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JAMMU: Minister for Youth Services and Sports, Satish Sharma, today informed the House that the Stadium at Surankote has been completed with a cost of Rs 243.41 lakh. The Minister was replying to a question raised by Choudhary Mohammad Akram in the Legislative Assembly.

The Minister informed the House that the Surankote Stadium comprises facilities like pavilion, change room, gender based toilets for boys and girls, synthetic volleyball, basketball and badminton courts, concrete practice pitch and bore well for drinking water facilities for the sports lovers.

He said that besides the Stadium the department has also constructed one playfield at Charallan Fazalabad in Suronkote Constituency with facilities including modern pavilion with inbuilt sound system worth Rs 31.22 lakh, filling of RBM/construction of gate at Rs 13.75 lakh, Chainlink fencing and leveling of playfield costing Rs 20.47 lakh.

The Minister further said that the volleyball court in Sports stadium Surankote has been completed during the current financial year 2024-25 and the coaching facility will be provided to the players by the department besides establishment of Kabaddi Centre subject to availability of resources.

The Minister informed that no project has been sanctioned under Khelo India scheme at Draba/Mastandara near BDO Office, Bufliaz. The department has no intimation from the Revenue authorities regarding acquisition of land for construction of a stadium or playfield, he added.

He said that Rehbar-e-Khel policy envisages regularization of Rehbar-e-Khel in a staggered manner on completion of seven years of satisfactory and continuous service against the available/created posts of Physical Education Teachers.

The Minister further said that 40 players are getting free training under the qualified mentor/coach, regularly, with free access to infrastructure, coaching and equipment by Khelo India centre under Khelo India Scheme at Charallan Fazlabad in the discipline of football.

He said that the facilities in the form of sports infrastructure encouraged the youth participants and participation of the students which was 2,46,890 in Poonch district during various departmental sports activities and other activities conducted in the year 2024-25, so far.

He said that the Policy for engagement of Rehbar-e-khel was adopted in the Youth Services and Sports Department and 3000 positions of Rehbar-e-Khel were created, with the primary objective to promote Sports, Games and Physical Education and at present 2417 REKs are working in the department.

The Minister added that the vacancies of Physical Education Teachers, as shall accrue to the department, shall not be filled up but kept reserved for regularization of the Rehbars. At present, 923 vacancies of Physical Education Teachers are lying vacant for regularization of Rehbar-e-Khels. The monthly honorarium for the first two years shall be Rs. 3000 which shall be enhanced to Rs. 4000 for third to seventh year.

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