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

SRINAGAR: High Court has given a relief to private schools operating from community and government lands. While deciding a batch of writ petition asking the court  to declare Notification/S.O. 177 dated 15th April 2022 as ultra vires to the Constitution and seeking ancillary relief, Justice Tashi Rabstan, Chief Justice (Acting) in his order said "where the schools are being run on Kahcharie/ State Shamilat etc. land are concerned, the petitioners therein can either acquire the proprietary land and/or approach the respondent-authority (Principal Secretary to Government, Department of School Education, U.T. of J&K/J&K Board of School Education) with their plea as is made by them in their respective writ petitions for consideration which can also include the exchange of proprietary land in lieu of Kahcharie/State/Shamilat etc. land, as may be available under and in terms of the Land Revenue Act or any other applicable law(s)."All such school owners have been asked to submit their applications within four weeks from today.

"Principal Secretary to Government, Department of School Education, U.T. of J&K/J&K Board of School Education, on receipt of such application(s), shall decide the same either himself/itself or by constituting a Committee, comprising of senior officers of the School Education Department/J&K Board of School Education,  Revenue Department or any other department(s) as may be thought appropriate by him/it, and get such applications decided within four  months," the order further reads.Till the grant of land rights  all the  petitioner(s) will be permitted to run the school(s). With regard to the writ petitions/cases, where Kahcharie/State Shamilat land etc. is not involved, the order reads "they (writ petitioners therein) can also approach Principal Secretary to Government, Department of School Education, U.T. of J&K/J&K Board of School Education, with their request/plight within four weeks from today. On receipt of such application(s), he/it shall either himself/itself decide or get such  application(s) decided through the Committee, to be constituted by  him/it, within a period of four months and while doing so, petitioner(s) shall also be heard.

Till then petitioner(s) be permitted to run the  school(s).."  As per the orders of the High Court the schools will continue to stay in the present position till the govt (Principal Secretary) takes a decision.Private Schools Association of Jammu and Kashmir (PSAJK) has welcomed the court order. The Association said that the order has come as a saviour to lakhs of poor students studying in such schools. It has prevented the ruining of career of these students and given them hope of bright future.

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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