In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

UDHAMPUR: Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Saloni Rai today chaired a meeting of the District Narco-Coordination Centre (NCORD) Committee to review the measures in place to eradicate illicit trafficking of narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and to reinforce measures aimed at curbing drug abuse in the district. The meeting was attended by Additional Deputy Commissioner Prem Singh and the officers from the stakeholder departments.

Taking a comprehensive review, the DC assessed the progress made in identification and rehabilitation of addicts, status of PIT-NDPS cases, drug seizures during 2025, action taken against erring pharmacies, enforcement of mandatory installation of CCTV cameras, adherence to computerized billing by Medical stores, measures against illicit crop cultivation, rehabilitation of substance abuse victims, inspection of de-addiction centres, block-wise data on drug abusers, identification of hotspots, surveillance of educational institutions, IEC campaigns, mass awareness programmes, Nasha mukti abhiyan, Nasha mukti panchayats and cases registered under the NDPS Act.

The meeting also focused on strengthening inter-departmental coordination to effectively track and apprehend individuals involved in drug trafficking, identify abuse hotspots and promote community-based rehabilitation and awareness initiatives. The DC directed the stakeholder departments to intensify counselling services and enhance IEC activities to sensitise the public about the harmful effects of drug abuse. She instructed college heads to organise regular awareness programmes within their institutions.

The Chief Medical Officer was asked to conduct sensitisation and counselling sessions for healthcare staff across all health institutions. The Police Department was directed to upload police-station-wise details of NDPS cases on the designated portal. Emphasising strict enforcement, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for effectively tracking down illicit substances peddlers to safeguard the youth from falling prey to drug addiction. Meanwhile, SDMs were directed to organise awareness drives within their respective jurisdictions to sensitise the public about the ill effects of drugs.

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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