JAMMU: All India Confederation of SC/ST/OBC organisations, Jammu & Kashmir Unit,  today called on Minister for Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana and submitted a memorandum of demands. The memorandum delineated a series of critical demands aimed at addressing the grievances faced by the tribal population in Jammu and Kashmir.

It demanded restoration of reservation in promotions as per the CAT and High Court  judgment dated 06.03.2025 that has cleared the way for reservation in promotions. The delegation called for strict implementation of the SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, restoration of SC Roster Point as per SRO-294, restoration of 5 year age relaxation for SC/ST candidates, filling of backlog vacancies for SC/ST/OBCS.

Additionally, the memorandum emphasised maintenance of Reservation Roster Register to ensure correct implementation of reservation policies. The memorandum, while highlighting the plight of landless underprivileged communities, also demanded prevention of State land allocation to outsiders.

Another pressing issue raised was conduct of a caste-based census to ensure proportionate allocation of reservations and resources. The delegation raised the issue of a SC member post in J&K PSC lying vacant since December 2022 and demanded fulfilling the same to safeguard the interests of the tribal population. The memorandum also raised timely disbursement of SC/ST/OBC scholarships, restoration of the Old Pension Scheme for Employees among other things.

Javed Rana gave a patient hearing to the delegation and assured them that the government is abreast of their genuine demands and their concerns would be taken up for appropriate action. He said that various policies and programs have already been implemented aimed at fostering inclusive growth for marginalized sections of society.

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