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

JAMMU: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha on Saturday reviewed the progress of Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan in the UT of Jammu Kashmir, at a high-level meeting at Lok Bhavan Jammu.

The meeting was attended by Shri Atal Dulloo, Chief Secretary; Shri Nalin Prabhat, DGP; Shri Shailendra Kumar, Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Department; Shri Chandraker Bharti, Principal Secretary Home; Dr Mandeep K. Bhandari, Principal Secretary to Lieutenant Governor; Shri M Raju, Commissioner Secretary to Government, Health & Medical Education Department; Administrative Secretaries; Shri Ramesh Kumar, Divisional Commissioner Jammu; Shri Bhim Sen Tuti, IGP Jammu; Shri Sujit Kumar, IGP Security J&K and other senior officials.

The Lieutenant Governor directed for a massive crackdown on smuggling networks that target the youth of Jammu & Kashmir. “Deliberate and sinister efforts are being made to push the youth of Jammu Kashmir into the abyss of drug addiction. A comprehensive, whole-of-government approach, combining stringent enforcement, robust preventive measures, and a carefully calibrated multi-pronged action plan, is urgently required to dismantle the entire ecosystem of drug smuggling and narco-terrorism,” the Lieutenant Governor said.

He called for Jan Bhagidari and a coordinated response against drug abuse for achieving the goal of Nasha Mukt Jammu Kashmir. The meeting discussed five key focused areas- Enforcement, IEC, Counselling, Treatment, and Rehabilitation, while integrating a rigorous social media monitoring system to counter false narratives.

The Lieutenant Governor directed the officials for implementation of deterrents, especially within educational institutions, in mission mode. He further directed for identifying and strictly punishing any remnants of narco-terror networks within the system. The Lieutenant Governor emphasised that the citizens must be encouraged to report the drug addiction and drug smuggling related matters to the police and the administration. 

The Lieutenant Governor also reviewed the preparations of all the line departments for the upcoming intensive drug awareness campaign across the UT of J&K. â€œReligious leaders, social organisations, ex-servicemen, NCC, NSS, Scouts and Guides and political leaders must be taken on-board in the fight against drug addiction,” he said.

The Lieutenant Governor directed for assessment of activities conducted under the Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyaan over the past one year. The meeting also discussed the onboarding of all the districts on Nasha Mukt J&K Portal, engagement of nodal officers, ongoing community outreach programmes, training and capacity building, strengthening and expansion of de-addiction infrastructure and human resource, operationalisation of Addiction Treatment Facilities, Drug De-addiction registry portal, implementation of SoPs and activities undertaken by the line departments.

On the sidelines of the meeting, the Lieutenant Governor directed the senior officials to prioritize vibrant villages programme, with a dedicated focus on inclusive development of border villages.

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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