In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

JAMMU: Nine Members introduced Private Member bills in the Legislative Assembly (LA) today, of which six bills were withdrawn by Legislators after assurances from the Government and two were rejected by voice voting. Legislator, Qaysar Jamshaid Lone introduced a bill in House which read, “A Bill to amend the Cooperative Societies Act, 1989 (LA Private Members Bill No. 1 of 2025)”.

Similarly, Legislator Mir Saifullah introduced a bill in House which reads, “A Bill to make it obligatory on the part of Private Educational institutions to provide reservation to Children of Below poverty Line and Antyodaya Anna Yojana Families in Agriculture Colleges, Para Medical Colleges, Law Colleges and Skill Development Institutions (LA Private Members Bill No. 6 of 2025)”.

Likewise, MLA Nizam-ud-Din Bhat introduced Bill which reads, “A bill to provide for equitable opportunities of employment in the Civil Services in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir keeping in view its complex, socio-economical, geographical, ethnic, linguistic concerns and matters connected therewith and identical thereto (LA Private Members Bill No. 11 of 2025)”.

Legislator, Altaf Ahmad Wani also introduced the Bill which reads, “A Bill to amend the Jammu and Kashmir Preservation of Specified Trees, Act, 1969, to grant owners the free will to cut Walnut Trees standing on their land while ensuring environmental sustainability (L.A. Private Members' Bill No. 13 of 2025)”.

Similarly, MLA Mubarik Gul, introduced a bill which reads, “A Bill to provide for the Salaries, Allowances and other benefits of the Chief Whip of the majority party in the Legislative Assembly of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (L.A. Private Members' Bill No. 19 of 2025)”.

Likewise, Legislator, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah Veeri introduced a Bill which reads, “A Bill to restore and safeguard River Jhelum and to protect from further degradation, ensuring its ecological sustainability through waste management measures and strict penalties for pollution (L.A. Private Members' Bill No. 23 of 2025)”.

After discussion in the House, the Legislators withdrew these bills after assurances from the Government that the existing legal and regulatory framework is addressing these concerns.

Meanwhile, Legislator Waheed Ur Rehman Para moved a bill which reads, “A Bill  to provide for establishment of a residential and technical University in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir to offer higher learning in various streams. The University will be set up by utilizing the surplus funds of Kashmir Creative Educational Foundation, a Society (L.A. Private Members' Bill No. 9 of 2025)”.

Legislator Balwant Singh Mankotia moved a bill which reads, “A Bill to provide for the protection of temples and retrieval of illegally occupied land in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir (LA Private Members' Bill No. 16 of 2025)”.

After the discussion in the House, the Members pressed for their introduction, which was subsequently  rejected through voice voting in the House. MLA, Pawan Kumar Gupta, also introduced a bill which reads, “A Bill to provide compassionate appointments to the next of kin of deceased government employees, security personnel and civilians affected by militancy or enemy action (L.A. Private Members' Bill No. 27 of 2025)”.

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
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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