In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family

POONCH: Ahead of the vote counting scheduled for October 8 in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, a special training session was conducted for the district staff responsible for tallying votes in Poonch district. The elections for the three constituencies of Poonch district—Surankote, Haveli, and Mendhar—took place on September 25, and preparations are now in full swing to ensure a smooth and transparent counting process.

The training session, chaired by the District Election Officer (DEO) Poonch, Vikas Kundal, was held at the New Auditorium of Government Degree College Poonch which was attended by 219 counting supervisors and counting assistants, along with 14 micro observers.  These officials will be deployed at the designated counting centre at Girls Higher Secondary School, Poonch, on October 8.

During the session, the DEO emphasized the importance of accuracy, impartiality, and adherence to the Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines throughout the counting process. It was reiterated that no one, including candidates or their representatives, would be allowed to carry mobile phones inside the counting centre. The results will be uploaded to the ECI website after each round, with subsequent rounds starting immediately after the completion of the previous ones. The first round will focus on the counting of postal ballots.

To ensure transparency, the counting centre will be under tight security, with CCTV cameras monitoring all activities. The DEO stressed the need for punctuality and professionalism among the counting staff, urging them to handle Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) with care and precision.

The session, conducted by master trainers, provided hands-on guidance on handling EVMs and the proper execution of the counting process. With all preparations in place, the vote counting for Surankote, Haveli, and Mendhar is set to proceed efficiently on October 8, with the results expected to be tallied accurately and without delay.

Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Poonch, Tahir Mustafa Malik, Deputy DEO Poonch, Saleem Ahmed, RO Poonch Qadeer Ul Rehman, Tehsildar Haveli and other senior officials also were also present on the occasion.

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
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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