KATHUA: A review meeting of the National Tobacco Control Programme (NTCP) was held at the DC Office Complex, chaired by Additional District Development Commissioner Surinder Mohan Sharma to assess progress and strengthen anti-tobacco measures. The meeting was attended by ADC Basholi, ADC Billawar, CMO Kathua, CEO Municipal Council, BDO HQ Kathua, Food Safety Officer, District Programme Manager NHM, and representatives from the CEO’s Office. All Block Medical Officers joined virtually.

The ADDC underlined the importance of coordination and enforcement to achieve a tobacco-free India. He highlighted the need to protect youth and called for intensified awareness and inter-departmental synergy. The CMO presented an overview of NTCP implementation and stakeholder responsibilities. BDO HQ, as Nodal Officer, was tasked with declaring at least one tobacco-free village per block, eventually expanding to two. Signboards and active participation from Village Level Committees were mandated.

The CEO Office Kathua was directed to declare all Higher Secondary and High Schools as tobacco-free zones. Schools must display statutory warnings, designate No Smoking Zones within 100 yards, and conduct pledge-taking assemblies.

The meeting also decided to form multi-departmental teams and roll out weekly outreach programmes in hotspot areas. ADC Basohli and ADC Billawar will identify such areas and ensure regular inspections. The CEO Municipal Council Kathua was directed to inspect hotels and restaurants for tobacco control compliance and display of IEC material. All departments must nominate Nodal Officers for effective programme implementation.

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