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

JAMMU: Chief Secretary, Atal Dulloo today chaired a meeting to review the performance and ongoing initiatives of the Centre for Innovation, Technology and Governance (CiTAG), J&K, aimed at fostering innovation, enhancing public service delivery, and strengthening capacity building across government departments.

The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary, Planning; Additional Chief Secretary, Agriculture Production and Power Development Departments; Principal Secretary, Culture; Commissioner Secretary, General Administration Department; Director, IIM; Managing Director, JPDCL; Director, Industries & Commerce; CEO, ERA; CEO, CiTAG, besides other senior officers.

During the meeting, the Chief Secretary reviewed the key projects and knowledge initiatives being steered by CiTAG to strengthen governance processes through innovative and data-driven interventions. He emphasized that CiTAG should act as a catalyst in transforming administrative systems through capacity enhancement, technology integration, and policy innovation.

The Chief Secretary directed the expediting of Public-Private Partnership (PPP) initiatives identified by CiTAG, including the outsourcing of Hotel Ashok Jammu, Hotel Ashok Gulmarg, and the International Yoga Centre at Mantalai, to unlock their full potential through professional management and sustainable operational models.

He further reviewed various knowledge and policy outputs being developed under CiTAG’s guidance, such as the Skill Gap Study, PPP Policy Framework, Policy for Attracting Foreign Direct Investments (FDIs), Road Safety and Urban Mobility Plans, Promotion of Start-ups, and Replication of Best Practices across departments.

Dulloo stressed on the need to build a vibrant innovation ecosystem across J&K, particularly in schools, colleges, universities, and skill development institutions to nurture creativity, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving capabilities among youth. The Director, IIM, while highlighting the progress of collaborative projects, emphasized the importance of timely delivery and institutional ownership for sustainable outcomes.

The CEO CiTAG took this occasion toinform about the certain knowledge outputs taken out for J&K's Development. He elaborated that the first phase focuses on key strategic deliverables across several categories, laying the groundwork forsustained growth and development of J&K.

He divulged that the growth drivers initiatives, scheduled for completion between December 2025 and March 2026, include essential studies on employment skill gaps, agricultural development (doubling farmers' income), attracting FDIs, and creating entrepreneurial ecosystems. Additionally, critical work on urban mobility plans and export promotion is underway, the meeting was apprised.

Moreover the Vision 2047 and Data-driven Decision Making categories will see the implementation of Block chain/AI in governance, digitization of data, strengthening fiscal position, and rationalization of assets by March 2026. Submissions for developing PPP policies and formulating conducive policies for attracting FDIs have already been submitted and are under review, marking immediate progress in enhancing J&K's economic and administrative landscape.

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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