KATHUA: The District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Kathua, under the guidance of Chairman DLSA (Principal District and Sessions Judge) Jatinder Singh Jamwal, today organized a legal awareness programme here at Government Girls Higher Secondary School.

The programme, held under the aegis of National and J&K Legal Services Authorities, aimed to spread awareness regarding the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

The event commenced with Saraswati Vandhana performed by Diksha Balotra (Class 12th). Secretary DLSA/Sub-Judge Mrs. Kamiya Singh Andotra emphasized the importance of the POCSO Act in safeguarding children against sexual offences, highlighting its gender-neutral provisions and child-friendly procedures. She also discussed the importance of prompt FIR registration, medical examinations, and in-camera trials to protect the identity and rights of child victims.

Further, the session covered the Juvenile Justice Act's focus on the rehabilitation and protection of children, stressing that the law recognizes children's emotional and social development needs, beyond just legal accountability. The Principal Magistrate JJB Kathua, Mrs. Cheena Sumbria, stressed on balancing justice with empathy and urged stakeholders to prioritize reform over punishment.

CWC Chairperson Shashi Paul elaborated on the Child Welfare Committee’s role in ensuring immediate care for children in distress, including foster care and rehabilitation measures. Advocates Naiya Sharma, Puneet Kumari, and Sumit Jasrotia shared valuable insights on balancing justice with compassion under these laws.

Students actively participated through poetry, speeches, and a Nukad Natak, making the event engaging and informative. The programme witnessed the participation of over 400 students and staff, with concluding remarks and a vote of thanks delivered by Principal Mangal Singh.

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