BHADERWAH: A touching example of responsive governance was witnessed during a Grievance Redressal Camp held under the "Prashasan Gaon ki Our" campaign at Udrana-Bhaderwah, where prompt intervention by the Social Welfare Department brought much-needed relief to a distressed widow and her family.

During the camp, while awareness was being imparted about various welfare schemes, particularly the Marriage Assistance Scheme, an elderly woman brought to the notice of the Tehsil Social Welfare Officer (TSWO) Bhaderwah, the plight of a widow from the village who was suffering from mental distress due to financial hardships ahead of the marriage of her two daughters.

Taking immediate cognizance of the matter, the TSWO visited the widow’s residence, as she was unable to attend the camp or visit the TSWO office owing to old age and bad health. The widow, aged above 65 years, informed that her husband Subhash Rathore, a farmer by profession, passed away a few years ago, leaving the family with no stable source of income forcing them to make ends meet by the widow pension provided by the Social Welfare Department and the meager earnings from tuitions given by her younger daughter, which together constitute the family’s only means of sustenance.

She further stated that her two daughters aged 29 and 26 years are engaged—one at Thathri and the other at Hanga- Bhaderwah. However, due to the financial constraints, she is finding it extremely difficult to meet the marriage expenses and is therefore compelled to delay the marriages.

After assessing the case, the TSWO assured the family of financial assistance of Rs 50,000 (Rupees Fifty Thousand) each for both daughters under the Marriage Assistance Scheme, as the family holds a BPL ration card. He also explained the documentation requirements, shared his contact details, and assured full departmental support in preparation and online submission of documents.

The assurance brought immense relief to the widow, who expressed heartfelt gratitude to the Social Welfare Department, stating that the support would enable her to solemnize her daughters’ marriages in the coming months.

The widow’s younger daughter Shiveti Rathore appreciated the proactive and compassionate role of the Social Welfare Department and lauded TSWO Shahnawaz Ahmad for his empathetic approach. She emphasized the need for greater awareness of welfare schemes among economically weaker sections, so that every deserving and downtrodden person may benefit.

The TSWO assured that with the support and able guidance of the District Development Commissioner, Additional Deputy Commissioner Bhaderwah and District Social Welfare Officer, such initiatives would be further intensified to ensure that no eligible beneficiary remains deprived of government welfare schemes.

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