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

JAMMU: The Screening Committee constituted under the Jammu and Kashmir Startup Policy 2024–27 convened its second meeting at the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute’s (JKEDI), Bari Brahmana campus Jammu to screen and evaluate the applications for grant of seed fund assistance to eligible startups of the Union Territory. The meeting was chaired by Khalid Jahangir, Secretary Industries and Commerce Department and Director JKEDI, who is also the Nodal Officer for implementation of the Startup Policy in J&K.

The J&K Startup Policy 2024–27, notified by the Government, envisions making J&K one of the leading startup ecosystems in the country by 2027, while facilitating the establishment of at least 2,000 new startups. Among its major interventions is the provision of seed funding of up to ₹20 lakh (in four equal instalments) to recognized startups for activities such as prototype development, introduction of innovative products and services, market entry and scaling up.

The Screening Committee comprised of Dr. Sudhakar Dwivedi, Professor & Dean, Student Welfare, Division of Agriculture Economics and ABM, SKUAST-Jammu, Dr. Parvaiz Ahmad Mir, Director, Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Development (CIED), IUST, Awantipora, Dr. Naveed Ahmad, CEO, SKUAST-K Innovation, Incubation and Entrepreneurship Centre, Dr. Irfana Baba, In-charge, NewGen IEDC, University of Kashmir, Anil Suri, Industrialist (President & CEO, AB Consultants), Dhariti, Associate Professor & In-charge, Atal Incubation Centre, IIT Jammu, Akash, Incubation Manager, IIT Jammu, Pratiti from Startup India, a representative Jammu and Kashmir Trade Promotion Organization(JKTPO) and Irtif Mehraj, In-Charge CIIBM, JKEDI (Member Secretary).

Thirty-six (36) startup applicants from Jammu division were called for pitching out of which 34 startups presented their pitches before the Committee. The committee members provided real-time feedback on issues such as market readiness, financial viability, scalability, sourcing of investment and enhancing competitiveness.

As per the Operational Guidelines, the recommendations of the Screening Committee will now be placed before the Startup Task Force Committee, chaired by the Commissioner Secretary to Government, Industries & Commerce Department as part of the two-tier process for sanctioning of the seed funding.

Earlier, the Screening Committee held its first meeting at JKEDI Pampore campus on September 27, 2025 to screen and evaluate the applications received from Kashmir division. The seed funding under the J&K Startup Policy will provide early-stage support to startups, enabling them to transform their innovative ideas into scalable and sustainable ventures.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇