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

JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo, today chaired a high-level meeting to review the progress and preparedness for establishment of Central educational institutions—Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalayas (JNVs) and Kendriya Vidyalayas (KVs)—aimed at ensuring access to quality education for students across various districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by the Secretary, School Education Department; Commissioners of Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya Samiti and Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan; Director School Education, Jammu/Kashmir; Regional Officer, Kendriya Vidyalaya Sangathan, Jammu; along with other senior officers of the department.  Deputy Commissioners from all districts participated in the meeting through video conferencing.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary undertook a comprehensive appraisal of the JNVs and KVs already operational across J&K and those yet to become functional due to infrastructural constraints. He emphasized the pivotal role of the district administrations in facilitating the early establishment of these institutions and directed the Deputy Commissioners to extend full administrative support in their early establishment.

The Chief Secretary specifically instructed the Deputy Commissioners to identify suitable rented accommodations for the temporary functioning of the schools until permanent land is transferred and requisite infrastructure is developed. He stressed that delays in infrastructure availability should not impede the commencement of academic activities in these premier institutions.

A district-wise review was conducted covering schools that are currently operational, those under various stages of establishment, and newly proposed institutions across the districts ofJ&K.

 On this occasion Secretary, School Education Department, Ram Niwas Sharma, presented a detailed overview of the status of Central educational institutions in the UT. He provided a location-wise breakdown of JNVs and KVs operating from their own buildings and those functioning from rented premises. He also apprised the meeting of the status of land identification and infrastructure planning for non-functional and proposed institutions.

The Commissioners of JNV and KVS informed the meeting about the land requirements for these institutions, stating that a Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya requires approximately 30 acres of land, while a Kendriya Vidyalaya requires about 2.5 acres in hilly areas and up to 5 acres in plain regions. They further elaborated on the infrastructural components necessary for academic facilities, student hostels, staff residences and extracurricular activities.

Deputy Commissioners shared district-specific updates on the efforts made to accommodate the proposed institutions and assured the Chief Secretary of their full cooperation in expediting land transfer, temporary accommodation and infrastructure development. The Chief Secretary reiterated the administration’s commitment to strengthening the educational ecosystem by ensuring timely establishment and operationalization of Central schools, particularly in underserved and remote areas.

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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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