SHOPIAN: Rural Development Department (RDD), Shopian/Pulwama today jointly organised a one-day Capacity Building Workshop on GIS Planning through Yuktdhara and IT Initiatives under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA. Additional District Development Commissioner (ADDC) Shopian,Dr. Nasir Ahmed Lone chaired the programme.

The objective of the workshop was to train officers and field functionaries on the use of digital platforms for scientific planning, monitoring and implementation of works under the MGNREGA scheme. At the outset, Assistant Commissioner, Development, Shopian, Mushtaq Ahmad Makhdoomi briefed about the objectives of the GIS Planning and IT initiatives.

ADDC in his address, emphasised the need to adopt modern IT solutions for better governance and timely execution of developmental works at the grassroots level. He said that GIS-based planning through Yuktdhara would help in ensuring scientific land use, avoiding duplication of works and promoting convergence with other schemes for sustainable rural development.

He further underlined that such workshops play a pivotal role in capacity building of field staff, enabling them to use technology effectively for planning and execution and urged all participants to apply the knowledge gained during the workshop to their day-to-day assignments. Assistant Commissioner Development,Pulwama, Mohammed Farhat while speaking on the occasion exhorted for strengthening transparency,efficiency and real- time monitoring.

Resource persons provided extensive demonstrations on the Yuktdhara GIS-based planning tool,explaining how it helps in the preparation of perspective and annual action plans, identification of works and monitoring of asset creation in a transparent and accountable manner.

During the technical sessions, experts also highlighted various IT initiatives under MGNREGA, including geo-tagging of assets, use of mobile applications for field reporting, e-MB system, Aadhaar-based payment systems and online monitoring dashboards all aimed at strengthening transparency.

The workshop witnessed active participation from officers of the Education Department, Rural Development Department, Shopian/ Pulwama, technical staff and field functionaries, who also shared their experiences and suggestions for strengthening the implementation of MGNREGA in the district.

The day-long programme concluded with an interactive session where participants raised queries and received clarifications from the experts with a collective resolve to carry forward the learnings for effective and accountable execution of developmental works under MGNREGA in Shopian district.

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