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 ongoing Information Technology (IT) initiatives undertaken across J&K to enhance the governance and citizen-centric services. The meeting besides Special DG, BISAG-N, Vinay Thakur was attended by Secretary, IT Department and concerned Administrative Secretaries; DG, Planning; SIO, NIC and other senior officers.

The Chief Secretary took detailed appraisal of the digital interventions being implemented to promote ease of living for the people. Emphasizing the need to make IT platforms more impactful, he called for significant improvements in the design and functionality of dashboards related to various government schemes. He suggested that they be made more vibrant, informative and outcome-driven through integration with other relevant platforms.

Regarding the Kisan Khidmat Ghar Dashboard, the Chief Secretary directed that it should reflect real-time data on the functioning of Krishi Udhyamis and describe the support mechanisms to be made available to them for improved efficiency and productivity. He also reviewed the upgradation roadmap of the YUVA App, calling for deeper insights into application usage patterns, application submission tracking, DPR generation and integration with the MSME Health Clinic and ONDC platforms for enhanced user experience and benefit.

 Importantly, he stressed the linking the app with the UDISE and APAAR databases of the School Education Department to monitor student skill development and career outcomes, thus enabling a seamless track of their educational and vocational journeys. In healthcare, Dulloo suggested comprehensive integration of the JK Sehat App with the ABDM and HMIS frameworks. He emphasized making the platform more user-friendly while enabling support for registered home-care providers to access diagnostic tools and improve treatment delivery.

The Chief Secretary also proposed creation of a unified search engine dedicated to indexing websites hosted by the J&K and Central Government, to help the citizens and employees easily access official data and resources. Looking ahead, he advised the IT Department to explore the development of an AI-based Legal Counselling App to assist individuals in navigating legal issues with informed and automated guidance.

The meeting also discussed initiatives such as development of AI-based learning tools, introduction of educational TV channels and exposure of students to AI modules like AI-101 and AI-201 from an early stage to foster technological competence.

Further updates were taken on the status of the Centre of Excellence in Emerging Technologies, the 360° Tourism App, Land Records Digitization, HADP 360, JKCIP, Agri Output Tracking Apps, Village Planning App and IT-based platforms under PDD and Jal Shakti Department.

Special DG, BISAG-N, Vinay Thakur, shared the progress on ongoing projects being developed in collaboration with the UT Government. He assured continued support from BISAG-N in building robust, scalable and citizen-centric IT solutions. He also provided technical insights and affirmed BISAG-N’s commitment to timely execution of tasks in consultation with the respective departments.

Earlier, Secretary IT, Dr. Piyush Singla, gave a comprehensive overview on key milestones achieved, current developments and future plans under the Digital J&K framework. He elaborated on the transformative potential of several digital initiatives underway and their anticipated impact on service delivery and governance across the length and breadth of the UT.

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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