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

SRINAGAR: The Committee on Public Undertakings of the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly, under the chairmanship of MLA Mir Saifullah, today held a meeting to deliberate on the queries and observations raised by the Office of the Principal Accountant General concerning functioning of the Jammu and Kashmir Power Development Corporation Limited (JKPDCL) and the Jammu and Kashmir Energy Development Agency (JAKEDA).

Members of the Committee, including MLAs Ajaz Ahmed Jan, Pawan Kumar Gupta, Rajiv Jasrotia, Dr. Shafi Ahmad Wani, Saif-ud-din Bhat, Mian Mehar Ali, Reyaz Ahmad Khan, Arjun Singh Raju and Rafiq Ahmad Naik, attended the meeting.

The meeting was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) Power Development Department, Ashwani Kumar; Administrative Secretary, Science and Technology Department, Babila Rakwal; Managing Director, JKPDCL, Rahul Yadav; Chief Executive Officer, JAKEDA; Managing Directors of JPDCL and SPDCL; Chief Engineers; Superintending Engineers of PDD and other senior officers of the concerned departments besides representatives of the audit and Finance departments.

During the deliberations, the Committee stressed the need for greater transparency, accountability and dedication in the discharge of official responsibilities to ensure the effective functioning of these organisations.

The Chairman, along with the Committee members, directed the concerned departments to furnish comprehensive, fact-based and satisfactory replies to the queries and observations raised by the Office of the Principal Accountant General at the next meeting of the Committee.

The Committee emphasised that the functioning of JKPDCL and JAKEDA should be fair, impartial and equitable across the entire Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, without any regional discrimination or disparity. It underscored the importance of ensuring that departmental decisions and the delivery of services are guided by principles of fairness, transparency and public interest.

The Committee stressed upon the officers to ensure that all audit observations and queries are examined in a comprehensive and time-bound manner, with replies supported by relevant records, documentary evidence and factual details. It emphasised that incomplete, vague or evasive responses should be avoided and the concerned officers must take personal responsibility for the accuracy and completeness of the information furnished to the Committee.

The Chairman directed the concerned departments to strengthen their internal monitoring and accountability mechanisms and ensure strict adherence to established rules, procedures and financial regulations. He underscored the need for transparency in administrative and financial matters and called for corrective measures wherever deficiencies or procedural lapses are identified.

Reiterating the need for equitable development and service delivery, the Committee called upon JKPDCL and JAKEDA to ensure that their policies, programmes and initiatives are implemented fairly across all regions of the Union Territory, without any regional bias or discrimination. It stressed that public interest must remain the foremost consideration in all departmental decisions and that available resources and benefits should be distributed in a transparent and need-based manner.

The Committee also underscored the importance of strengthening the institutional accountability and improving administrative efficiency. It directed the officers to adopt a proactive approach towards resolving the pending issues and ensuring that the observations of the Committee are acted upon in letter and spirit.

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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