KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, today chaired the maiden meeting to review the implementation of the Vibrant Village Programme (VVP) 2.0 in the district.

Additional District Development Commissioner Kathua Surinder Mohan, Additional Deputy Commissioner Kathua Vishavjeet Singh, Chief Planning Officer Ranjit Thakur, Assistant Commissioner Development Akhil Sadotra and other concerned officers attended the meeting.

It was informed that six border villages in Block Marheen have been identified under the programme. Village Nodal Officers have been appointed for each village to oversee execution, coordination and monitoring of activities.

The meeting discussed preparing a Convergence Plan based on thematic survey findings to ensure saturation of eligible schemes. A gap analysis will be conducted to address shortfalls in infrastructure, services and beneficiary coverage.

SDM Hiranagar has been designated District Nodal Officer for VVP 2.0. He informed that all four basic indicators in the identified villages are already saturated, providing a foundation for further development.

The Deputy Commissioner directed Village Nodal Officers to maximise coverage of centrally sponsored schemes and work closely with line departments to improve livelihoods, connectivity, education, health and civic amenities. He stressed the importance of community participation in making border villages vibrant, self-reliant and better integrated with mainstream development. An action plan will be implemented in a time-bound manner to achieve VVP 2.0 objectives in Kathua district.

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