JAMMU: In a massive outreach effort, all Panchayats across Jammu and Kashmir on Saturday organized the live telecast of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address from Varanasi, marking the release of the 20th installment of the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme. The event, streamed live at Panchayat Bhawans, witnessed enthusiastic participation from farmers, Self Help Groups (SHGs), and local stakeholders.

During the programme, Rs 20,500 crore was disbursed directly into the bank accounts of over 9.7 crore farmers nationwide through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT). In Jammu and Kashmir, the event was executed following prior instructions from Director Panchayati Raj J&K, Sham Lal, who had chaired a preparatory meeting with Assistant Commissioners Panchayats (ACPs).

During the meeting, the Director directed officials to ensure smooth live broadcast of the Prime Minister’s address across all Panchayats, with special focus on Panchayats equipped with Panchayat Learning Centres (PLCs). To facilitate smooth execution, ACPs were instructed to issue timely guidelines to Block Development Officers (BDOs) to ensure coordinated arrangements. Panchayats were asked to stream the event via pmindiawebcast.nic.in, upload photographs of the gathering through the Meri Panchayat mobile app, or alternatively, use the Google Form QR code shared by the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.

Each Panchayat Secretary was made responsible for uploading participant data and photographs within the stipulated time, ensuring accurate reporting and documentation. Sham Lal emphasized the importance of mobilizing PM-KISAN beneficiaries, farmers, and SHG members to take part in the national event. He noted that such large-scale participation would enhance public awareness of the scheme’s benefits and promote community-level engagement in rural welfare programmes.

Since its launch in February 2019, the PM-KISAN scheme has become one of the largest direct income support initiatives for farmers in the country. So far, Rs 3.69 lakh crore has been disbursed to eligible farmers through 19 installments. The 20th installment, released on Friday, further strengthens financial support to small and marginal farmers, underlining the government’s sustained focus on rural development and agricultural prosperity.

Under the scheme, Rs 6,000 per year is provided to eligible land-holding farmers in three equal installments. The funds are transferred directly into Aadhaar-linked bank accounts through DBT, ensuring transparency and efficiency.

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