• Seeks focus on counselling, youth engagement initiatives

KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the District level Narco Coordination Centre (NCORD) Committee to review the progress of ongoing initiatives and devise a comprehensive strategy to curb drug abuse in the district.

The meeting was attended by ADC Vishavjeet Singh; ASP Rahul Charak; CMO Dr Vijay Raina; ACD Akhil Sadotra; ACP Ajeet Kumar; Assistant Commandant 107 BSF Battalion, CAO, DIO, CEO, DSWO, Assistant Controller Drugs and other concerned officers.

The meeting was informed that paramedical staff and teachers are being trained as Counsellors through structured training being imparted to them in a phased manner. Nearly 200 individuals have already been trained at GMC Kathua to strengthen grassroots-level intervention, the meeting was told.

The Deputy Commissioner emphasized the need to ensure availability of at least 2–3 trained counsellors at each block, besides one trained teacher at every High and Higher Secondary School to guide and sensitize students against drug abuse.

Chief Education Officer Kewal Krishan informed that all 13 private coaching centres in the district have been equipped with CCTV surveillance, while government schools are being covered in a phased manner.

Stressing stringent enforcement, the Deputy Commissioner directed the Drug Control Department to intensify drives, conduct surprise inspections, maintain strict vigil on over-the-counter sale of drugs and ensure effective functioning of de-addiction OPD clinics.

The meeting also underscored the importance of sustained IEC activities under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan along with enhanced youth engagement in sports to promote a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.

Threadbare discussions were held on key issues including consolidation of data of offenders for punitive actions such as cancellation of licenses, regular monitoring of contraband cultivation, identification and surveillance of hotspots and surprise inspections of vulnerable areas.

The Deputy Commissioner further stressed robust coordination among Police, BSF, Health, Drug Control and School Education Departments to ensure a sustained and effective crackdown on drug abuse across the district.

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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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