SRINAGAR: Secretary, Rural Development & Panchayati Raj (RDD&PR), Mohammad Aijaz Asad, today chaired a meeting to review implementation of MGNREGA in the region. He emphasised the need for strict adherence to the advisories issued by the Union Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) and firming up of the reply to Audit paras.

The meeting was attended by DG Rural Sanitation, Anoo Malhotra; Directors RDD Kashmir and Jammu, Shabir Hussain Bhat and Shehnaz Akhtar; Director Finance, Umar Khan; Additional Secretary RD&PR, Waseem Raja; Superintending Engineers REW; Assistant Commissioners Development (ACDs); Assistant Commissioners Panchayat (ACPs); Executive Engineers REW and Director, Social Audit Unit MGNREGA among others.

The Secretary underscored the need to streamline the financial processes, strengthen record-keeping and make rural employment delivery more transparent and efficient. He described the Audit observations as opportunities to plug gaps and improve systems under MGNREGA.

He directed the officers to ensure meticulous maintenance of muster rolls, measurement books and other essential records at the Panchayat level, making accountability and transparency a central focus. He asked the districts to revamp monitoring and grievance redressal mechanisms so that monitoring becomes “active and meaningful rather than a mere formality.”

Regarding land development works, the Secretary said that most districts had submitted NIL reports without credible field verification. He stressed evidence-based verification in line with MoRD advisories and assured that the national checklist for field committees would be circulated for guidance. Reviewing the use of NMMS (National Mobile Monitoring Software), the Secretary praised its role in ensuring transparency and accountability.

Taking up Amrit Sarovar sites, he described the mission as critical for sustainable water conservation in J&K. He directed the field verification with geo-tagged photographs and assured revival of water bodies to their intended use. About financial discipline, the Secretary reviewed the outstanding audit paras and pending AC/DC bills since 2020-21, calling for coordinated efforts with the Finance Department to clear backlogs within fixed timelines.

Regarding sanitation, the meeting reviewed district-wise SBM (Swachh Bharat Mission) 2025-26 targets, including construction of 30,000 IHHL units, compost pits, and soak pits. The Secretary termed these “vital for building a healthier and cleaner rural ecosystem” and sought accelerated implementation.

Additional Secretary Waseem Raja gave a presentation on urgent MGNREGA indicators and the roadmap for PAN-India roll-out of Yuktdhara, a planning and monitoring platform. He also briefed about the Geofencing and Geotagging Application, which will enable accurate mapping, real-time monitoring and transparency in asset creation.

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). “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