SRINAGAR: Minister for Social Welfare, Education and Health & Medical, Sakeena Itoo chaired the 45th Board of Directors (BoDs) meeting of Jammu and Kashmir Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and Backward Classes (JKSCSTBC) Development Corporation at Civil Secretariat here.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner Secretary, Social Welfare department, Sanjeev Verma; Secretary Tribal Affairs department, Prassanna Ramaswamy; Secretary Planning, Development and Monitoring department, Talat Parvez Rohella; DG, Development Expenditure, Sajad Hussain Ganie; MD JKSCSTBC, Ranjeet Singh; representatives of National Backward Classes Finance and Development Corporation (NBCFDC), National Divyangjan Finance and Development Corporation (NDFDC), National Minorities Development and Finance Corporation (NMDFC), National Safai Karamcharis Finance and Development Corporation (NSKFDC), National Scheduled Tribes Finance and Development Corporation (NSTFDC) and other concerned officers, either in person or through video conferencing.

During the Board meeting, Minister Sakeena, who is also Chairman of the BoDs, minutely assessed the Corporation’s progress in promoting social and economic upliftment of the SC, ST, BC and Specially abled communities across Jammu and Kashmir. She emphasized on the need to enhance outreach programs, streamline the loan disbursal process and ensure transparent implementation of welfare schemes.

Underlining the importance of inclusive growth, Minister Sakeena called for coordinated efforts among various stakeholders to empower marginalized sections through skill development, financial assistance and entrepreneurship support. The Minister further reaffirmed the Government’s commitment towards driving equitable development and reiterated that proactive governance, community engagement and sustained financial inclusion remain central to Omar Abdullah led Government.

During the meeting, the BoDs took some significant decisions for improving the Corporation’s efficiency for divulging services to remote and underserved areas, including the introduction of digital platforms for beneficiary support and real-time monitoring of schemes.

In a landmark decision, the Board extended the benefits of Direct Financing scheme (DFS) and Education loan scheme (ELS) of corporation to Pahari Ethnic Group, including Paddari Tribe, Koli and Gadda Brahmin communities.

The BoDs also allowed the Corporation to fill up some urgently required positions on outsourcing basis in consultation with Finance department by following proper procedure laid down by Government.

The Board also approved the draft Annual Accounts of Financial year 2023-24 for onward submission to Statutory Auditor/CAG, besides Budget Estimates for the F.Y 2025-26 and Actuals for F.Y 2024-25 were also approved by the Board. During the meeting, the BoDs also took some significant decisions in the interest of human resource welfare of the corporation.

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
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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