an excellent opportunity to access tailored government services and entitlements. Heads of the departments briefed the public about the schemes on offer, while on-the-spot services like Aadhaar registration, generation of Ayushman Bharat Golden Cards, distribution of AYUSH medicines and medicinal plants were provided to the beneficiaries. Other departmental stalls also displayed respective schemes and services for public benefit.

Earlier, locals also projected various issues of public importance before the Deputy Commissioner. Responding to the demands, Dr. Minhas assured that all genuine grievances shall be addressed in a time-bound manner and directed concerned officers for prompt redressal. The Dharti Aaba Abhiyan 2.0 is being implemented across 7 tribal-dominated panchayats of 4 blocks—Duggan, Bani, Barnoti, and Marheen—in district Kathua. The campaign commenced on June 15 and will culminate on June 30, 2025, with the objective of ensuring last-mile delivery of government schemes to tribal communities.

CPO Kathua Ranjit Thakur, ACD, DPO, CAO, XEN PHE, CMO, DSWO, DAHO, AD FCS&CA, ALC, CDPO Barnoti, BDO Barnoti and other concerned officers and large numbers of locals 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