REASI: Minister for Health & Medical Education, Social Welfare and Education, Sakeena Itoo, today inaugurated the newly constructed building of Government Degree College Katra at Kakryal, marking a significant step towards strengthening the higher education infrastructure. The college building was constructed by the J&K Housing Board at a cost of ₹12.92 lakh.

MLA Katra Baldev Raj Sharma, Director Colleges Dr. Sheikh Ajaz Bashir, Director Health Services Jammu, Principal of the college, faculty members, students and local residents were present on the occasion.

Addressing the gathering, the Minister congratulated the students, faculty members and people of Katra on completion of the new college building. She said that the new facility would provide better infrastructure and quality education to students who were earlier studying in a makeshift arrangement. She credited Chief Minister Omar Abdullah for releasing the necessary funds for the project and appreciated the efforts of the executing agencies, engineers and all other stakeholders involved in completing the building.

Sakeena Itoo announced that a college bus would be sanctioned soon to facilitate the students commuting from distant areas. She also assured that the Commerce stream would be introduced at the college, subject to sufficient student demand. Addressing other demands, she directed the Director Health Services to initiate the process for relocation of Katra Hospital to the Irrigation Department’s land and building, subject to the requisite NOC, and assured efforts to provide a fully equipped 108 ambulance for the area.

The Minister highlighted the government’s focus on introducing demand-driven courses in higher educational institutions. She informed that the students belonging to BPL and AAY categories are eligible for fee-waiver benefits for higher education. She urged the local representatives, community leaders, parents and students to encourage greater enrolment in colleges and reiterated the government’s commitment to ensure that no student in Jammu and Kashmir is deprived of higher education opportunities.

She also appreciated the role played by MLA Katra Baldev Raj Sharma in pursuing the construction and completion of the college building. She said that the collective efforts of the government, elected representatives, executing agencies and engineers had made the project a reality. MLA Katra Baldev Raj Sharma also addressed the gathering and expressed gratitude to the Government and concerned departments for completing the college building.

In her welcome address, Principal Dr. Rajni Bhagat presented a detailed report highlighting the achievements, academic progress and developmental journey of Government Degree College Katra. Earlier, Sakeena Itoo planted a sapling in the college premises, symbolizing the commitment towards environmental conservation and a greener future.

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
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

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following 👇