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

SRINAGAR: Minister for Education Social Welfare, Health and Medical Education, Sakeena Itoo today chaired review meeting at Civil Secretariat here to assess the performance and functioning of the School Education Department across Kashmir division Kashmir division. The meeting was attended by Director School Education Kashmir, Naseer Ahmad Wani; Joint Directors of School Education department (SED), Chief Education Officers of all districts of Kashmir division and other concerned officers of SED.

During the meeting, the Minister held detailed assessment on key operational areas of school education sector like academic performance of schools, infrastructure development, teacher deployment, timely distribution of school textbooks and other materials, besides issues related unregulated selling of school textbooks by private schools through various agencies on exorbitant rates was also discussed in detail.

Addressing the officers in meeting, Sakeena Itoo emphasized on the importance of ensuring that all schools across the region receive textbooks and other learning materials before the commencement of academic session. “Timely availability of books and supplies is crucial to maintaining the academic calendar and ensuring that no student is left behind,” the Minister said.

She directed officials to streamline the distribution process through improved coordination between the divisional and district education offices, adding that transparency and accountability must be maintained at every level. While reviewing other issues related to School Education sector, the Minister issued strict instructions to CEOs to check unregulated selling of school textbooks by private schools through various agencies on exorbitant rates. “Conduct routine checks on schools as well as book shops and take stringent against schools and book shops involved in selling textbooks on exorbitant rates”, the Education Minister stated.

She also instructed the Director School Education to issue a detailed order regarding curriculum/textbooks to be followed by schools and make each CEO to implement that order in letter and spirit. She asked the CEOs to take appropriate action against schools violating this order. The Minister also called for timely processing of GP funds and directed the CEOs to submitted detailed report outlining the number of cases submitted and pending with each CEO.

Regarding coaching centres, the Minister directed the CEOs to conduct regular checks on coaching centres and ensure that they are following safety protocols. She also asked them to take action against unregistered coaching centres. Highlighting the role of teachers in shaping the future of students, the Minister called for regular capacity-building and training programs to enhance teaching standards. She also stressed the need to strengthen monitoring mechanisms to ensure punctuality, performance, and effective classroom engagement.

The Minister further urged the department to ensure that all pending administrative and academic issues are resolved in a time-bound manner. She assured that the government is committed to improving the quality of education and creating an enabling environment for students and teachers alike. During the meeting, Director School Education Kashmir as well as CEOs briefed the Minister about the academic progress as well as progress on infrastructure development and other related aspects.

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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