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

SRINAGAR: The Committee on Public Undertakings (COPU) of Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly today convened a meeting at Assembly Complex here to review the Audit Paras of J&K Power Development Corporation Limited (JKPDCL). The meeting was chaired by Ali Mohammad Sagar, Chairman COPU and attended by the Committee members including Saifullah Mir, Ali Mohammad Dar, Mir Mohammad Fayaz, Ranbir Singh Pathania, Dr. Bashir Ahmad Shah (Veeri), Showkat Hussain Ganie, Saif-ud-Din Bhat and Tanvir Sadiq.

Principal Accountant General, Principal Secretary PDD, Secretary Science and Technology department, MD’s of KPDCL, JPDCL and JKPDCL, Director General Accounts and Treasuries, Director General Development Expenditure Division-I, Director Finance PDD, Chief Engineers of different wings of KPDCL, JPDCL and JKPDCL and other senior officers of the Power Development Department and other sister agencies.

During the meeting, the COPU examined various audit observations and other irregularities flagged by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) in the functioning of JKPDCL. During the deliberations, the Chairman emphasized the urgent need to ensure accountability and transparency in the Corporation’s operations. He directed the officers to fix responsibility on any kind of negligence and take strict action against the erring officers as per established norms.

The Chairman informed that several projects are being executed for unprecedented period of time rather than the fixed timelines as mentioned in DPRs. He called upon the officers to formulate DPRs as per established norms so that there is no hindrance and delay in the execution of any project.

The Chairman, during the meeting, also called upon the members to make department accountable and responsible through proper corrective action measures which can be flagged in these forums. He stressed that PSUs must uphold the highest standards of financial discipline and operational efficiency to safeguard the public resources and contribute something for public good.

The Chairman also directed the Principal Secretary PDD to submit an action-taken report within a month, detailing measures adopted to address the audit objections and prevent recurrence of such lapses in future.  The COPU, during the meeting, resolved that responsibility will be fixed on the officers found guilty of negligence or irregularities and strict action will be recommended against those who have failed in their duties.

The Members of the Committee also expressed concern over lapses, procedural violations and delays in execution of various projects from time to time. They also raised the issue of inflated bills of consumers in unmetered and far flung areas during the meeting and called for immediate rectification of this issue on genuine public demand.

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