The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com

SRINAGAR: Divisional Commissioner Kashmir,  Anshul Garg, today chaired a meeting to review the implementation of the National Apprenticeship Promotion Scheme (NAPS) across Kashmir Division.

The meeting was attended by  Director, Department of Skill Development; Deputy Commissioners of Kashmir Division;  Director, Airport Authority of India; and senior officers from NHPC, BEACON, KPDCL, Industries & Commerce, Excise and other concerned departments and agencies.

During the meeting, Director Skill Development, Dr. Owais Ahmad, gave a detailed presentation on the contours of the NAPS, covering eligibility criteria, benefits, registration of establishments, trades covered, registration of apprentices, training components, and the potential for engagement by Central and State PSUs, Corporations and Banks.

It was informed that NAPS aims to enhance apprenticeship engagement, support establishments, and promote skilling across 12 strategic domains comprising 261 designated trades, by organizing specialized vocational training into structured industrial pipelines.

Addressing the meeting, the Divisional Commissioner stated that department-wise targets have already been fixed to enhance workforce engagement under the scheme. He urged all departments, PSUs, MSMEs and contracting agencies to register their establishments on the NAPS portal and engage apprentices in the prescribed band of 2.5% to 15% of their total workforce.

He further instructed corporations and executing agencies to ensure project-wise registration on the portal. The Divisional Commissioner directed Deputy Commissioners to facilitate registration of apprentices from colleges and schools and to monitor progress on a daily basis.

To ensure effective coordination, the Divisional Commissioner appointed Additional Commissioner Kashmir, Zahoor Ahmad Magray, as the Divisional Nodal Officer for NAPS to facilitate inter-departmental coordination and achievement of targets.

Emphasizing time-bound achievement, the Divisional Commissioner said there is no scope for slippage as goalposts have been clearly defined, and called upon all officers to make concerted efforts to surpass the assigned targets within the stipulated timeframe.

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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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