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

PAMPORE: Minister for Education, Social Welfare and Health & Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo, today visited Pampore Constituency and inaugurated multiple development projects, aimed at strengthening the educational, healthcare and public service infrastructure in the area.

The Minister was accompanied by Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Pampore, Justice (Retd.) Hasnain Masoodi; MLA Tral, Rafiq Ahmad Naik; MLA Pulwama, Waheed Ur Rehman Para and MLA Rajpora, Ghulam Mohi Uddin Mir.

Earlier in the day, the Minister inaugurated the District Institute of Education and Training (DIET) Pulwama main building at Pampore. The project is expected to provide enhanced facilities for teacher education, training and capacity building.

On the occasion, Sakeena Itoo said that strengthening the institutions dedicated to teacher training is essential for improving the quality of school education and equipping teachers with the knowledge and skills required to meet the emerging educational needs. She highlighted that government is committed towards modernising the education sector and creating better institutional facilities for students, teachers and other stakeholders. She said that investments in educational infrastructure, coupled with continuous professional development of teachers, are important for building a responsive and future-ready education system.

On the occasion, Minister also distributed regularisation orders among 17 CPWs. She described the step as an important measure towards the welfare and professional security of the concerned workers and highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening social welfare mechanisms and ensuring support to personnel working in this sector.

Later, Sakeena Itoo along with the accompanying MLAs, inaugurated the Science Laboratory Block at Government Degree College (GDC) Pampore. Addressing the gathering in the auditorium of GDC Pampore, the Minister said that a college is not merely a physical structure but an institution that shapes the intellectual, social and professional growth of young people. She emphasised the need to make higher education more responsive to the changing aspirations of students and the evolving requirements of the employment landscape.

Referring to the year-on-year increase in enrolment at GDC Pampore, Sakeena Itoo appreciated the college faculty and staff for their efforts in strengthening the institution and creating a conducive academic environment. She said that the growing enrolment reflects increasing interest among the students in pursuing higher education locally.

The Minister said that the students possess considerable talent and potential and stressed the need for a skill-oriented and innovation-driven curriculum that enables them to translate academic learning into practical capabilities. She also called for sustained efforts towards creating a safe, comfortable and inclusive campus environment where the students can pursue their studies with confidence.

She urged the college authorities to continue encouraging co-curricular activities, innovation and skill development alongside academics so that students are better prepared for higher studies, entrepreneurship and employment opportunities.  Sakeena Itoo also released the 2nd issue of biannual college newsletter “Shakh-e-Zafran” and unveiled “Oneirataxia,” a collection of poems authored by Dr. Gazala Gayas, Principal, Government Degree College Pampore.

Subsequently, the Minister visited and inaugurated the New Type Primary Health Centres (NTPHCs) at Mandakpal and Shari Shali, Pampore. She took stock of the facilities available at the newly inaugurated health institutions and reviewed the arrangements being put in place for providing healthcare services to the local population.

The Minister emphasised the importance of strengthening healthcare infrastructure at the grassroots level and ensuring that people, particularly those residing in rural and underserved areas, have access to essential health services closer to their homes.

During the visit, the Minister was accompanied by Director Colleges, J&K; Director Health Services Kashmir; Additional Deputy Commissioner Awantipora; Joint Director, SCERT; Chief Education Officer Pulwama; Chief Medical Officer Pulwama; District Social Welfare Officer Pulwama; and Tehsildar Pampore, among other officers and officials.

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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇

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