In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
  • Says Media plays active role in ensuring People-Centric Outreach of developmental reforms

BUDGAM: One day media workshop (Vartalap) was organised by the District Administration Budgam in collaboration with PIB Srinagar and the Department of Information and Public Relations (DIPR) Budgam for media persons working in Budgam district. The workshop was inaugurated and chaired by the District Development Commissioner Budgam, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat.

The workshop was aimed at sensitising the media fraternity about the provisions, objectives and implementation framework of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-GRAMG) Act, 2025.

During the session, detailed deliberations were held on the transition from MGNREGA to the new statutory framework, with emphasis laid on enhanced employment guarantees, durable asset creation, decentralised planning and strengthened accountability mechanisms.

It was highlighted that the new Act aligns rural employment generation with the long-term vision of Viksit Bharat 2047, while ensuring transparency, timely wage payments and integration of employment with core rural infrastructure. The importance of accurate and responsible reporting to ensure correct public understanding of the reform was repeatedly underlined.

The workshop also served as a platform for constructive interaction between the district administration and the media, aimed at strengthening coordination, improving information dissemination and promoting informed public discourse on development initiatives.

Addressing participants, the DC Budgam stated that the role of media is critical in translating complex policy reforms into understandable information for the common people. He said that a well-informed reporting significantly contributes to transparency, accountability and effective implementation of government programmes at the grassroots level.

He emphasised that the Viksit Bharat–GRAMG Act, 2025 represents a transformative shift in rural employment policy and requires active engagement from the media to ensure that its objectives and benefits reach rural households in a timely and accurate manner. The DC stressed the need for fact-based, development-oriented journalism particularly in the context of welfare legislations affecting livelihoods and rural infrastructure.

The DC encouraged the media fraternity to act as responsible partners in governance by disseminating verified information and highlighting developmental outcomes, thereby strengthening public trust and participation.

On the occasion, Director PIB Srinagar, Qazi Salman; Chief Planning Officer Budgam, Javeed Ahmad Najar; District Information Officer Budgam, Erim khan; Block Development Officers, besides media professionals from the district, were present and actively participated in the deliberations.

The workshop showcased the commitment of district administration towards sustained engagement with the media to promote inclusive development and informed citizen participation.

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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