UDHAMPUR: To take the governance at the doorsteps of the people and strengthen the grievances redressal mechanism at the grassroots level, Deputy Commissioner Udhampur Minga Sherpa today convened a public outreach camp in the far-flung area of Basantgarh. The camp witnessed enthusiastic participation of a large number of   people and former PRI members from adjoining areas.

Sub-Divisional Magistrate Wahid-ul-Rehman; Assistant Commissioner Development Om Parkash and other district officers were also present. The public projected several issues and demands, seeking adequate staff in educational institutions, repair and blacktopping of local road, augmentation of power infrastructure, improvement of mobile network connectivity, development of Basantgarh Fort, promotion of the area on the tourism map, construction of a BDO office, provision of kerosene oil and development of a playground at Chakaal.

Earlier, the Deputy Commissioner also visited a Kiwi and Apple Orchard of Sanjay Seyalia established under the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme. He appreciated the farmer’s innovative efforts of branding Kiwi tea and developing a nursery for propagation of kiwi plants, including red kiwi varieties.

During the camp, district officers from line departments sensitized the public to the flagship schemes, including PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana, Pension and State Marriage Assistance Scheme, PM Suraksha Bima Yojana and PM Jan Dhan Yojana. They urged people to avail maximum benefits of these welfare initiatives.

The Deputy Commissioner directed concerned officers to organize financial awareness and inclusion camps to educate the public about social security and welfare schemes. Responding to the issues raised by the public and former PRIs, the DC issued on-the-spot directions to the concerned officers to address genuine grievances on priority. Several issues were resolved instantly through effective departmental coordination.

Highlighting the significance of such outreach initiatives, the DC stated that these camps are aimed at bringing the administration closer to the people by facilitating direct interaction between citizens and officials. He emphasized the importance of promoting income-generating and livelihood-oriented schemes launched by the Government of India and the UT Government to enhance socio-economic development in rural areas.

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