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.), who treated me like a brother and mentor. 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

SRINAGAR:  Additional Chief Secretary (ACS), Higher Education Department, Shantmanu, today unveiled significant new ICT based initiatives aimed at bolstering academic excellence and fostering stronger connections between the department and colleges as well as students. The launch, attended by the college principals and faculty, marks a pivotal step towards enhancing the transparency and streamlining data flow within the Higher Education system.

A cornerstone of these advancements is the launch of website of the Directorate of Colleges J&K, www.directorcollegesjk.in, developed entirely in-house, which introduces innovative features like The Policy Planning and Development Portal, Staff Services Portal and SIGMA - Student Integrated Grievance and Messaging Application. The ACS had desired for redressal of student grievances in a timely manner and the launch of SIGMA will work in that direction, said Director Colleges, Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir.

The Policy, Planning and Development Portal provides dashboard access to the Principals of Degree Colleges as a one-stop place for submitting the data, getting actionable insights, facilitating informed decision-making and promoting "Ease of Doing". The portal will ensure a paperless and non-repetitive data flow between the Directorate and colleges, with dynamic information available in the public domain.

The Staff Services Portal will enable the staff members to submit and track applications digitally for a range of essential services. The staff can apply for services like Passport NOC, Foreign Visit NOC and PhD permission from anywhere, at any time, eliminating the need for physical visits and paperwork. These streamlined digital workflows will reduce the processing time and administrative burden, allowing the staff to focus more on their core responsibilities.

SIGMA (Student Integrated Grievance and Messaging Application) is a student-centric user-friendly web portal accessible at https://directorcollegesjk.in/sigmalogin.aspx. This comprehensive solution has been designed to listen to students by providing them with an effective and confidential platform. The portal also keeps students informed about the vital programs and initiatives, enhancing their knowledge and integration with national-level efforts.

More features are being planned to be added to the Director Colleges’ website including the launch of a portal for single-window application for hiring of Academic Arrangement Faculty for both divisions of the UT of J&K, introducing more staff services for submission of placement cases and probation clearance.

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
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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