The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com

REASI: A special enforcement drive was today conducted by the Handicraft Department and Quality Control wing in Katra to curb the sale of fake handicrafts in place of genuine art and craft. The inspection, conducted on the directions of Director H&H Jammu Suraj Parkash Rukwal, was aimed to reinforce the implementation of the Jammu & Kashmir Tourist Trade Act 1978, Jammu & Kashmir Handicrafts Quality Control Act.

During the course of inspection by a team headed by Assistant Director Ujwal Sambyal handicraft, the dealers were found violating the prescribed norms by selling fake handicrafts in place of the genuine art and craft. The team recovered Rs 25500/-(Rupees Forty Three Thousands Only) as fine from the erring dealers. The dealers were strictly warned to desist from the sale of fake machine made lookalikes of Jammu & Kashmir art products and advised to affix tags depicting price and composition on each item displayed for sale.

The dealers were also apprised about the benefits of the GI tagging on the notified Crafts and impact of such tagging in building the brand image of Arts products. They were strictly warned to refrain from any kind of malpractice such as touting and impersonation, which carries huge penalties under the said acts. The certification and authenticity will also help in eradicating the menace of machine made and misbranding of J&K art products. The Handicraft dealers and other stakeholders are accordingly advised to play their role in promoting the GI tagging on the notified Crafts.

Also, the inspection team interacted with the visiting tourists who were informed to ensure purchase of only genuine handicraft items especially GI tagged notified Art products from such handicrafts business establishments which are registered with Directorate of Handicrafts & Handloom. They were further advised to seek cash memos from the dealer for every purchase and retain/preserve the copy of the same for any future use.

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