POONCH: Deputy Commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma today convened a meeting of officers from line departments, civil society members and representatives from religious organisations to review arrangements for the upcoming festivals of Shab-e-Qadar, Jamat-ul-Vida, Navratras, Eid-ul-Fitr and Ram Navmi.

The meeting was attended by Senior Superintendent of Police Shafket Hussain Bhat; Additional Deputy Commissioner Tahir Mustafa Malik; Assistant Commissioner Development Shakeel Ahmed Malik; Chief Medical Officer Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan; DAHO, DSHO, Executive Engineers of different departments, CEO Municipality, Tehsildar Haveli, AD FCS&CA, ARTO, AC Food Safety, AC Legal Metrology, I/C Fire and Emergency Services, besides religious heads and other concerned officers.

The religious leaders and prominent citizens raised various issues related to arrangements for the festivals including need for proper sanitation, uninterrupted power, regular and safe drinking water supply, security arrangements, smooth traffic management, adequate parking facilities, sufficient stock of ration and essential commodities, monitoring of rates and quality of food items and availability of medical facilities.

The Deputy Commissioner took stock of the preparedness of each department and issued necessary directions to ensure all arrangements are put in place well in advance. He directed the Tehsildar, AC Food Safety, AD FCS&CA and Legal Metrology to conduct weekly inspections to check the rates and quality of food items being sold during the festive period and take strict action against black-marketing and overpricing.

The PDD and PHE departments were asked to ensure uninterrupted electricity and adequate potable water supply. The FCS & CA department was directed to maintain sufficient availability of essential commodities and closely monitor the public distribution system. The Municipal Committee was asked to ensure proper sanitation around places of worship and areas of public gathering.   

Senior Superintendent of Police Shafket Hussain Bhat assured that adequate security and traffic arrangements will be put in place across the district during the festive period. He urged civil society representatives to cooperate with the administration and police in maintaining communal harmony and celebrating the festivals in a peaceful and disciplined manner.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner and the SSP extended advance greetings to the religious heads and people of the district on the upcoming festivals.

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
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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