RAJOURI: On the directions of Deputy Commissioner Rajouri, Abhishek Sharma, a Sub-Division level awareness programme was organized under the Vibrant Village Programme-2.0 (VVP-II) at the border village Loharakote in Sunderbani Sub-Division.

The event was held under the close supervision of Additional Deputy Commissioner Sunderbani, Ramkesh Sharma and witnessed the participation of district and sectoral Officers. The camp was attended by the residents of the identified border village Loharakote. The Vibrant Village Programme-2.0, launched by the Government of India on 2nd April 2025, is a Centrally Sponsored Scheme with 100 percent funding aimed at transforming border villages across 15 states and 2 union territories. Under this phase, 124 villages from eight districts of Jammu and Kashmir have been included. The initiative is a step toward achieving the national vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, with a focus on making land border villages safe, secured, and vibrant.

The primary objective of the programme was to spread awareness among the residents regarding the benefits and goals of VVP-II and to sensitize them about the formulation of village action plans. These plans will focus on the saturation of central and UT-sponsored beneficiary-oriented schemes and cover thematic areas such as all-weather road connectivity, telecom and television connectivity and electrification through convergence with existing schemes.

The ADC informed that the program aims to ensure comprehensive development through gap analysis and convergence of schemes like PMGSY-IV (for road connectivity), Digital Bharat Nidhi (for telecom access), RDSS (for electrification) and BIND Scheme (for television access). He added that activities such as local fairs and festivals, awareness campaigns, celebrations of national days, regular visits of Ministers and senior officials and night stays in border villages are also envisaged under the programme to boost engagement and development.

Officers present at the event emphasized that the VVP-II aims at sustainable livelihood development through eco-agri business models and other community-driven initiatives that will empower the border populations economically and socially.

Among others who attended the programme were Program Officer ICDS Rajouri Harpal Singh, Tehsildar Sunderbani, Executive Officers of the Municipality including Ashiq Rafiq Malik, Executive Engineers of Sunderbani Sub-Division and other concerned District and Sectoral officers.

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