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

JAMMU: National Conference government in a shocking and undemocratic manner has denied funds to the advisory board for Welfare and Development of OBCs in the UT of Jammu Kashmir. This is betrayal of the major chunk of population categorised as OBCs and who are seriously lagging behind in terms of most of the human development indicators. In a communication to the Secretary of the advisory board for Welfare and Development of OBCs JK social welfare department has asked her to, in a way, close its activities and shift the office to space hired by the Secretary advisory board for Welfare and Development of SCs. This communication has caused a lot of resentment and discontent among OBCs. They are genuinely disappointed and angry.

Terming the development as unfortunate Bharatiya Janata Party has asked NC government to rescind such anti people, anti-OBC orders and fulfil its promises of people’s welfare.

OBCs as a significant component of our population have not been able to share equally the benefits of growth process and development. Keeping these factors into consideration the Constitution of India provides for reservations in education and public employment granted to elevate those regarded socially, educationally, and economically backward in the state’s perspective. This was stated by Girdhari Lal Raina, former MLC and party spokesperson. It is a commonly known fact that OBCs are not properly represented in the services supplied by the state, he added.

Very recently the Chairperson of National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC), during his visit to the UT had asked government to ensure secure representation of OBCs in admission and employment. Signalling closure of the advisory board for Welfare and Development of OBCs by denying funds amounts to disregarding that suggestion from a constitutional authority.

The representatives of OBCs have from time to time raised various grievances including the issue of restoring pre-matric scholarship of OBCs in Jammu and Kashmir and OBC hostel facility in every district of the UT so that the community does not face problems. Instead of addressing these grievances the NC government has come up with this undemocratic and discriminatory direction. It is reprehensible. BJP demands allocation of sufficient funds to the advisory board for Welfare and Development of OBCs, so that it can function independently and serve the purpose for it was created, GL Raina demanded.

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