JAMMU: MLA Ramgarh Dr. Devinder Kumar Manyal participated in the discussion on the Motion of Thanks to the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor’s Address in the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly and raised several important issues concerning public welfare, inclusive development, and region-specific needs. 

Dr. Manyal expressed concern over the lack of UT-specific initiatives, noting that the Address relied heavily on centrally sponsored schemes while overlooking pressing local challenges such as unemployment, electricity shortages, drinking water issues, rural infrastructure gaps, and farmers’ problems.

Highlighting the health sector, he drew attention to the acute shortage of doctors, teaching and non-teaching staff in GMCs, limited diagnostic facilities, and the inadequate number of dialysis units and MRI machines in the Union Territory. He emphasized the urgent need to strengthen public healthcare infrastructure.

On education, Dr. Manyal stressed the importance of restoring and strengthening central-sponsored initiatives, improving staffing, and addressing long-pending issues of regularisation and timely salaries. 

Raising concerns related to SC/ST welfare, he pointed out that despite provisions under the SC/ST Plan, key components such as scholarships, hostels, residential schools, and other welfare measures for Scheduled Caste communities were not adequately reflected in the Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor’s Address. He urged the government to uphold the principles of social justice and ensure focused, targeted interventions for SC/ST communities. Dr. Manyal further expressed hope that in the upcoming Budget, these concerns would be meaningfully addressed and concrete provisions for the welfare of SC/ST communities would be clearly visible. 

Dr. Manyal also spoke about reservation in promotions, delays in framing a comprehensive transfer policy, and the lack of progress by committees formed for the purpose. He emphasized the need for transparency and time-bound action.

Referring to urban development, he highlighted issues related to solid waste management and demanded regularisation and timely salaries of sanitation workers. He also raised concerns regarding electricity billing, revenue collection, and relief for border and rural areas. 

Concluding his address, Dr. Manyal stated that while the opposition supports every step taken for peace and development, it cannot support a Motion of Thanks that overlooks the genuine concerns of the people. He urged the government to revisit its priorities and bring forward clear, region-specific, and employment-oriented development plans, especially for the youth of Jammu & Kashmir.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇

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