In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

SRINAGAR: The Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) extends its heartfelt congratulations to Omar Abdullah on his appointment as the new Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Dy. CM Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Sakeena Itoo for being entrusted with the important portfolios of Health & Medical Education, School Education, Higher Education, Social Welfare departments and Cabinet Ministers.

G.N. Var, President of PSAJK, along with the Executive Body, including Vice-President Manzoor Ahmad Rather, General Secretary Faisal Islam Mir, Chief Organiser Shah Gulzar, Divisional Organisers Abdul Majeed Bhat, Mohd Ashraf, Khurshid Bismil, and District Presidents Bilal Bhat (Srinagar), Mohd Syed Wani (Anantnag), Waseem Siddique (Kulgam), Nazir Ahmad (Kupwara), Javeed Ahmad (Shopian), Nazrul Islam (Budgam), Bashir Ahmad (Ganderbal), Wahid Banday (Poonch), and Shafiq ul Islam (Ramban), have expressed optimism that the new government will take bold steps to resolve the pressing challenges faced by the education sector in the region. PSAJK believes that strong leadership is vital to bring about meaningful reforms in education, which is a cornerstone for societal progress.

“We are hopeful that the new government, under the leadership of Omar Abdullah and the dynamic expertise of Education Minister Sakeena Itoo, will address the long-standing issues that have hindered the growth of private education sector in Jammu and Kashmir” said G.N. Var.

The private education sector in Jammu and Kashmir faces persistent challenges due to cumbersome regulations and bureaucratic delays. Schools often struggle with timely approvals for expansions, upgrading of facilities, and other operational issues. PSAJK urges the government to streamline these processes, making it easier for private schools to function efficiently and effectively.

Among the burning issues that PSAJK hopes the new government will prioritize are the long-awaited session change from March to November, the abolition of unnecessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs), exemption of budget schools from obtaining Fee Fixation and Regulation Committee (FFRC) approval, land ownership issues, renewal of school registrations and other issues etc. These hurdles have long hampered the smooth operation and growth of private schools in the region.

PSAJK and its leadership remain committed to working collaboratively with the government to address these challenges head-on. “We are ready to work hand-in-hand with the new government to ensure that the education system in Jammu and Kashmir becomes one of the best in the country. The future of our children depends on the actions we take today, and we hope this government will prioritize these issues,” said Var.

The PSAJK Executive Body, including General Secretary Faisal Islam Mir and Chief Organiser Shah Gulzar, further emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue between the government and private schools to find lasting solutions to these pressing issues.  The PSAJK looks forward to proactive engagement with the newly formed government to uplift the education sector and address the challenges faced by private schools in Jammu and Kashmir.

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
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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