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

POONCH: Minister for Jal Shakti, Forest, Ecology & Environment and Tribal Affairs, Javed Ahmed Rana, today interacted with scores of delegations from different areas of Mendhar to hear their grievances, demands and developmental concerns.

The locals raised a wide range of issues including settlement of Forest Rights Act claims, deployment of mobile teachers in local schools, macadamisation of roads and installation of street lights in the area. The residents urged the Minister to expedite resolution of long-pending Forest Rights Act cases and ensure that tribal and forest-dwelling communities receive their entitled rights without further delay. They also demanded deployment of mobile teachers to address the shortage of teaching staff and called for improvement in road infrastructure and street lighting across the area.

The Minister assured the residents that their demands would be taken up with the concerned departments on priority. He directed the officers to ensure immediate redressal of grievances, with a time-bound follow-up mechanism in place so that no concern raised goes unaddressed.

The Minister also reviewed the progress on ongoing development works in Mendhar and adjoining areas, taking stock of the pace and quality of execution across various departments. He directed the concerned officers to ensure that all ongoing works are completed within stipulated timelines and that there is absolutely no compromise on quality at any stage of execution. He stressed that public money must translate into durable, tangible outcomes for the people.

Rana also reviewed the functioning of Mobile Medical Units (MMUs), which have been designed to deliver comprehensive diagnostic and primary healthcare services directly to the doorsteps of tribal communities and residents of remote areas with limited access to conventional healthcare infrastructure. He stressed that tribal communities and nomadic populations living in far-flung areas should be provided all essential medical facilities and quality healthcare services at their doorsteps without any inconvenience.

He added that the MMU initiative reflects the government’s commitment to inclusive healthcare and its focused approach towards strengthening the healthcare services in geographically challenging and socio-economically disadvantaged regions. Interacting with the locals, the Minister reaffirmed that the government is focused on strengthening the public service delivery and ensuring that the benefits of welfare and developmental schemes reach every deserving household across Jammu and Kashmir.

"The resolve of present administration is to ensure that development reaches every household, no matter how remote. Our focus is on improving the everyday lives of people by ensuring reliable drinking water, better irrigation facilities, enhanced connectivity and all other essential services required for holistic development of far-flung areas," the Minister said. Senior officers of the concerned departments, local public representatives and a large number of residents from Mendhar and adjoining areas attended the programme.

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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