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KATHUA: Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma today conducted a tour of border villages and presided over a series of Special Gram Sabhas and awareness programmes for the formulation of plans under the Government of India’s Vibrant Village Programme.

The Gram Sabhas were organised in identified border villages including Rathua, Ganjnal, Kadyala and Gujjar Chack to ensure participatory planning and the preparation of robust, need-based development plans aimed at improving the socio-economic conditions of the inhabitants.

The programme witnessed significant participation from local residents who actively shared their issues, aspirations and suggestions for incorporation into the village development plans.

The Deputy Commissioner was accompanied by ADDC Surinder Mohan Sharma, GM DIC Mushtaq Chaudhary, PO ICDS Mohammed Syed, SDM Hiranagar Phulail Singh, CPO Ranjeet Thakur and other district and sectoral officers.

During the Gram Sabhas, the concerned Nodal Officers of Rathua, Ganjnal, Kadyala and Gujjar Chack read out the draft plans prepared with inputs from the inhabitants of their respective villages. The Deputy Commissioner urged participants to highlight issues not covered in the draft so they could be duly incorporated into the final plan document.

Several locals, including former Panchayati Raj Institution members, raised issues related to civic amenities, infrastructure gaps and border-specific concerns. The concerned Nodal Officers took note of the demands for inclusion in the final draft plan.

While interacting with residents at Rathua, the Deputy Commissioner stated that the purpose of organising awareness-cum-Gram Sabhas was to involve every stakeholder and ensure holistic planning with a particular focus on youth and women. He emphasised the need to ensure the saturation of eligible beneficiaries under various government schemes and the augmentation of development infrastructure in border villages in a phased and sustainable manner.

He further assured that more awareness camps would be organised in border areas to educate the public about government schemes and services, aiming to transform these villages into model habitations under the Vibrant Village Programme.

Later, a similar awareness camp-cum-Gram Sabha was held at Government High School Kadyala, presided over by ADDC Surinder Mohan Sharma. The district administration team patiently heard the aspirations and feedback of the locals and issued necessary directions on the spot to the concerned officers.

On both occasions, district and sectoral officers briefed the Gram Sabhas about the schemes and services implemented by their respective departments and encouraged the public to avail the benefits in a timely manner.

Pertinently, border villages Bobiya, Kadyala, Ganjnal, Karol Krishna, Rathua and Gujjar Chack have been identified under the Vibrant Village Programme of the Government of India to ensure saturation of welfare schemes for inhabitants and to augment development infrastructure in these villages.

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