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  • Reviews issues of ex-servicemen, calls for strengthening welfare mechanism

KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, who is also Chairman of the District Sainik Welfare Board, today chaired the annual meeting of the Board at the DC Office Complex here.

The meeting was attended by General Manager DIC Mushtaq Chaudhary; ASP Sunil Kumar Kesar; Zila Sainik Welfare Officer Jagmeet Singh Chahal; Assistant Secretary Nisar Ahmed, besides members from the Board and ex-servicemen.

At the outset, the Deputy Commissioner reviewed the action taken on issues raised in the previous meeting and assessed the need for further intervention by the District Administration. It was informed that key issues projected earlier, including commissioning of KV Ramkot, improvement of Barwal Playground, commemoration of Martyrs’ Days and strengthening of grievance redressal mechanisms for ex-servicemen, have been addressed by the district administration.

The meeting held detailed deliberations on the matters concerning the welfare of ex-servicemen and their dependents, including establishment of a Sainik Colony, renewal of gun licenses, holding of recruitment rallies and promotion of skill development initiatives.

Emphasizing the need for enhanced support systems, the Deputy Commissioner called for further development of the Zila Sainik Welfare Board Office as a multi-facility centre to better serve the needs of nearly 50,000 ex-servicemen and their dependents, including widows and war widows in the district. He also directed to incorporate the proposal for setting up a War Memorial in the DPR for proposed multi-facility.

The Deputy Commissioner further stressed the importance of regular engagement with stakeholders and suggested holding meetings on a monthly basis, to ensure timely redressal of issues. He also called for proactive coordination among departments to streamline services and improve outreach to beneficiaries.

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