SRINAGAR: Commissioner Secretary Science & Technology (S&T) Department, Saurabh Bhagat, today chaired a meeting at Civil Secretariat to discuss the action plan under Tribal Sub-Plan (2024-25) for identification and 100% coverage of 100 Tribal villages with renewable energy. The meeting was attended by the Deputy Commissioners, Chief Executive Officer, JAKEDA,   officers of Science & Technology Department and JAKEDA.

The meeting was held in the backdrop of  3rd National Conference of Chief Secretaries of all States/UTs wherein  Prime Minister suggested that the states/UTs should take up the challenge of having100 villages in each State/UT driven 100% by renewable energy. The scheme envisages to extend the benefits like access to electricity, improved quality of life, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability to tribal communities

Addressing the officers during the meeting, the Commissioner Secretary highlighted that the 100% saturation of Tribal villages with renewable energy will have far reaching benefits to these communities like access to electricity, improved quality of life, health and safety, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability. He called upon the officers to work in mission mode for successful implementation of this scheme and achieving 100% saturation.

The Commissioner Secretary advised all  Deputy Commissioners  to fully utilize the current Swachata Pukhwada by distributing Solar Home Lights and Biomass Cookstoves free of cost and aim to  saturate one Tribal village with RE intervention identified in their respective districts.

During the meeting, the Commissioner Secretary informed that JAKEDA and S&T Department plans to provide Bio Mass portable Cookstoves, Solar home lighting systems to  tribal families free of cost, which shall be fully funded by JAKEDA. He added that under partially funded scheme, JAKEDA shall also be providing Solar Agriculture Pumping Systems under PM-KUSUM component-B scheme of MNRE, GoI which entails a subsidy of 80% and the beneficiary has to bear  cost of 20% only and solarisation of existing Agriculture Pumping Systems under PM-KUSUM component-C scheme   which also entails a subsidy of 80% as well as Solar Rooftop Power Plants under PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojna which entails a subsidy of Rs.94800/- upto 3kWs and Bio-Gas Plants with a subsidy of Rs.22000/- per plant.

It was also made out in the meeting that under the contribution funding, JAKEDA shall install Solar Street lighting systems in these villages identified by the district administration.

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