In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
  • Secretary RDD reviews Development Progress in Poonch

POONCH: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, emphasised the need for renewed commitment from officers and field staff to ensure the effective and timely execution of government schemes, stating that the ultimate objective of all development initiatives is to deliver maximum benefits to the common people.

During his visit to Poonch, Secretary conducted a comprehensive Panchayat-wise review of major Centrally Sponsored Schemes, including MGNREGA, PMAY-G, SBM-G, NRLM, RGSA, IWMP and allied programmes. He directed officers to expedite project execution, address grassroots-level bottlenecks and ensure steady progress across all schemes. Stressing the need to prioritise works of public importance, he called for ensuring that every eligible beneficiary receives rightful entitlements.

Highlighting the importance of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Gramin (PMAY-G), Aijaz Asad instructed officials to complete all pending houses within stipulated timelines, noting the scheme’s role in supporting homeless and vulnerable families. He also reviewed the status of e-KYC, Awas Plus 2.0, CD and Panchayat works, RGSA, TSP Plan and Self-Help Group (SHG) activities, besides other key programme components.

Reiterating the importance of strict financial discipline, the Secretary stressed the need for seamless fund flow, enhanced utilisation capacity and timely submission of Utilisation Certificates (UCs) to ensure uninterrupted implementation of schemes.

During the meeting, it was informed that nearly 15,612 assets were completed under MGNREGA during the financial year 2025–26. Under PMAY-G, 48,736 houses were constructed, while 114 works were completed under UT Capex and CD & Panchayat, and 500 works under the District Capex.

Earlier, District Development Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma briefed the Secretary on the progress of ongoing developmental works and departmental initiatives.

The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik; Assistant Commissioner Development Shakeel Ahmed; Executive Engineers, Block Development Officers and other field officers. Scheme heads and officers of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department also participated through virtual mode.

As part of the visit, Aijaz Asad also inaugurated development projects worth ₹1 crore in the Haveli constituency. These included the Plastic Waste Management Unit at Jhulass Lower near the Panchayat Ghar in Block Poonch and ten Water Harvesting Tanks under PMKSY 2.0 in Block Sathra. He also laid the e-foundation for the Common Facility Centre Building at Village Gagrian in Block Mandi, along with sixteen additional Water Harvesting Tanks under PMKSY 2.0 developed in convergence with MGNREGA in Block Sathra.

These initiatives, he said, reflect the Government’s continued focus on strengthening rural infrastructure, promoting sustainable development and ensuring timely and efficient service delivery to the people.

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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