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

SRINAGAR: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress on compliance reduction and deregulation reforms recommended by the national Task Force headed by the Cabinet Secretary, Government of India.

Senior officers present at the meeting included Principal Secretary, Power Development Department; Commissioner Secretary, Forest; Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce; Commissioner Secretary, Rural Development Department; Secretary, Law and Director, Industries & Commerce, Jammu, among others.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary took stock of priority reform areas flagged by the Task Force and assessed both the completed compliances and those returned with observations. He emphasized the urgent need to upload the evidentiary proof of compliance across all priority areas without further delay.

Highlighting the broader vision behind these reforms, Dulloo noted that such efforts are critical to enhance the ease of doing business in Jammu and Kashmir. He called for mission-mode implementation of the required regulatory changes. He directed the Industries & Commerce Department to ensure that all necessary documentation is completed and report submitted to him about the same.

Commissioner Secretary, Industries & Commerce, Vikramjit Singh, informed the meeting that 434 reform points across various departments had been successfully implemented. Of these, 09 reform points relating to a few departments had been returned by the Task Force with observations.

 He assured that as the nodal department, Industries & Commerce is actively working to address these gaps, particularly the nine high-priority areas and will ensure compliance uploads in the coming days.

Director, Industries Jammu, Arun Kumar Manhas, elaborated on the specific areas identified for improvement. These included simplification and digitization of the Change of Land Use (CLU) process, rationalization of minimum road width requirements for different industrial setups in rural areas, amendment of building regulations to minimize land loss in industrial plots, lifting prohibitions on women working in certain hazardous sectors, review of working hour limits under factory laws, removal of business hour restrictions for commercial establishments.

These measures, he noted, will significantly enhance the industrial ecosystem and contribute to a more business-friendly environment in the Union Territory.

It is pertinent to mention that the Business Reforms Action Plan (BRAP), launched by the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), is a flagship initiative of the Government of India. It aimed at simplifying the business regulations and creating an enabling regulatory environment across the states and UTs.

Since its inception in 2015, BRAP has seen six successful editions. The current edition BRAP 2024, along with BRAP+ and RCB+is the seventh iteration, with a target completion date of March 15, 2025.

The Chief Secretary reiterated that all departments must treat compliance reduction and regulatory simplification as top governance priorities, as these reforms will directly impact economic growth, investor confidence and the employment landscape of Jammu and Kashmir.

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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