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

UDHAMPUR: The District Election Officer Udhampur, Saloni Rai, has taken swift disciplinary action by suspending two government employees for neglecting their assigned election duties for the upcoming Assembly Elections-2024.

 Kulbushan Koul, Head Assistant at the Zonal Education Office  Dudu, who was appointed as a Presiding Officer for the General Elections, has been suspended for failing to attend mandatory election training sessions.

Despite multiple telephonic communications and formal intimation through his department head, Kulbushan Koul neglected to report for duty, obstructing critical election procedures. His absence has been deemed a serious breach of service conduct rules, amounting to deliberate non-compliance.

 The suspension order, issued by the DEO, underscores the importance of attending election training, which is a crucial responsibility for Presiding Officers. During his suspension, Koul will remain attached to the office of the Chief Education Officer, Udhampur.

In another case, Jaswant Singh, a teacher at Government Primary School, Kothi, Zone Chenani, and appointed Booth Level Officer  for Polling Station 61-40 (Narsoo), was suspended for failing to perform his election-related duties. As a BLO, Jaswant  Singh was responsible for managing a section of the Electoral Roll, ensuring its accuracy through door-to-door verification, and assisting voters on election day. However, Jaswant Singh not only failed to fulfill these responsibilities but also went on unauthorized medical leave without obtaining proper approval. His leave expired on September 29, 2024, yet he did not report back for duty.

 A show-cause notice was issued to Jaswant Singh, but his response was unsatisfactory. The DEO's suspension order states that such neglect constitutes a serious violation of service conduct rules. Jaswant Singh will remain attached to the office of the Chief Education Officer, Udhampur, during his suspension.

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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