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

KISHTWAR: In a significant step towards ensuring welfare for orphaned children, District Magistrate (DM) Kishtwar, Rajesh Kumar Shavan chaired a meeting of the Sponsorship and Foster Care Approval Committee (SFCAC) today. The meeting focused on deliberations and approvals of new cases under the welfare schemes aimed at providing financial support to orphans.  The Committee approved 23 new cases, taking the total number of beneficiaries under these schemes to 223, against a target of 201. The committee had earlier approved 200 cases following a meticulous verification process.

The focus of the discussion revolved around saturating the target and ensuring that no eligible child is left out of the benefits provided under these schemes.  The Sponsorship and Foster Care Schemes, implemented under the Integrated Child Protection Scheme (ICPS), aim to provide financial assistance to children in need of care and protection. The Sponsorship Scheme provides monetary support to families or guardians to ensure proper upbringing of children, while the Foster Care Scheme allows children to live with foster families, ensuring a nurturing environment for their holistic development. 

DM Kishtwar emphasized the importance of achieving 100% saturation of the target to extend the benefits of these schemes to all eligible orphans in the district. He directed the committee to ensure the inclusion of every orphan in Kishtwar under the schemes and instructed for robust verification to eliminate any discrepancies.  Besides the participants discussed strategies for effective implementation and evolving workable follow-up mechanisms for the schemes. The committee decided to streamline the application process further and ensure timely disbursal of benefits. The meeting was attended by the District Social Welfare Officer (DSWO) Zubair Ahmed, Chairperson of the Child Welfare Committee (CWC), and other committee members. Representatives from stakeholder agencies and NGOs running orphanages in the district were also present.

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