The Survival Fight of JK Monitor: For 16 years, JK Monitor has chronicled Jammu and Kashmir with integrity. Since 2010, I have steered its newsroom alongside our visionary Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan (IIT Kharagpur alumnus, University of Maryland Ph.D.). His tragic demise in October 2026 left a severe financial and operational vacuum. Without urgent support, our 24/7 news portal risks permanently shutting down after November 2026, remaining only as a static digital archive. We appeal to well-wishers to extend a helping hand to keep our active newsroom alive. Support Us: WhatsApp: +91-9906103001 | Email: journalistajmerwani@gmail.com
  • Focus on Core Infrastructure, Livelihood Promotion & Timely Village Action Plans

POONCH: District Development Commissioner Poonch, Ashok Kumar Sharma today chaired a meeting to review the progress and implementation strategy for Vibrant Villages Programme Phase-II (VVP-II) in the border areas of the district. The meeting aimed at fast-tracking developmental interventions and finalizing the Village Action Plans for 133 identified villages across eight blocks.

At the outset, Joint Director, (Chief Planning Officer), Mohd. Iqbal Zarger, delivered a detailed Power Point Presentation highlighting the current status, objectives, and strategic components of the programme. The DDC stressed the importance of inter departmental convergence and called for mission-mode execution of VVP-II. He underscored the need to prioritize four core focus areas — road connectivity, telecom connectivity, television connectivity and electrification — to significantly uplift the standard of living in border villages.

The DDC instructed designated nodal officers to prepare Village Action Plans with defined timelines and community-centric development goals. He directed that Gram Sabhas be convened in all identified villages and the draft plans be submitted before August 16. These plans will undergo scrutiny by a committee headed by PO ICDS before final submission to the government.

Highlighting the need for sustainable livelihood generation, the District Development Commissioner also laid emphasis on promoting mushroom cultivation, milk production and local pulse varieties such as Rajmash to enhance local income and food security. Further, the DDC directed Block Development Officers (BDOs) to coordinate with SDMs and Tehsildars and ensure the active participation of communities in preparing a comprehensive 5-year development plan, based on gap analysis in their respective villages.

The DDC directed PO ICDS, ACD and DPO to hold block-level review meetings with BDOs to ensure the timely finalization and high-quality implementation of the Vibrant Villages Programme. The meeting was attended by PO ICDS, Khalid Hussain Wafa, Chief Planning Officer, Mohd Iqbal Zarger, ACD, Shakeel Ahmed, DPO Khalil Ahmed Banday, CMO, Dr. Parvaiz Ahmed Khan, CHO, Uttam Lal, CAO, Yograj Salathia,  DSHO, Basharat, AD FC&CA, Adil Shabir, Tehsildar Haveli, Azhar Majid, along with concerned Executive Engineers. SDMs and other Tehsildars participated via virtual mode.

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