SRINAGAR: Mohammad Aijaz Asad today assumed the charge as Secretary, Rural Development Department and Panchayati Raj (RDD&PR) and had an exclusive interactive session with the officers and officials at Civil Secretariat Srinagar. Dr Shahid Choudhary, the outgoing Secretary, praised the hard work and dedication of the officers and exuded confidence that the department will serve the best services under the new leadership.

In his remarks, Aijaz Asad appreciated the initiatives launched towards furtehr streamlining of the department under the guidance of Dr Shahid. "The innovative measures in place are commendable, and it is a tremendous opportunity to work in the rural sector of J&K ," he maintained. He urged upon the team to redouble their efforts towards achieving the key targets for greater good of the public.

Asad also took stock of the progress achieved by the department under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G), National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM), Integrated Watershed Management Programme (IWMP), Rashtriya Gram Swaraj Abhiyan (RGSA) and Himayat. He emphasized that the RDD primarily serves the rural population and should prioritize projects that benefit the public.

Secretary in RDD, Rachna Sharma, Director General Rural Sanitation, Anoo Malhotra, Managing Director JKRLM, Shubra Sharma, Director RDD Kashmir, Shabir Hussain Bhat, Director RDD Jammu Mumtaz Ali, Director Panchayati Raj Sham Lal, and Director Finance Umar Khan, among others were present on the occasion.

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
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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