STAY TUNED! COMING UP NEXT
 THE SILENCE OF A NEWSROOM: THE SURVIVAL FIGHT OF JK MONITOR An untold story of struggle, resilience and the fight to keep independent journalism alive.
  • Inspects ongoing projects, orders enquiry into Hare Peer Bridge design, holds public outreach at Village Sai

JAMMU: Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary, today conducted an extensive tour of border areas in R.S. Pura to review the progress of developmental works and address the public grievances. During the visit, the Deputy Chief Minister convened a day long public outreach programme at Village Sai, where he interacted with a large gathering of residents and listened to their concerns.

Pushing for holistic development of border areas, the Deputy Chief Minister directed the concerned departments to identify suitable land patches for construction of a Community Hall, an Industrial Estate and other public facilities in the area. “Our emphasis is on sustainable and inclusive development and the government is determined to strengthen the infrastructure and improve livelihood opportunities in border regions,” he said.

 He asked the officials to explore the possibilities for establishment of an Industrial Estate on available government land, making it clear that industries would not be set up by acquiring farmers’ land. Highlighting the importance of skill development, the Deputy Chief Minister also called for strengthening training opportunities and skilling local youth for better livelihood opportunities. He further directed the concerned departments to organise awareness-cum-registration camps under the Labour and Employment Department so that eligible residents can avail welfare benefits.

“I urge all the residents to register for labour cards, which provide benefits such as marriage assistance for daughters, scholarships for child education and health insurance coverage for the workers,” he said. Earlier, the Deputy Chief Minister paid obeisance at the revered Baba Hare Peer Dargah and prayed for peace, harmony and prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir. Later, he inspected the restoration work of the Hare Peer Bridge at Sai Kalan and expressed serious concern over the poor design and execution of the project.

Taking strong notice of the delay and technical shortcomings, he directed the concerned authorities to conduct an enquiry into the matter. He stressed that permanent restoration, including strengthening and protection of the existing infrastructure, must be completed at the earliest to ensure seamless connectivity for residents of the border areas.

During the tour, the Deputy Chief Minister also inspected the ongoing construction work on Sai Fagal Bridge (Aik Nallah) and reviewed its progress, directing the executing agencies to expedite the pace of work for its timely completion.

During the outreach programme, the local residents raised several issues relating to development and basic services. Key concerns included the ownership rights of West Pakistan Refugee (WPR) legal allottees, improvement in irrigation water supply , maintenance of canals such as D-17 and Jagobal and relief in electricity bills for farmers cultivating land beyond the border fencing.

The locals also highlighted the need for improved sanitation facilities, construction of ladies’ bathrooms, verification of individual bunkers in border areas, better public transport services including e-buses and timely restoration of infrastructure damaged due to floods and other natural causes.

The Deputy Chief Minister directed the concerned officers to take prompt action on the issues raised and ensure speedy implementation of development works in the border areas. The Dy CM was accompanied by MLA Suchetgarh, Gharu Ram Bhagat, former DDC members, Chief Engineers of PMGSY and PWD, Concerned SDM and other senior officers.

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
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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇