KULGAM: A day-long workshop on ‘Realising the Goals of Sustainable and Holistic Development through MGNREGA’ was organized today at the Conference Hall of Mini-secretariat Kulgam. The workshop aimed to bring together key stakeholders to deliberate on how the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) can be leveraged more effectively to achieve sustainable and inclusive growth in rural areas.

The event was inaugurated by District Development Commissioner (DDC) Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan. He emphasized the transformative potential of MGNREGA in promoting rural employment as well as environmental sustainability, social equity, and grassroots development. He said this scheme is meant for the poorest of the poor for their welfare, and the need is to ensure that the beneficiaries reap the benefits of this scheme on ground.

The key issues discussed during the workshop included best practices in sustainable asset creation under MGNREGA, convergence strategies with other rural development programs, role of community participation in holistic development and capacity building and innovation in MGNREGA implementation.

Officials from Rural Development and Panchayati Raj department participated in knowledge-sharing and interactive discussions. Case studies highlighting successful MGNREGA interventions from across the country were presented, showcasing the program's role in water conservation, afforestation, livelihood diversification and resilience building.

The workshop concluded with a set of actionable recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of MGNREGA in aligning with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), ensuring that economic development goes hand in hand with environmental care and social inclusion. The event also laid focus and held discussion on the annual action plan 2025-26. Among others, the workshop was attended by ADDC,  ACD, Xen RDD, all BDO's, AEEs, Programme Officers, VLWs, GRS's and other officials of 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