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

SRINAGAR: In a concerted effort to ensure the effective execution of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G) 2.0, the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RDD&PR) Department organized a series of district-level workshops in Pulwama, Ganderbal, Budgam and Kupwara.

The workshops aimed to educate officials and beneficiaries about the scheme’s objectives, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and digital tracking system. The initiative comes at a crucial time as the registration process for PMAY-G 2.0 enters its final phase.

The workshop was attended by Block Development Officers (BDOs), Panchayat Secretaries, field officials, and beneficiaries, who actively participated in discussions on housing benefits and digital accessibility. A key focus of the workshops was the digital transformation under PMAY-G 2.0.

Officials provided live demonstrations on the AwaasSoft portal and Awaas App, enabling beneficiaries to track their application status and fund disbursement in real-time. Special attention was given to ensuring the inclusion of marginalized groups, women-headed households, and differently abled individuals, in line with the government’s vision of ‘Housing for All.’

Among the many attendees, Jameela Bano from Budgam expressed her gratitude for the workshop. “For years, I lived in a kutcha house with my children. Today, I understand how to apply for a pucca house and check my application status on my own. This scheme has given me hope,” she said.

Likewise, Bashir Ahmad, a beneficiary from Kupwara, lauded the transparency introduced through digital tracking. “Earlier, we were in the dark about our applications. Now, with the AwaasSoft portal, we can monitor every step. This is a game-changer for people in rural areas,” he remarked.

In Pulwama, beneficiaries were trained on the Awaas Plus 2.0 App for seamless application tracking. A day-long session in Ganderbal emphasized real-time beneficiary tracking and grievance redressal to maintain transparency in housing allocation. Officials also demonstrated digital tools for application monitoring.

Experts elaborated on the latest PMAY-G 2.0 guidelines, exclusion criteria, and new features designed for effective execution. The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) now has updated eligibility criteria with a focus on inclusivity, including reduced exclusion criteria, the removal of conditions like fishing boat ownership, and a raised income threshold to â‚č15,000 per month.

Over three lakh ‘pucca’ houses were constructed under PMAY in the past two years in Jammu and Kashmir. A total of 3,04,544 houses – 2,60,124 in Jammu and 44,420 in Kashmir – were completed as of March 18, 2025, under the centrally sponsored PMAY-G scheme, against the sanctioned 2,86,057 houses in Jammu and 48,806 houses in the valley. The state-level team from the department also participated in the workshops and orientation program.

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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