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

JAMMU: Advocate Purnima Sharma, Spokesperson, J&K BJP, today expressed serious concerns over recent statements made by NC government regarding the Below Poverty Line (BPL) beneficiaries in Jammu and Kashmir. Adv. Purnima Sharma accompanied by Dr. Pardeep Mahotra, Media Incharge, J&K BJP and Neha Mahajan, General Secretary, BJP Mahila Morcha was addressing a Press Conference at party headquarters, Trikuta Nagar, Jammu.

Rather than fulfilling its promises to benefit the needy people more, the NC is trying to hit the poor people under the garb of process to remove illegal beneficiaries. And now, the government readies a cover up by putting the process on a temporary hold.

She lamented that the actions of NC are giving an impression of a plan to hit more blows to the Jammu province, while making a reference to an old report, which discloses that Kashmir records nearly 2 Lakh more beneficiaries than the Jammu region. But the NC government is making an impression that Jammu has a higher number of BPL beneficiaries compared to the Kashmir province, she said and added that there are apprehensions that the elimination process will hit Jammu region more as goes by the standard record of the NC government.

Sharma pointed out that despite the central government's efforts to streamline the PDS by eliminating ineligible beneficiaries, many deserving individuals continue to be deprived of government benefits. She referred to reports indicating that over 1.27 lakh fake and duplicate ration cards were canceled in J&K since 2013, as part of a nationwide drive to enhance transparency and efficiency in the PDS. However, the senior BJP leader noted that these reforms have not translated into tangible benefits for all eligible BPL families.

She also criticized the National Conference (NC) for failing to fulfill poll promises made to the people, including enhancing the free rice allocation to 10 kg per person, reviewing the allocation of kerosene and sugar to match other states, strengthening the PDS, and ensuring the timely supply of food grains.

Purnima said the aforesaid commitments have proven to be hollow, leaving many deserving beneficiaries without adequate support. She stressed that those who needed support and are truly deserving and poor but left out of existing list must also be added.

In light of these issues, Purnima Sharma called on the Omar Abdullah-led government to take immediate action to identify and remove ineligible beneficiaries from the PDS without any bias. She emphasized the need for a thorough verification process to ensure that the benefits reach the truly deserving individuals. She also urged the government to expedite the completion of e-KYC for PDS beneficiaries to further streamline the distribution process.

The senior BJP leader stressed the importance of transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the implementation of PDS reforms to alleviate poverty and improve the living conditions of the marginalized sections of society. She reiterated the BJP's commitment to ensuring that government welfare programs effectively serve the intended beneficiaries.

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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