SRINAGAR: Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare and Higher Education, Sakeena Itoo, today dedicated buses to five Government Degree Colleges (GDCs) in Kashmir, aiming to strengthen access to education for the students from remote areas. The colleges that received the buses included GDCs Kupwara, Sopore, Tangmarg, DH Pora and Tulail. The flagging off ceremony was held at Abdul Ahad Azad Memorial College, Bemina.

Advisor to Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, MLA Tangmarg Pirzada Farooq Ahmad Shah and MLA Sopore Irshad Rasool Kar were present on the occasion. Speaking at the event, the Minister emphasized the importance of transport facilities in ensuring accessible and inclusive education. “This initiative is aimed at empowering the students, particularly those from far-flung areas, by facilitating their daily commute to the colleges, asserted the Minister”.

She added that a similar initiative had recently been undertaken in the Jammu division, where five colleges were also provided buses. Highlighting government’s initiatives towards improving the education sector, the Minister said, “We are focused on raising the standards of education and ensuring that students at government institutions have access to all necessary facilities, including reliable transport.”

She further stated that efforts are underway to extend such support to more colleges across Jammu and Kashmir. During the function, the Minister interacted with the Principals, faculty members, NCC cadets and students. She appreciated the support of J&K Bank for providing the buses under its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative, describing the gesture as a significant contribution towards students' educational journey.

Present on the occasion were the MD Motor Garage, Divisional and CSR Heads of J&K Bank, Director Finance Higher Education, Director Colleges, Principals of various colleges and other senior officials.

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