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

SRINAGAR: A delegation of the Jammu and Kashmir Contractors Coordination Committee (JKCCC) led by Chairman Ghulam Jeelani Purza  called on Advisor to the Chief Minister, Mr. Nasir Aslam Wani and submitted a detailed memorandum highlighting long-pending and critical issues faced by contractors across the Jammu & Kashmir.Speaking after the meeting, Chairman Ghulam Jeelani Purza stated “Contractors belonging to the Kashmir division suffered huge losses during the devastating floods of September 2014.

At that time, the priority was immediate restoration of public infrastructure and contractors stepped up to the challenge by working on a war footing. Unfortunately, despite the urgency and commitment, hundreds of contractors are still unpaid for that work, most of which was executed without demanding any documentation in good faith.”“Another major concern is the delay in clearance of bills. Although the government had committed to releasing payments within 48 hours of bill submission, that promise remains unfulfilled. Bills continue to be held up at treasuries without justification.

This delay has caused significant distress to the contractor community, who are struggling to complete their projects due to lack of timely funds.”“Non-availability of raw materials is severely impacting development work. The root of this issue lies with the Geological and Mining Department, which has repeatedly seized vehicles transporting essential raw materials, even when materials were being moved legally. This disrupts both the supply chain and on-site work, leading to unnecessary delays and financial losses.”“We strongly oppose the decision of merging 18 Ft Main City Roads—including those in downtown and uptown—into the Srinagar Municipal Corporation. SMC lacks the necessary infrastructure and funds to handle the additional responsibility.

This move will only complicate things further. We urge the J&K government to reconsider this decision and allow the Roads & Buildings Department (R&B) to retain its jurisdiction over these roads. SMC should be limited to roads below 12 ft—restricted to interior lanes only.”“The reorganization of the R&B (PWD) Department has added to the chaos. Currently, there is one SE for one district and three districts under a single Chief Engineer, which is unmanageable. We believe the structure should be reorganized region-wise, with one Chief Engineer post for Kashmir Division and one for Jammu Division.Each SE should be assigned three districts.

This is essential because there is already a severe shortage of technical and engineering staff and many vacancies have been pending for a long time. As a result, we are suffering badly. This has directly impacted the pace and quality of public works. We urge the government to roll back the current reorganization and allow the department to function as it did earlier—when it was more efficient and better structured.”JKCCC Chairman Jeelani Purza expressed hope that the government would take immediate steps to resolve these long-standing issues and provide much-needed relief to the contractor community. He thanked Advisor Nasir Aslam Wani for patiently listening to the delegation and assured full cooperation in all government-led development initiatives.

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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