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

JAMMU: Minister for Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today informed the House that the government is determined to eradicate drug menace across Jammu and Kashmir. The Minister stated this while replying to a question raised by Legislator, Iftikar Ahmad, regarding “Drug De-Addiction Centre” in the Legislative Assembly.

She apprised that two Drug De-addiction centres are functional in Rajouri district, adequately catering to the needs of drug abuse victims adding that one Drug De-addiction centre is functioning at Old District Hospital Building, Rajouri, being run by NGO National Educational Society and Social Welfare Organization (NESSW). Besides, another Addiction Treatment Facility (ATF) is also functioning in Associated Hospital GMC, Rajouri (Kheora).

The Minister informed that out of around 822 patients admitted in these centres 558 have been treated. She added that Psychiatrist, Counsellor, Social Worker, Nurses, Pharmacist and Multi-Tasking Staff (MTS) are providing regular services at the Drug De-addiction centre run by NESSW.

The Health Minister said that the two Drug De-Addiction Centres functioning in the district are adequately catering to the needs of the district, as reflected by the number of patients admitted and treated. She added that the government’s focus remains on reducing the incidence of drug abuse across the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, rather than merely increasing the number of de-addiction centres.

She said that awareness and counselling initiatives are being actively conducted throughout the district under the guidelines of District Administration, maintaining close collaboration with Police, Social Welfare and other concerned departments under the Nasha Mukt Bharat initiative.

The Health Minister also said that in the last two years 2024-25 and 2025-26, the Directorate of Health Services, Jammu has organized 53 camps mostly on every Monday which have covered about 19 Panchayats in District Rajouri. She added that GMC Rajouri has also conducted 5462 Awareness and Counseling programmes (3545 in the year 2024 and 1917 in 2025).

While replying to various supplementary questions, the Minister underlined that the Health department has deployed counselors in each village of Jammu and Kashmir to train former Panchayat members, religious preachers and heads, respectable citizens and others on tackling menace of drug abuse in the society. She also highlighted that the Health department is continuously providing treatment, counseling and rehabilitation facilities to drug abuse victims and the domain of law enforcement and conviction is not with the Health department.

The Minister added that the government is taking due action against the Drug De-addiction centres run by NGOs if they are violating any rules. Legislators Dr. Bharat Bhushan and Tanvir Ali Sadiq raised supplementary questions.

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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