• Directs completion of pending tendering within a week; calls for timely execution of projects

KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Kathua, Rajesh Sharma, today chaired a meeting to review the preparedness and progress of works related to Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra (SANJY)-2026 and Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan in the district.

Officers from key stakeholder departments including PWD, PHE and PDD informed that the tendering process for most of the identified works under SANJY-2026 has been almost completed.

Taking note of the pending works, the Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned departments to complete the tendering of all left-out works within a week to ensure that execution is taken up well in advance and all works are completed much before the commencement of the Yatra. He emphasized that timely completion of these works is crucial for smooth conduct of the pilgrimage.

The DC further directed that procurement of goods and services be carried out through the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal well in advance to ensure transparency and avoid last-minute delays.

Stressing the need for coordinated awareness efforts, the Deputy Commissioner called upon all stakeholder departments to submit their Information, Education and Communication (IEC) plans for ensuring uniformity and effective outreach.

Reviewing the progress under Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan, the meeting was informed that all seven works being executed under the supervision of Executive Engineers of PWD divisions Basohli, Billawar and Kathua are in progress. The DC directed the concerned officers to expedite the works and ensure their completion by May 30, 2026.

The Deputy Commissioner called for inter-departmental coordination and adherence to timelines for successful implementation of all Yatra-related and developmental works. DC State Taxes Lakhanpur Joginder Singh Jasrotia, ADC Vishavjeet Singh, CPO Ranjeet Thakur, ACD Akhil Sadotra and other district and sectoral officers were also present.

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  Read the message here