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
  • Calls It a major relief for students, parents and school managements

SRINAGAR: The Jammu and Kashmir Unaided Private Schools Association (JKUPSA), President Showkat Chowdhary, has welcomed the J&K School Education Department’s Circular No. 7-JK(Edu) of 2025 dated 13-08-2025, granting an extension of the exemption from certain provisions of S.O 177 of 2022 till 31st March 2026 for private schools across the Jammu & Kashmir.

Chowdhary said this decision will safeguard the academic interests of thousands of students and provide much-needed breathing space for schools struggling to comply with the complex clauses introduced in the 2023 amendment to the 2006 Education Act under S.O 177.
As a result, many schools faced denial of valid board registrations, leading to tagging of their Class 10th and 12th students with nearby government schools in the 2023–24 session.

In 2024, after consistent efforts by JKUPSA and intervention from senior government officials, a one-time exemption was granted for one year. However, with that exemption nearing expiry, JKUPSA proactively engaged with policymakers for a long-term solution.

Showkat Chowdhary shared that in April 2025, JKUPSA held a detailed meeting with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, who understood the gravity of the situation and referred the matter to Education Minister Mrs. Sakina Itoo, with further support from Advisor to CM Nasser Aslam Wani.

“Over the past three months, our Association worked tirelessly with the government, explaining that without urgent intervention, the same crisis would resurface in the new academic session. We are deeply grateful to the Chief Minister, Education Minister, Advisor to CM, Secretary Education, Direction Education Kashmir / Jammu and others for their understanding and prompt action,” said Chowdhary.

The latest circular extends the earlier exemption till 31 March 2026, allowing affected schools to obtain provisional affiliation with JKBOSE and fulfill other formalities necessary for student registration and examination eligibility. The Committee constituted under Government Order No. 1703-JK(GAD) of 2024 has been directed to submit its recommendations within one month for a permanent resolution.

On behalf of JKUPSA, thanked all officials of the School Education Department for their cooperation and for prioritizing the welfare of students. He assured that private schools will continue to work within the legal framework and maintain the highest standards of education.

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