In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

KULGAM: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kulgam, Athar Aamir Khan today convened a review meeting here to evaluate the performance of the ICDS, Social Welfare Department, OSC, DHEW, ICPS and the implementation of various government-sponsored beneficiary and pension schemes in the district. Social Welfare Officer presented a comprehensive progress report on various welfare initiatives through a powerpoint presentation.

He informed that 32661 pension cases have been sanctioned under the Integrated Social Security Scheme under different components while the National Social Assistance programme has successfully met its set target of 4948 beneficiaries. Additionally, he reported that under the State Marriage Assistance Scheme, 1915 cases were sanctioned financial assistance during 2024-25 and 400 new cases were approved during the current year till date.

The chair was informed that the pension payment under Integrated Social Security Scheme has increased from 29.36 Cr to 35.09 Cr while a total of 93 applications were forwarded to the Executive Director of the Rehabilitation Council seeking sanction for motorised tricycles for persons with disabilities. Out of these, 61 have been approved, and the district has already received 28 scooters for distribution.

Khan underscored the importance of comprehensive coverage of all eligible beneficiaries, and stressed the need for large-scale awareness campaigns. DC directed the Social Welfare department that there should be zero pendency in marriage assistance scheme at district level besides Aadhar seeding needs to be ensured in respect of all beneficiaries at the earliest.

He emphasized the criticality of making the benefits of these welfare schemes accessible to even the most underserved communities. Directions were also passed to ensure 100% registrations of beneficiaries besides immunization and measurement efficiency of new born babies, pregnant women in the ICDS department.

He directed the Programme Officer ICDS, to minimize the gap in the data between poshan tracker and the recent survey done by the department regarding enrollment of beneficiaries. Khan stressed upon the CDPOs to ensure procurement of different items as per codal formalities at different stages.

He also reviewed the functioning of the One Stop Centre, District Hub for Empowerment of Women (DHEW) and the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS) in the district. DC instructed officials to make these institutions more proactive and expand their reach to support and assist more victims effectively.

The meeting was attended by ADC Viqar Ahmed Giri; District Programme Officer ICDS, District Social Welfare Officer, all CDPOs, TSWOs, representatives of ICPS, MSK, DHEW and other officials of concerned departments.

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
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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