GANDERBAL: Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) & Panchayati Raj, Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today inspected the ongoing construction of the Yatri Niwas at the revered Mata Kheer Bhawani Temple, Tulmulla, to review progress and ensure its timely completion.

Accompanied by senior officers, the Secretary was informed that the project, sanctioned at ā‚¹288.10 lakh, is nearing completion with 99% physical progress achieved and only minor finishing works pending.

Secretary directed the concerned officers to complete the pathway to the Yatri Niwas within a week, ensuring accessibility for the devotees. Emphasizing the significance of the facility, he stated that the Yatri Niwas will substantially enhance accommodation and basic amenities for visiting pilgrims. He also stressed the integration of essential services including drinking water, sanitation, and lighting prior to inauguration.

Aijaz Asad also inspected the District Development Council (DDC) building constructed at a cost of ā‚¹195.01 lakh. He directed the Assistant Commissioner Development to undertake land demarcation, lawn leveling, and proper fencing of the premises. He further called for preparation of a comprehensive landscape plan to enhance the surroundings.

Stressing timely completion, he instructed that interior finishing works be expedited and the building made fully operational at the earliest, underscoring its importance for effective grassroots governance and public service delivery.

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