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

SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah has expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister for Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Jayant Chaudhary for approving Strategic Investment Plans (SIPs) worth ₹475.41 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Skilling and Employability Transformation through Upgraded ITIs (PM-SETU) scheme for upgrading key Industrial Training Institute (ITI) clusters across Jammu and Kashmir.

Under the initiative, the Jammu ITI Cluster, with ITI Jammu as the hub and ITIs at R.S. Pura, Nowshera, Samba and Kathua as spokes, will be upgraded with an approved investment of ₹240 crore.

Similarly, the Srinagar ITI Cluster, with ITI Srinagar as the hub and ITIs at Ganderbal, Kangan, Budgam and Charar-i-Sharief as spokes, will be modernised with an investment of ₹235.41 crore.

The initiative will follow a hub-and-spoke model to modernise training infrastructure, introduce contemporary courses and align curricula with evolving industry requirements and domestic and global skill demands.

The Chief Minister said the initiative would strengthen industry linkages, promote outcome-based training and equip the youth of Jammu and Kashmir with industry-ready skills, enhancing their employability and access to better livelihood opportunities.

He said the investment would help transform ITIs into modern skill development hubs, ensuring that vocational training remains responsive to changing economic needs and emerging employment opportunities.

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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