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

BUDGAM: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, today chaired a meeting of the District Level Implementation Committee (DLIC) under Mission YUVA at the District Headquarters to review the progress of youth entrepreneurship initiatives and consider cases submitted under the mission.

During the meeting, 382 cases, duly verified by the Small Business Development Units (SBDUs), were placed before the committee for consideration. After thorough evaluation, the committee approved all 382 cases for financial assistance, capacity building and handholding support under Mission YUVA.The approved cases include a wide range of entrepreneurial ventures, spanning traditional crafts such as shawl embroidery, sozni, aari work, tailoring and cutting units, carpentry and joinery workshops, as well as modern and service-oriented businesses including load carriers, dairy units, repair shops, stationery and printing units, food businesses, retail stores, packaging units and other micro-enterprise activities.

Speaking on the occasion, the DC said that Mission YUVA is a transformative initiative aimed at empowering young men and women by enabling them to become self-reliant entrepreneurs. He emphasised that the objective of the programme is not only to provide financial support but also to create a sustainable ecosystem where youth have access to training, market linkages, guidance and long-term mentorship.

The DC directed all concerned departments, banks and implementing agencies to ensure time-bound sanctioning, hassle-free disbursement and continuous mentoring of the approved cases. He further instructed that Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) must be completed without delay and stressed that no application should remain pending unnecessarily at any level.

The DC stressed the need for regular monitoring, skill development programmes and facilitation of market access so that young entrepreneurs can expand and scale their businesses effectively.

The meeting was attended by General Manager, DIC Budgam; ACR Budgam, CPO Budgam, SDM Beerwah, SDM Khansahib, SDM Chadoora,  Deputy Director Employment, LDM Budgam, District Nodal Officer, representatives from JKEDI, and other concerned officers.

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