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

SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today asked the Deputy Commissioners to identify the tribal inhabited areas in their districts for establishment of Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) meant to impart quality education to the students belonging to the community. The Chief Secretary issued these instructions while chairing a meeting of Tribal Affairs Department here at Civil Secretariat in this regard. The meeting besides Secretary, Tribal Affairs was attended by Secretary, PWD; Secretary, RDD; Secretary, Revenue; Deputy Commissioners; MD, JKRLM and other concerned officers.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary exhorted upon the Deputy Commissioners to come up with comprehensive DPRs for establishment of new EMRS in their areas dominated by the tribal population. He impressed upon them to simultaneously identify the land patches suitable for construction of such schools so that the students from this section of the society too get an opportunity of obtaining quality education nearer to their homes.

He enquired from the DCs about the tribal dominated areas in their respective districts and implored upon them to look into the possibility of establishing these residential schools there exclusively with the aid of central government. He also enjoined upon them to look into the necessity of renovation of existing EMRS in their areas besides the tribal hostels requiring the facelift. He directed for forwarding the detailed proposals to the Department here so that requisite funding is sought from the concerned Ministry.

Secretary, Tribal Affairs, Prasanna Ramaswamy G, informed in the meeting that the central government facilitates construction of the EMRS in blocks having more than 50% tribal population or 20,000 ST individuals residing there besides giving funds for proposals of renovation of hostels/schools meant for this population.

He added that the Ministry is going to provide a sum of Rupees One Crore for establishment of Tribal multi-purpose marketing Centre for retailing, value addition of products being made by this population. He asked the DCs to identify land measuring 1.5 acres for the same in their areas for directly benefitting these people associated with SHGs etc.

It was further revealed that vetted proposals, in this regard, should be sent by the concerned Deputy Commissioners so that same are forwarded to the Ministry for funding within the stipulated deadline after making of other requisite formalities by the Tribal Affairs Department.

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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