KISHTWAR: To evaluate and strengthen the implementation of key educational schemes, State Coordinator Samagra Shiksha Jammu and Kashmir Dr. Archana Parihar conducted a week-long monitoring visit across four of the seven education zones in District Kishtwar. The visit aimed to assess the on-ground implementation of Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), focusing on academic delivery, administrative efficiency and infrastructure readiness.

Taking a comprehensive review, Dr. Parihar closely examined various aspects of school functioning, including classroom engagement, student participation, hygiene standards and integration of digital tools in teaching. She engaged with school heads, teachers and field-level functionaries to understand local challenges and ensure that government initiatives are being implemented in letter and spirit.

Dr. Parihar emphasized strict compliance with procedural norms under Samagra Shiksha, including proper record-keeping and judicious utilization of school grants, especially with mandatory allocations toward the Swachhata Abhiyan. She highlighted the need for maintaining hygiene in school kitchens under the PM POSHAN scheme and encouraged the development of kitchen gardens to support both nutrition and learning. Schools were reminded of the importance of sending daily ARMS SMS reports by 1:00 PM with strict monitoring mechanisms to be enforced by higher authorities.

To reinforce the government's tobacco-free education policy, Dr. Parihar directed all institutions to display appropriate TOFEI banners and ensure full adherence to guidelines. While appreciating the conduct of cultural and Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat (EBSB) activities, she expressed concern over inadequate documentation and instructed all Heads of Institutions to maintain updated registers for all events.

Dr. Parihar also underscored the importance of digital compliance, stressing that student attendance must be marked online daily through the VSK Chatbot by 11:00 AM. Any lapses in this regard would invite disciplinary action. She urged all schools to register on the Vidyanjali Portal to encourage volunteer engagement and enhance community participation in the education system. Moreover, she noted with concern the limited usage of the DIKSHA app by teachers and called for its regular integration into teaching practices to boost digital learning outcomes and support professional growth.

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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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