JAMMU: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, on Monday emphasised the need to expedite the construction of Panchayat Ghars (PGs), Common Service Centres (CSCs) and Panchayat Learning Centres (PLCs) across Jammu and Kashmir. While chairing a meeting held in this regard, the Secretary directed for ensuring completion of all ongoing works of Panchayat Ghars by March 31, 2025. He sought the intervention of Deputy Commissioners (DCs) in the projects wherever land related issues for Panchayat Ghars still exist. As of now, 258 Panchayat Ghars have been completed.

The Secretary stressed that Panchayat Ghars are essential for strengthening local self-governance, enhancing rural administration, and ensuring better service delivery to citizens. Furthermore, the Secretary set a deadline of February 3 for submission of balance Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for PGs planned for the 2024-25 fiscal. He also instructed that the Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs) must be uploaded immediately with an emphasis on addressing bottlenecks in infrastructure development to ensure timely completion of these projects. He added that the ongoing work on PGs and CSCs is vital for effective local governance. He highlighted that the additional rooms being added to existing PGs for CSCs would provide citizens with improved access to digital services, including online applications, banking and various government schemes.

This initiative, he said, would not only streamline services but also contribute significantly towards enhancing digital literacy and fostering greater inclusion in rural areas. In addition, the Secretary reviewed division-wise progress on PLCs and asked the district officials to complete installation of required equipment by March 31. He urged upon the nodal officers to ensure that centralised specifications for equipment are delivered to the concerned PLCs without delay.

During the meeting, the Secretary also reviewed the status of Gram Panchayat Development Plans (GPDPs), which define the development priorities for each village. He noted that while the majority of GPDPs had been approved and uploaded, efforts should be made to ensure the remaining ones are completed on time to prevent delays in local development activities.

Director Panchayati Raj, Sham Lal, gave detailed presentation regarding progress on Panchayat Ghars (PGs), Common Service Centres (CSCs) and Panchayat Learning Centres (PLCs). He provided an update on the status of ongoing PG projects, highlighting that while many had reached their final stages, some were still in the construction or planning phase. The meeting was attended by Director RDD Jammu, Mumtaz Ali; Superintending Engineer REW Kashmir, Aamir Ali; Superintending Engineer REW Jammu, Rajesh Kumar; Deputy Secretary RDD, Sheetal Pandita and all Assistant Commissioners Panchayat (ACP).

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). ā€œHis article, ā€˜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.ā€.  Read the message here