DODA: Deputy Commissioner Harvinder Singh today chaired the meeting of Regional Transport Authority (RTA) here in his office chamber to review and streamline public transport services in the district.

The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Sandeep Kumar Mehta, ARTO Tasleem Wani and other officials from the stakeholder departments. The primary agenda was to enhance transport connectivity and ensure convenience for commuters, particularly in remote and hilly areas of the district.

The meeting scrutinized 41 fresh permit proposals and 39 applications for route changes or extensions. These included proposals under the "Mumkin" initiative, a key component of the Mission Youth program of the Jammu and Kashmir Government. The ARTO presented a detailed classification of all proposed routes, based on road conditions, geographical feasibility, and public demand.

The DC directed to give priority to far-flung and hilly region routes, with approvals restricted to areas having blacktopped and motorable roads. It was also decided that all fresh permit applications shall be approved only after a comprehensive review and verification process. However, three new permit cases under the Mumkin scheme were approved at the meeting, marking another significant step towards youth empowerment and employment generation.

The Deputy Commissioner instructed ARTO to permit only those vehicles that are fit, roadworthy, and appropriate in size and capacity for high-altitude terrains. He further emphasized phasing out outdated and unfit vehicles while maintaining strict vigilance against unauthorized permits. The meeting concluded with a collective commitment to building a more transparent, accountable, and people-friendly transport system through regular monitoring and review mechanisms.

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