In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

JAMMU: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, today chaired a meeting to review the status and to decide the way forward for proper implementation of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS)–PRAGATI in Jammu Division.

Director, Skill Development Department, J&K, Dr Owais Ahmad; Managing Director, JPDCL G P Singh; all Deputy Commissioners of Jammu Division; Director, Geology and Mining J&K; Excise Commissioner J&K; Regional Officer, NHAI, Jammu; senior officers of NHIDCL, NHPC, BRO/SAMPARK and other concerned departments attended the meeting in person and through virtual mode.

Director, Skill Development Department, J&K, Dr Owais Ahmad briefed the Divisional Commissioner on the progress achieved under the scheme and apprised the meeting about establishment and candidate registration, apprenticeship targets, participation of CPSUs, contractors and private establishments and issues related to e-KYC and portal data.

The Divisional Commissioner directed the Deputy Commissioners and concerned departments to ensure registration of all eligible establishments, with special focus on major establishments having 30 or more employees, besides bringing eligible contractors, vendors, project-level establishments, industries, hotels, private schools and other establishments on the NAPS portal.

He further directed major CPSUs and organisations to register their eligible projects separately, wherever applicable and ensure that their contracting agencies also register and engage apprentices. The DCs were asked to undertake establishment-wise mapping in their respective districts and designate Nodal Officers for regular monitoring and reporting.

Emphasising time-bound action, the Divisional Commissioner directed all concerned to complete the registration exercise and achieve the assigned targets by the stipulated deadline. He also stressed resolving e-KYC and other technical issues promptly so that actual registration figures are accurately reflected on the portal.

The Divisional Commissioner underscored the need to maximise apprenticeship opportunities for local youth by strengthening coordination among departments, CPSUs, industries and private establishments and linking eligible youth with workplace-based training and employment opportunities.

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
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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