KISHTWAR: SANKALP: Hub for Empowerment of Women (HEW) Kishtwar, under the directions of District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) Kishtwar, Zubair Ahmed Lone, organized an awareness program on the Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (PCPNDT) Act, 1994, menstrual hygiene and women-centric schemes here at AWC Phaguwara. Majority of women participants were from Tribal Community.

District Mission Coordinator Roohie Shamma sensitized the women about the economic and social impact of menstrual health. She stated that menstrual hygiene is not just a health concern but an economic issue as well. “Lack of awareness and access to hygiene products can lead to serious health risks and hinder women’s participation in education and employment,” she said adding “By spreading awareness and providing resources, SANKALP is ensuring that women can lead healthier and more confident lives.”

 To address accessibility challenges, free sanitary napkins were distributed among the attendees. Financial Literacy Specialist, Anwar-ul-Haq educated the gathering on the significance of the PCPNDT Act in promoting gender equality. “Female feoticide remains a grave societal concern, and the PCPNDT Act serves as a crucial legal measure to curb this unethical practice,” he said.

The women were informed about their legal rights and the need to report any violations to ensure a balanced society where both genders are valued equally. In addition, attendees were provided information on the women-centric government schemes such as SMAS, Ladli Beti, PMMVY, Old Age Pension, Widow and Disability Pensions, PMEGP, Tejaswini, and skill development programs under RSETI. The team urged eligible women to apply for these schemes without delay to avail their benefits.

The awareness drive was well received, with many participants expressing keen interest in continued engagement on women’s health and hygiene. This initiative underscores SANKALP’s commitment to empowering women through awareness and action, ensuring that every woman has access to knowledge and resources to manage her menstrual health safely and with dignity, while also promoting gender equality and women's rights. The event was attended by officials from Mission Shakti SANKALP HEW, Gender Specialist Heena Jan, MTS Uzma Talib, AWW, Anganwadi Helper Phogmarh and local community members.

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