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

SRINAGAR: In a significant step towards strengthening consumer engagement and as a as part of a nationwide awareness campaign, Kashmir Power Distribution Corporation Limited (KPDCL) is observing “Smart Meter Pakhwada” across the Kashmir Valley.

The fortnight-long programme, which commenced on February 9, will continue until February 23, 2026. The initiative aims to create awareness among electricity consumers about the benefits, features, and functioning of prepaid smart meters, as well as various billing applications line “smartbs” and “bill sahuliyat+” while encouraging greater adoption of these digital power management tools.

As part of the campaign, help desks and informational kiosks have been established at divisional and sub divisional level throughout the Valley.  The camps feature interactive sessions and open discussions, allowing consumers to engage directly with officials and seek clarifications on smart meters. Informative leaflets are being distributed, and live demonstrations are being conducted to explain real-time energy consumption tracking and automated billing features which smart metering offers to consumers.

 Officials are also demonstrating consumer mobile application (billsahuliyat+ and smartbs) that enables users to monitor their electricity consumption in real time. Through this digital platform, consumers can conveniently access usage data from their homes and gain advance insights into their electricity bills.The campaign is witnessing active participation from senior officers, field engineers, PMA representatives, and the implementing agency, along with encouraging response from consumers.

KPDCL has urged all electricity consumers to actively participate in the awareness camps and take full advantage of the initiative. The corporation emphasized that smart meters represent not merely a technological upgrade, but a vital step toward building a reliable, efficient, and future-ready power distribution system in the region.

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