• Facility inaugurated by MLA Kathua, DC set new benchmark in early childhood care and education

KATHUA: In a landmark step towards strengthening grassroots childcare and maternal health services, the District Administration Kathua today dedicated a state-of-the-art Model Anganwadi Centre at Kabir Nagar. The maiden facility was jointly inaugurated by Member Legislative Assembly Kathua, Dr. Bharat Bhushan and Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Dr. Rakesh Minhas.

Designed with a child-centric approach, the Model Anganwadi Centre features safe and vibrant infrastructure including age-appropriate furniture, engaging play equipment, modern teaching-learning aids, a fully equipped kitchen, clean and child-friendly toilets, a ventilated storage area and a dedicated hand-washing unit scaled to child height. A small kitchen garden has also been developed to promote awareness around nutrition and healthy eating habits.

The facility, which amalgamates services of three peripheral Anganwadi Centres, has the capacity to serve over 250 beneficiaries, including children, pregnant women and lactating mothers. The centre aims to offer a secure and nurturing environment focused on growth monitoring, early learning and maternal care.

Speaking on the occasion, the MLA applauded the district administration for its vision in establishing Anganwadi Centres on modern lines. “These upgraded facilities are at par with private setups and will certainly encourage greater community participation in government welfare initiatives,” he said. He also urged local families to actively engage with and benefit from the services being offered.

The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the significance of early childhood care and the role of infrastructure in ensuring safe and effective service delivery. “By creating a healthy, safe and educational environment, we’re investing in the future of our children and empowering mothers at the grassroots level,” he stated. He expressed gratitude to Kandhari Group for supporting the construction of the centre under their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiative.

Dr. Minhas also informed that more such model centres are being developed across the district to serve as replicable models for Anganwadi transformation. The inaugural event witnessed participation of CDPO Kathua Haqikat Singh, ICDS functionaries, Anganwadi workers, community elders and local residents.

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