POONCH: The Vidya Pravesh program—a three-month, play-based preparatory module for Grade-I students—was formally launched across all primary and middle schools in Poonch district.

The initiative is being implemented on the direction of SCERT Jammu and under the guidance of Principal DIET Parkash Lal Thapa and Chief Education Officer (CEO) Iftikhar Ali Shah Kazmi, with the aim of bridging early learning gaps and strengthening foundational literacy and numeracy as outlined in the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020.

To ensure the effective and uniform implementation of the program across the district, two major online programs were organized by the CEO Office and DIET Poonch.

The first was a district-level online panel discussion organised by the District Resource Group (DRG), in which over 500 School Nodal Officers (SNOs) participated. The session covered in-depth components of the Vidya Pravesh module and strategies for school-level execution.

Simultaneously, an online orientation meeting was held with Heads of Institutions (HOIs) of Higher Secondary and High Schools, along with Zonal Education Officers (ZEOs) by the Principal DIET Poonch. Prakash Lal Thapa. This session focused on building institutional understanding and readiness to support and monitor the program’s rollout in their respective schools.

As the module officially began at the school level, Ms. Sapna Sharma, School Nodal Officer of MS Dhant, launched Vidya Pravesh in her school and said,  “The Vidya Pravesh module is really practicable and well-structured. It will definitely bring fruitful results after three months. Through this, we will bridge the learning gaps of students entering Class 1.”

Key contributors in the online discussions included educationists and members of the District and State Resource Groups such as Anwar Khan (Principal HSS Mandi), Ajay Maini (SNO Kanuyian), Tariq Chugtai, Harish Sharma, and Darshan Kumar. CEO Poonch, Mr. Iftikhar Ali Shah, addressed the participants and urged all school heads and SNOs to implement the module in true letter and spirit. He stressed the importance of this initiative in laying a strong educational foundation for young learners.

Principal DIET Poonch, Mr. Parkash Lal Thapa, played a key role in coordinating the rollout. He emphasized that the entire district team—teachers, ZEOs, and SNOs—has already been trained at DIET, and is now fully prepared to execute the module across schools. He encouraged HOIs to ensure that daily classroom activities remain aligned with the objectives of Vidya Pravesh.

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