• Stresses tourism, livelihood generation for border people

RAJOURI: Deputy Commissioner Rajouri Abhishek Sharma today chaired a meeting of District Level Committee and Village Nodal Officers to review and approve the Village Action Plans under the Vibrant Villages Programme. The Deputy Commissioner conducted a comprehensive review of the proposed plans and emphasized the need for inclusion of high-impact and need-based works for holistic development of the border villages.

He laid special focus on strengthening basic infrastructure and according priority to development of playgrounds, construction of toilets in schools, establishment of smart classrooms and provision of drinking water facilities, installation of transformers and poles, high mast and solar lights and improvement of road connectivity to tourist destinations. He further stressed on development of essential amenities like signages and parking facilities, besides exploring the feasibility of establishing sports stadiums in the identified villages.

Highlighting the tourism potential of the border areas, the Deputy Commissioner emphasized inclusion of projects like Vibrant Village Tourist Reception Centres and Tribal Theme Parks/Adventure Parks in the action plans to promote eco and border tourism.

Seeking focus on livelihood generation, particularly in villages located near the Line of Control, he directed the stakeholder departments to incorporate sustainable income-generating activities based on local needs and resources. He stressed on branding, processing and marketing of milk-based products such as kaladi, barfi, khoya and milk cake. He also called for the establishment of meat processing units and strengthening of cooperative societies to enhance the local economy.

The Deputy Commissioner further emphasized saturation of all social security schemes in these villages to ensure that no eligible beneficiary is left out. He directed the district and sectoral officers to undertake regular field visits to the Vibrant Villages for effective monitoring and timely implementation of the approved plans.

The meeting was attended by ADDC Malikzada Sheraz-ul-Haq; ADC Sunderbani Ramkesh Sharma; ADC Nowshera Pritam Lal Thapa; PO ICDS Harpal Singh; CPO Maqsood Ahmed; ACD Auqil Naveed; AD Tourism Mumtaz Ahmed; BDO Nowshera Gokul Kumar; BDO Seri Hemant Vaid; SE JPDCL, Principal ITI Ujwal and other district and sectoral officers attended 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

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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