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

JAMMU: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today inaugurated a newly constructed block of residential flats at Muthi, marking a major step towards strengthening the Government’s housing infrastructure for its employees. The Chief Minister formally opened the facility by cutting the ceremonial ribbon.

Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary, Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM Dheeraj Gupta, Director General Estates Tariq Hussain Ganai, Deputy Director Estates Jammu Dr. Vikas Sharma, and other senior officers were present on the occasion.

The new block at Muthi comprises 28 one-room residential flats built as a Ground + 6 floors structure. Each compact unit includes a bedroom, lobby/living area, kitchen, and washroom—designed to efficiently meet the residential needs of employees while ensuring cost-effectiveness and optimal space utilization.

The Chief Minister inspected various flats, appreciated their aesthetics, and expressed satisfaction over the space management evident in the construction. He hoped that the project would help in addressing the accommodation requirements of government employees.

During the briefing, DG Estates Tariq Hussain Ganai informed the Chief Minister that the project has been executed with a strong focus on functional design, structural safety, and affordability. He added that the department is undertaking a comprehensive plan to modernize old residential colonies in a phased manner.

DD Estates Jammu Dr. Vikas Sharma briefed the Chief Minister on the layout, amenities, and ongoing supervision mechanisms put in place to ensure quality control and timely completion of upcoming housing units. Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to strengthening residential infrastructure and ensuring access to safe, secure, and well-planned housing for employees.

“Our aim is to bridge the gap in government accommodation by creating modern, sleek and employee-friendly residential spaces across Jammu and Kashmir,” he said. The Chief Minister later inspected the ongoing construction of 56 two-room residential flats—28 each at Ahata Amar Singh and Sarwal. These Ground + 6 floor structures include two bedrooms, a lobby/living area, kitchen, and two washrooms, designed to meet the needs of employees with families. The projects are scheduled for completion in December 2025.

He directed the officers to ensure optimal use of available land, maintain high aesthetic standards quality in construction and phase out old and unsafe quarters to make way for new and improved residential facilities.

The Chief Minister observed that the combined 84 residential units coming up at Muthi, Ahata Amar Singh, and Sarwal will substantially reduce the shortage of government accommodation. He emphasized that these initiatives aim to close the existing housing gap, provide employees with modern and better living environment, and promote fair and equitable allocation of residential facilities across different employee categories.

He appreciated the Estates Department for expediting construction across multiple locations and underscored the need to continue upgrading public infrastructure for the welfare of government employees.

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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