The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com

JAMMU: Minister for Science & Technology, Satish Sharma, today said that 6,999 Solar Street Lights (SSLs) are being procured during the year 2025-26 with a minimum of 50 being provided in each constituency of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Minister stated this while replying to a question raised by Legislator Ajaz Ahmad Jan in the Legislative Assembly. He added that few lights are also being installed in migrant camps and some border areas of the Union Territory of J&K.

The Minister informed the House that in Poonch district, the material has recently been delivered for further installation, including the Poonch-Haveli Constituency. He said that a proposal for 70 Solar Street Lights (SSLs) to be installed in the Poonch-Haveli Constituency has been received from the office of the MLA. “Against a quantity of proposed 70 SSLs, 50 have already been delivered and the installation shall start shortly with expected completion by February”, he added.

He also said that at present no proposal for establishment of solar power plants in border villages has been formulated by JAKEDA, Science and Technology Department. Nazir Ahmad Gurezi and Mir Saifullah raised the supplementaries to the question.

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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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