RAJOURI: A comprehensive review meeting was held today under the chairmanship of Director Rural Development Department (RDD) Jammu, Shehnaz Akhter at the Raj Kumar Thapa Memorial Dak Bunglow Rajouri to assess the progress of key rural development schemes in the district.

The meeting was attended by the Assistant Commissioner Development (ACD) Rajouri, Auqil Naveed, Executive Engineer REW Rajouri, Block Development Officers (BDOs), Assistant Engineers (AEs) and Junior Engineers (JEs).

The Director undertook a detailed review of the performance under major flagship programmes, including MGNREGA Key Performance Indicators (KPIs), Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G) and Union Territory Capex works (CD & Panchayat). Emphasizing the need for faster implementation and stronger accountability, she issued specific directions to address bottlenecks, particularly in underperforming blocks.

To ensure timely benefits to workers, the BDOs were directed to significantly improve the payment of wages. BDO Plangarh and BDO Panjgrain were specifically instructed to improve the status of timely payments within 10 days. BDO Thanamandi, along with other BDOs were directed to complete Aadhaar seeding of job cards within a strict timeline of 7 days. Any technical issues were to be immediately escalated and resolved in coordination with the MIS team. The Director also directed all BDOs to fast-track e-KYC authentication of beneficiaries.

Reviewing the progress under PMAY-G, the Director stressed the urgent completion of pending houses. BDOs were directed to complete all houses under Category-A within the 15 days and to initiate recovery of amounts in cases of default by beneficiaries. As per the latest update, 60,253 houses have been completed so far, while 1,928 houses are still pending.

Under the CD & Panchayat (Ongoing) category, 76 percent expenditure has been done. The Director asked the BDOs to resolve all pending issues, restart stalled works and ensure full completion before the end of February. In the CD & Panchayat (New) category, 98 works have been approved, of which all have been started except 10 works currently under tendering. The concerned BDOs were directed to expedite the tendering process and complete these works while also boosting overall expenditure.

Calling upon all BDOs, AEs and field functionaries to work with utmost dedication, coordination and cooperation, the Director emphasized achieving the set targets and ensuring effective delivery of rural development schemes for the benefit of the rural populace.

The meeting concluded with a renewed commitment towards transparent, timely and efficient implementation of rural development programmes in Rajouri.

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