SRINAGAR: Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare Department, Sarmad Hafeez, today chaired a review meeting at Women Development Corporation, Bemina here. The meeting took stock of overall functioning, financial performance and key initiatives under Centrally Sponsored and UT funded schemes.

The Commissioner Secretary emphasized that the Social Welfare Department operates as a dynamic, continuous service delivery system rather than a one-time initiative. He instructed the officers were to adopt this process-driven approach while implementing the welfare programmes.

Comprehensive presentations were made on major missions such as Mission Poshan, Mission Shakti and Mission Vatsalya besides pension and scholarship schemes. The department's financial performance for 2024-25 was reviewed, revealing an overall fund utilization of 86 percent while budgetary provisions for 2025-26 were also discussed.

The Commissioner Secretary issued key directives focusing on strengthening the cross-departmental convergence, particularly for Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) and expediting the completion and timely operationalization of the ongoing infrastructure projects.

He asked the officers to prioritise disposal of pendencies in Marriage Assistance and Ladli Beti Schemes besides ensuring proper gender-responsive budgeting and monitoring mechanisms. He also directed them to ensure timely submission of Utilization Certificates and preparation of impact assessment reports.

Reiterating the importance of a proactive and transparent approach, the Commissioner Secretary underscored the need to ensure efficient service delivery to all eligible beneficiaries. The meeting was attended by the senior officers from all the Directorates, mission directorates, boards and Corporations of the Social Welfare Department.

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