• Discusses audit paras pertaining to Finance Department

SRINAGAR: The Public Accounts Committee (PAC) today convened a meeting to discuss audit paras pertaining to Finance Department at the Assembly Complex in Srinagar. The meeting was chaired by Committee Chairman Sham Lal Sharma and attended by members Nazir Ahmad Khan, Qaysar Jamshaid Lone, Javid Hassan Baig, Devinder Kumar Manyal, Sajad Shaheen and Muzaffar Iqbal Khan.

The Committee undertook a detailed review of audit paras pertaining to the Finance Department, including Paras 3.6 (2001–02), 2.2 and 2.5 (2018–19). The Chairman emphasized the importance of ensuring efficiency and transparency in public expenditure. He reiterated that the mandate of the Committee is to scrutinize the government spending, identify lapses, fix accountability and recommend corrective actions.

The Committee deliberated on key issues such as computerisation of Toll Post Lakhanpur, management of bank accounts and disbursement of flood relief funds. The meeting reviewed the details submitted by the concerned department and asserted that action taken reports be submitted over various matters in a time bound manner.

Principal Accountant General J&K, K P Yadaw, Principal Secretary, Finance Department, Santosh D. Vaidya, Secretary, PWD Bhupinder Kumar, Secretary, RDD & PR Mohammad Aijaz Asad, Director General Accounts and Treasuries, Director Finance, Commissioner State Taxes and other senior officers. The Committee also decided to drop various audit paras, including Para 2.2.4 related to the management of bank accounts with a direction to submit a detailed action taken report within a stipulated time frame.

The Chairman highlighted the importance of the Committee, emphasising on the core responsibilities, including examination of audit reports from the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG), scrutiny of public spending and recommendation of reforms to enhance fiscal discipline.

He appreciated the commitment and meticulous efforts of the Committee members and officials and encouraged them to continue contributing effectively towards the public accountability. He underlined the crucial role of the PAC as a watchdog over public funds and government operations.

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