JAMMU: Education Minister Sakeena Itoo today informed the House that the land acquisition for construction of Government Degree College (GDC) Bishnah has been stalled due to dispute with the landowners. The Minister stated this while replying to a question of Legislator Dr. Rajeev Kumar Bhagat regarding identification of land for GDC Bishnah in the House.

She informed the House that GDC Bishnah was sanctioned by the government in 2007 and has been functioning since 2008 from the premises of Government Higher Secondary School (Boys), Bishnah on a temporary basis with makeshift arrangements in absence of its own permanent infrastructure.

The Minister informed the House that 55 Kanal, 14 Marla land at Chak Avtara, Bishnah, was identified for the college building in 2010. However, the landowners refused to accept the acquisition notices under Section 4(1) of the Land Acquisition Act thus stalling the process.

The Minister further said that the Higher Education department (HED) of then State Government had already released an amount of Rs. 192.165 lakh in 2013 to District Development Commissioner, Jammu, for payment of compensation to the concerned landowners. She added that despite this, the acquisition could not be finalized due to non-cooperation from the landowners. Legislator, Sham Lal Sharma raised supplementary question.

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