JAMMU: District Magistrate Jammu Dr Rakesh Minhas has ordered the constitution of Village and Ward-Level Nasha Nigrani Samitis across all villages and wards of District Jammu. The initiative forms part of the   Lieutenant Governor’s 100-day anti-drug campaign.

The Samitis, comprising responsible local residents, shall function as community-driven surveillance and referral bodies with a four-fold mandate—detection and surveillance, referral and family support, prevention and awareness and weekly reporting.

Each Samiti would work to prevent the sale of banned narcotic substances, identify individuals showing signs of drug abuse and maintain a confidential village register. Members shall also conduct at least one community awareness activity every week and engage parents and youth in drug-vulnerable households. The administration aims to declare each village a “Drug Free Village” within 90 days.

The Samitis would serve as a non-stigmatising first point of contact for families affected by addiction, guiding them to the nearest Addiction Treatment Facilitation Centre or Block PHC. Their role shall focus on referral and support, not punitive action.

A District Control Room has been established in the Emergency Operations Centre at the Deputy Commissioner’s office to ensure real-time coordination and prompt response to inputs shared by the Samitis.

Block Development Officers have been assigned supervisory responsibilities, while Sub-Divisional Magistrates and Superintendents of Police shall oversee performance reviews. The administration would honour top-performing Samitis and members with the ‘Nasha Mukt Yuva Samman’ at Republic Day and Independence Day functions.

The District Magistrate has urged all citizens to actively support the Samitis and reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to making District Jammu drug-free through collective community 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
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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