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
  • Stresses timely execution, quality delivery & Public-Centric Governance

BUDGAM: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Budgam, Athar Aamir Khan, today chaired an extensive review meeting to assess the overall developmental scenario, sectoral progress, and implementation status of key government schemes in Sub-Division Khansahib.

At the outset, the SDM Khanshaib, Jahangir Ahmad Giri presented a detailed overview covering key sectors including health, education, public works, power, irrigation, rural development, and urban development. 

The meeting also reviewed the progress achieved under flagship programmes and UT/centrally sponsored schemes. A comprehensive review of the health sector was conducted, wherein the DC took note of the ongoing Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bharat Abhiyan, including screening of vulnerable populations and progress under Nikshay Mitra initiative. 

He emphasized strengthening healthcare delivery at grassroots level, ensuring optimal utilization of health facilities, and improving bed capacity and patient care services in sub-district hospitals and primary health centres.

Reviewing the Public Works Department, the DC was apprised of road connectivity status, sub-division-wise road mileage, and progress under ongoing pothole-free road initiatives. 

He directed concerned to ensure time-bound completion of road works, adherence to quality standards, and prioritization of critical connectivity gaps, especially in rural and far-flung areas.

The meeting also discussed works executed under NABARD RIDF, UT sector schemes, and other infrastructure development programmes. The DC stressed expediting pending works and removing bottlenecks hindering progress.

In the education sector, the DC reviewed the functioning of education zones including Khansahib, Dreygam, and Hardupanzoo. He directed officers to focus on improving learning outcomes, strengthening school infrastructure, and ensuring regular monitoring of attendance and academic performance.

The progress under PMAY (G) 2.0 and Awaas Plus Survey 2024 was also reviewed in detail. The DC instructed officials to ensure transparency in beneficiary selection and timely completion of sanctioned houses, so that eligible beneficiaries receive the intended benefits without delay.

In power sector, the DC assessed the status of works under various schemes including CDF and other electrification initiatives. He emphasized ensuring uninterrupted power supply, prompt grievance redressal, and timely completion of ongoing works.

In the water and irrigation sector, the DC reviewed the implementation of Jal Jeevan Mission (JJM) and irrigation projects in the sub-division. He directed officers to ensure 100% household tap water coverage, proper maintenance of assets, and efficient execution of irrigation works to support agricultural productivity.

The DC also took stock of development works under urban development and tourism-related initiatives, including activities linked to Doodhpathri Development Authority. He stressed promoting sustainable tourism while ensuring environmental protection and local economic benefits. Special focus was laid on submission of DPRs for heritage sites and monuments, wherein the DC directed timely preparation and submission to preserve cultural assets and boost tourism potential.

During the meeting, major demands and grievances of the local population were also discussed in detail. These included improvement of road connectivity, augmentation of healthcare facilities, enhancement of power supply, drinking water issues, and need for additional infrastructure in education and irrigation sectors.

Addressing the officers, the DC issued directions for ensuring time-bound completion of all ongoing projects, maintaining highest standards of quality and transparency, strengthening inter-departmental coordination, prioritizing public grievances and field-level responsiveness, conducting regular field visits and inspections, and ensuring optimum utilization of government resources.

The DC emphasized that development must be visible, inclusive, and impactful, reaching every section of society. He reiterated that officers must work with dedication and accountability to deliver results on ground. He further stressed the importance of people-centric governance, urging officers to remain accessible, responsive, and proactive in addressing public issues.

The DC directed all the departments to submit updated progress reports and ensure strict adherence to timelines for all developmental works. Besides, JD planning, SDM Khanshaib, SE R&B circle Budgam, ACD, ACP, CMO, CEO, all Tehsildars , BDOs, Executive Engineers, EOs and other concerned officers of the Sub-Division were present in the meeting.

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