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, Dr. Bilal Mohi-ud-Din Bhat, today held a public interaction programme (Public Darbar) at Tehsil Office Khag. While interacting with the large gathering, DC said that holding such public outreach programmes is aimed at bringing the administration at the doorsteps of the people.

He stressed that the basic motive is to listen to the day-to-day issues of the common citizens and ensure that their genuine demands including drinking water, electricity supply, road connectivity, irrigation facilities and healthcare are addressed on priority.

DC assured that the administration is fully committed to provide better services to the people, adding that sustained efforts are being made to improve essential amenities across all areas. He emphasized that public darbars not only bridge the gap between people and government but also create a platform for participatory governance.

On the occasion, locals  from adjacent areas of Shunglipora, Drung, Lassipora, Khapora, Naserpora, Sugen, Zoogyari, Malpora, Khag, Bathipora Sitharan, and Hamchipora, also participated and put forth their demands before the district administration. Multiple demands were raised including construction and upgradation of Sitharan–Khag main road, establishment of irrigation facilities, receiving station at Khag, augmentation of health infrastructure including PHC, and development of playgrounds for youth.

Responding to the demands, DC directed concerned officers to take up the works on priority and ensure execution in a time-bound manner. He particularly stressed on the immediate development of playgrounds in every panchayat, observing that “youth are our future and we need to strengthen them by engaging them in recreational and productive activities.”

He added that creating avenues for sports and recreation will help keep the younger generation away from the menace of drugs and other social evils. Dr Bilal urged parents and elders to remain vigilant and guide their children to stay away from the menace of drugs, assuring that the district administration will continue to work tirelessly for a drug-free and progressive Budgam

The DC reiterated that the district administration is working with a vision of holistic development, with equal focus on infrastructure creation, social welfare and youth empowerment. He called upon locals to extend cooperation in government initiatives and assured that no genuine grievance will go unheard.

The public interaction programme was attended by CPO Budgam, SDM Beerwah, Tehsildar Khag, BDO Khag and other district and sectoral officers, who also took note of area-specific issues projected by the public.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇

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